7 Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
In 2021, nearly 6,000 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, an 18% increase from the previous year. Commercial trucks carry 80% of the cargo in the United States and serve as a vital part of our economy. However, with more trucks on roads and highways, the frequency of large truck crashes has also increased.
If you or a loved one was involved in a California truck accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation from the negligent truck driver or trucking company. Contact a Riverside truck accident lawyer at Sycamore Accident Lawyers.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be caused by driver negligence, mechanical failures, weather conditions, or road hazards. However, some types of truck accidents are more common than others. The most important thing you can do after a truck accident is seek immediate medical attention and call 911.
1. Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can cause the truck to lose control and skid across the road, blocking multiple lanes or hitting other vehicles. Jackknife accidents can also occur when a truck driver is traveling at an unsafe speed, or when the road is slippery or icy.
Jackknife accidents are very dangerous, as they can cause the truck to overturn or roll over. It can also cause a chain-reaction crash with other vehicles.
2. Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident occurs when a truck tips over onto its side or roof due to a sudden shift in its center of gravity. Trucks with high centers of gravity, like tankers and tractor trailers are more prone to rollover accidents, especially when they make sharp turns, encounter uneven terrain, or experience sudden shifts in weight.
Rollover accidents can also happen when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle due to speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment.
3. T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact accident, is one of the most common types of truck accidents. T-bone accidents commonly occur when one vehicle speeds through a traffic light or stop sign and collides with another vehicle, usually at an intersection.
T-bone accidents with a truck can be especially deadly, as the force and weight of a commercial vehicle can destroy a passenger car.
4. Underride Accidents
These are one of the deadliest types of semi-truck accidents, where a smaller vehicle gets trapped under the trailer of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Underride truck accidents can happen when a truck stops suddenly and the vehicle behind it cannot stop in time, or when a truck changes lanes or turns and the vehicle beside it cannot avoid it.
5. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end truck accidents may involve a truck hitting the vehicle in front of it, or vice versa. The most common type of car accident, rear-end accidents are often caused by truck drivers following too closely, also known as tailgating, or distracted driving.
Large trucks require more time and space to stop than smaller vehicles, especially when they are carrying heavy loads or driving at high speeds. Therefore, truck drivers need to be alert and attentive at all times, and slow their speed and following distance according to the traffic and road conditions.
6. Head-On Collisions
Head-on truck accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities for occupants of passenger vehicles. Drunk driving, distracted driving, poor road conditions, and heavy rain or snow can contribute to a head-on collision between a large truck and another vehicle.
7. Tire Blowouts
Overloading, underinflation, punctures, wear and tear, or defects can cause a truck tire blowout. Tire blowouts can cause a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles or a truck rollover accident.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Riverside truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation if negligence caused the accident and their injuries. The purpose of a truck accident lawsuit is to make the victim feel “whole” again. Compensation for truck accident victims should reflect the full extent of the damages.
Injured victims of commercial truck accidents may be able to recover the following types of damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you calculate your damages and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Truck Driver Liability
Determining liability in a semi-truck accident can be complex, as there can be multiple liable parties. Since California is a comparative negligence state, even a driver who is partially at fault for the accident can still claim compensation.
Negligent actions by the truck driver, such as speeding, driving while impaired, or any other reckless behavior, would make them liable for any damages. Truck drivers must abide by strict state and federal laws to minimize risk and accidents.
Trucking companies may also be responsible if they ignored safety regulations or failed to properly train their employees.
The truck manufacturer may face liability if a truck defect causes an accident. This would fall under California’s strict liability law.
Contact a Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Large commercial trucks and tractor trailers are a very common sight all over Riverside County. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you hold the at-fault party accountable. We have won millions of dollars in settlements for clients injured by the negligence and recklessness of others.
To discuss your compensation, contact our Riverside law firm for a free consultation. We will do our best to make sure you are properly compensated for your injuries and other losses. Call us today at (909) 703-2420.