5 Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and even death to those involved. In fact, the most recent large truck and bus crash facts published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggest that there are roughly 4 to 5,000 fatal truck/bus accidents every year. Generally, the five most common types of trucking accidents include:
- Rear-End Collisions
- Rollover Accidents
- Jackknife Accidents
- Truck Underride Accidents
- Wide-turn Accidents
At Ziegler Diamond Law, our truck accident lawyers have seen firsthand the devastating effects these accidents can have on victims and their families. If you or your loved one has suffered significant injuries resulting from a commercial truck or bus accident, we can help.
Continue reading to learn the five most common types of truck accidents and what you should do if you or a loved one has been involved in one. Contact us today for answers to your truck accident questions or to schedule your free initial consultation with a proven Florida truck accident attorney.
Understanding Commercial Trucks
A commercial truck is a type of vehicle used in the trucking industry for transporting goods and materials for commercial purposes. These trucks are usually larger than personal vehicles and are classified based on their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is a safety standard that determines the safe operating weight of the truck, including the weight of the truck, driver, passengers, fuel, and cargo.
The GVWR is determined by the truck manufacturer, which takes into account various components such as axles, frame, suspension, tires, etc. Commercial trucks are further classified into three types: Heavy Duty Commercial Trucks (26,001-33,000 lbs or more), Medium Duty Commercial Trucks (10,001-26,000 lbs), and Light Duty Commercial Trucks (less than 10,000 lbs).
Due to their size, commercial truck accidents involving passenger cars can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial motor vehicle crash caused by the negligence of a truck driver or their employer, it is important to seek the assistance of a reputable truck accident law firm for guidance and representation.
Most Common Type of Truck Accident Claims
Suppose you’ve been involved in a truck accident with a commercial motor vehicle (i.e., tractor-trailer, bus, etc.). In that case, it’s likely that you’ve experienced significant injuries. With that in mind, a truck accident victim may be eligible to pursue maximum damages from the insurance company, truck company, and, potentially, an independent contractor.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney. Keep reading to discover the top 5 types of truck accident claims.
#1: Rear-End Collisions
Generally, rear-end collisions may be one of the most common types of truck accidents for truck drivers. This type of truck accident case occurs when a truck runs into the back of another vehicle. In many cases, these car accidents result from the truck driver’s failure to slow down or stop in time (i.e., negligence).
Like any rear-end car accident, a truck accident claim can cause serious injuries (in many cases much worse than typical car accidents) to truck accident victims. That includes but is not limited to whiplash, back and spinal cord injuries, catastrophic cosmetic injuries, lost limbs, and traumatic brain injuries.
#2: Rollover Accidents
As the name suggests, rollover accidents happen when a semi-truck flips onto its side or roof. These accidents can be caused by many factors, including but not limited to the following:
- Failure to maintain control of the truck
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Driver fatigue
- Defects in the truck’s design
- Dangerous road or weather conditions
- Failure to properly load the truck
- Tire blowouts
In some cases, another driver may cause a rollover accident by making dangerous maneuvers, riding in a truck’s blind spot, etc. Due to the size of the trucks and the violent nature of rollover accidents, they can cause severe injuries, including broken or crushed bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Rollover claims are particularly challenging truck accident lawsuits. In most cases, it’s best to consult with proven truck accident attorneys before pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
#3: Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents are some of the most dangerous and deadly types of truck collisions. These occur when the trailer swings out to the side, forming a V-shape with the cab—known as a fishtail motion. Jackknife accidents can be caused by multiple factors, including inadequate brake control by the commercial truck driver, inclement weather conditions, poor road conditions, or reckless or intoxicated driving.
Due to their unpredictable nature, jackknife accidents often lead to significant injuries to not only the truck driver but also other motorists and pedestrians in the area. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options if you or someone you love has been injured in a jackknife crash involving passenger cars or semi-trucks.
They can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, accident injuries, and more—including possibly filing a wrongful death lawsuit if there have been fatal injuries due to driver negligence.
#4: Truck Underride Accidents
A truck underride accident is one of the deadliest types of commercial truck accidents on the road. This occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with either the side or rear of a tractor-trailer and slides underneath, which can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. According to the NHTSA, these types of collisions are often underreported—so they may happen more frequently than we are aware.
There are two kinds of truck underride crashes:
- Side underrides may occur when a truck is crossing, turning onto a street, or making a U-turn
- Rear underrides happen when a vehicle crashes into the back of a truck or semi-trailer.
Poor visibility, lacking markings on trucks, slow-moving or parked vehicles, and adverse weather conditions are some factors that could contribute to an underride accident.
If you have been involved in an underride crash due to the driver’s negligence, it is important to find an experienced truck accident lawyer who will represent your interests and help you obtain the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, accident injuries, and more.
It is also possible for them to file a wrongful death lawsuit in cases where there have been fatal injuries due to driver negligence.
#5: Wide-turn Accidents
Truck drivers should exercise caution when making right-hand turns as they tend to be tighter than left-hand turns. Some truck operators try to avoid the “right turn squeeze” by swinging their cabs wide to the left before turning right, which creates a dangerous situation for other vehicles.
The FMCSA advises truck drivers to travel straight through to the farthest lane of the road before turning right into the nearest available lane. This method still requires drivers to judge the time and clearance for the turn but is generally safer. Failure to follow this advice or unsafe wide turns caused by distractions, drowsiness, or intoxication can result in severe accidents.
How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer Help Following a Truck Accident?
Have you or someone you love been involved in a truck or semi-truck accident? If so, a trucking accident of this magnitude can be incredibly traumatic and life-altering. Having the best truck accident lawyer for your situation is essential to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
A good truck accident lawyer can help gather and preserve evidence from the accident scene, such as obtaining police reports, taking pictures of the damages, and collecting information from witnesses. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies and truck companies, as well as provide assistance if your case requires going to court.
Regarding medical bills and lost wages following trucking accidents, a lawyer can explain what compensation you are entitled to based on the driver’s negligence. They can also help you file a wrongful death lawsuit if necessary due to fatal injuries. A knowledgeable lawyer can answer any questions about truck insurance and highway safety regulations so that you understand your rights and options.
Semi-truck accidents are a lot more involved than typical motor vehicle accidents. With that in mind, it’s crucial to have experienced personal injury lawyers by your side who understand how best to represent your interests.
Find a solid legal team who cares about you and your case—it could make all the difference in receiving the compensation you deserve after an accident involving passenger cars or semi-trucks.
Contact The Truck Accident Lawyer in Florida Today
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Ziegler Diamond Law, our personal injury lawyers can help you with the following:
- Understand your rights and options
- Pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries
- Navigate the complex legal process
- File a claim against the trucking company
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters for a maximum truck accident settlement
- Represent you in court if necessary
It’s important to note that trucking companies often have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests and limit their liability in personal injury claims. An experienced lawyer can level the playing field and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Contact us for your free initial consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer today.
