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In 2018 alone, more than four thousand people were injured in vehicle accidents involving large trucks. Most injuries were inflicted on people in passenger vehicles, but pedestrians and truck occupants also sustained harm.
If you were involved in one of the many truck accidents that happen each year, you have questions.
Today, we’re going to look at the most common types of truck accidents. Understanding how accidents happen can help prevent them. Continue reading to learn the most common types of truck accidents.
Rear/Head-on/Underride Collisions
Rear, head-on, and underride collisions are grouped because they’re similar. A head-on collision happens when a commercial truck hits another vehicle head-on. These may occur when the truck or other vehicle swerves into the wrong lane for any reason.
Rear collisions happen one of two ways. They can occur when a vehicle stops too fast and is hit from behind by a commercial truck. They can also happen when a truck stops short and the car behind them can’t stop in time.
The last situation is especially dangerous because it can lead to underride collisions. These are among the deadliest truck accidents because the vehicle slides up beneath the tractor-trailer. The car becomes stuck, and the driver can potentially be seriously injured.
Jackknife Accidents
When a commercial truck “jackknifes,” the trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle. This happens when the truck’s brakes are hit fast for any reason, whether accidental or necessary.
When the truck jackknifes, the backend can cause accidents in the opposite lane. This situation also makes it very easy for a semi or other large commercial truck to flip over. In the right landscapes, a flipped semi can end up in a roll-over situation very easily because of its weight and dynamics.
Blind Spot Related
Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots, especially when compared to that of an average vehicle. Many car drivers don’t realize this and unintentionally stay in a truck’s blind spot. When the driver can’t see another vehicle, they may merge or stop suddenly.
This unintentionally causes accidents. A good rule of thumb for car drivers is to look for the commercial vehicle’s mirror. If you can’t see the mirror, it’s safe to assume the truck driver can’t see you either.
If You Were in a Truck Accident…
If you were in a truck accident, it’s essential to get legal representation. The damage to the other vehicles in these situations is usually costly, and you want someone to help you navigate the complicated claims process. Be sure to find a Pensacola truck accident lawyer you feel comfortable working with.
Do You Have More Questions About Common Types of Truck Accidents?
Most accidents involving large trucks fall under one of the categories above. However, this list is far from inclusive, and accidents may have other causes. If you were involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to find a reliable attorney to help you navigate the claims process.
Do you have more questions about common types of truck accidents? Or do you need legal representation after a recent accident to learn who might be liable for your accident?
Contact us today. One of our friendly, and skilled, attorneys will be happy to answer any questions you may still have. They can also set you up a legal consultation if desired.