Types of Semi Truck Accidents
Due to their weight and size semi trucks are a top-heavy and are able to roll over at any speed. These accidents can cause serious injuries to those who are involved.
Driver errors are the main reason for semi-truck accidents. However, other factors may also contribute to the possibility of a rollover accident.
Rear-End Collisions
If a vehicle rear-ends a vehicle, the result can be serious damage. This is especially true when a semi-truck or commercial truck is involved. These trucks can weigh up to 80 tons, and the resulting impact of collisions can cause serious injuries to the passengers and drivers in the vehicle that is hit from behind.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can avoid a rear-end collision with a commercial truck. trucking accidents as extensive as is possible and adhering to traffic laws are essential. Additionally, you should avoid driving if you are impaired or impaired by alcohol or drugs.
A personal injury lawyer is recommended if you are rear-ended by truck. A lawyer can assist you determine if the damages are covered by your insurer or if you should pursue a lawsuit.
The majority of rear-end truck accidents occur due to human error. However, some accidents can be caused by mechanical problems. In these cases, a mechanic or manufacturer might be responsible for the accident.
Other causes of these accidents include driver inexperience or reckless driving. Seniors, teenagers and those who are disabled are all at risk.
Drowsiness and fatigue can also be causes of rear-end truck accidents. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ordered trucking companies to restrict their drivers' working hours to 10 hours a day.
A rear-end collision with a tractor-trailer and driver can be caused by the blind spot of the driver. Drivers of tractor-trailers might have difficulty seeing other vehicles due to their massive blind spots.
In turn, trucks can cause rear-end accidents when a passenger vehicle changes lanes or goes into the driver's blind spot. This can result in serious bodily injuries, or even death for the passenger in the vehicle.
Bruises and lacerations are the most frequent types of injuries sustained during a rear-end accident. This is due to the fact that the rear of a vehicle could be subject to the greatest force of impact. This can result in debris flying around and striking the vehicle's occupants. Due to the weight of the vehicle the back can be twisted or crushed. In severe crashes this can cause head trauma and neck and spinal cord injuries.
Side Collisions
Side collisions are among the most dangerous kinds of truck accidents. They can cause severe injuries to those sitting on the side of the car or truck that was struck.
Side collisions usually involve vehicles with a weight that is nearly equal. This is a serious problem, especially because commercial trucks can outweigh cars by 20 to one and are often traveling at extremely high speeds.
These large, heavy trucks are a constant menace on the streets and highways throughout the country. There are steps car drivers can take in order to decrease the chance of being involved in collisions with trucks that cause side-impacts.
The first rule is to stay in your lane. Second be sure to signal when you need the semi to pass. This is an ideal rule of thumb for any vehicle on the road, but it is particularly important for semis.
Another crucial safety tip is to stay clear of tailgating an unintentional truck. The act of tailgating a large truck could be fatal if it allows the truck to crash into the rear of your vehicle. This can cause serious injuries or even death.
Don't try to brake or turn in front of the truck. This is especially risky at intersections.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration side collisions led to 6.037 deaths and 515,000 injuries in the year 2018 nationwide. This number is higher than the deaths resulting from head-on or rear-end collisions.
This kind of accident is especially frequent at intersections where truckers have to be aware of other traffic. Truck drivers who do not correctly assess the time it takes to turn left or right could result in accidents.
Truck drivers may also make mistakes when roads are slippery. This could lead to truck drivers losing control of their vehicles and making an unintentional turn.
If you have been in a semi truck accident and have suffered injuries, it is important to consult a skilled semi-truck accident lawyer. These attorneys can help you get the compensation that you need to cover your loss.
Jackknife Collisions
Accidents involving Jackknifing can cause serious injuries and are among the most hazardous types. These collisions may involve a single semi truck or a number of trucks colliding.
When a truck's truck's trailer jackknifes it will swing horizontally across the roadway and into the path of other vehicles. This can cause injuries to the motorists involved and damage or destruction to other property.
While jackknifing accidents can happen regardless of the size of the vehicle but they are most frequent in large trucks. They are more difficult to stop and slow down due to their size and weight.
Driver error is often the reason for an accident involving a jackknife. This can be a result of speeding, braking too abruptly or not paying attention to traffic conditions ahead.
Other causes of jackknife crashes are dangerous weather conditions and equipment malfunctions. Bad weather, such as the cold or rainy weather, hinders visibility and makes it difficult for truck drivers to see other road users, leading them to suddenly stop and risk a jackknife-related accident.
Another cause for a truck accident that is a result of a jackknife is the overload of cargo on the trailer. This can cause uneven load distribution, which can result in a swaying of the truck's trailer and cab.
Inadequate loading and protection of cargo can also result in overload. This could also cause a jackknife collision. The responsible party for loading and secure the cargo could be held accountable for any damage.
To ensure that trucks are safe for the road and for the weather, they need to be maintained and checked. Routine checks, such as checking the mechanical components and tires, can prevent jackknifing collisions from occurring.
Even with all the safety precautions, accidents involving trucks that are jackknifed can result in serious injuries, and possibly death. Roswell personal injury attorneys may be able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve when you or your loved ones have suffered severe injuries from a jackknife truck accident.
Rollover Collisions
Rollovers can happen with any vehicle, and are among the most hazardous types. However, truckers are the most susceptible to rollover accidents because due to their weight and height.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 70% of all major truck rollovers involve tractor-trailers. These trucks can often exceed the weight of 80,000 pounds, which makes them especially risky when they roll.
If a truck is flipped on its side, the entire vehicle can flip over and become trapped beneath it, resulting in the possibility of a fatal situation. A semi-truck driver who fails to control the vehicle by speeding or turning abruptly is the most frequent cause of rollover crashes.
Tractor-trailers are often taller than passenger cars and heavier than tractor-trailers. This can result in them being more unstable. This can be due to many factors, such as the volume of cargo that is in the trailer or how fast the driver turns around corners.
Tripping - A large truck could tip over and land on its side if it comes into contact with a curb or any other road obstruction. This can cause a wide range of injuries that include traumatic brain injuries and paralysis.
Poor steering - According FMCSA, 19 of the 239 rollovers were caused by poor steering control. This can happen when you shift a lot or shift lanes. It can also occur when you're distracted by other things such as sleeping at the wheel, not paying attention or falling asleep at the wheel.
Unproperly loaded Cargo The load of a truck could shift rapidly and could cause it to lose stability and result in a rollover crash. This is especially the case if the truck is carrying dangerous material.
A tire that is not properly aligned can affect the balance of a truck and increase the likelihood to tip over. This can be caused by the blowout of a tire, or in the event that the driver isn't paying attention to the road and steers unintentionally.
These can be incredibly devastating to those who are affected by the accident. They can cause a wide range of serious injuries, from broken bones to burns. They can also be extremely painful and require multiple surgeries. If you've been involved in a truck rollover it's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as you can to ensure that you receive the compensation you're entitled to for your losses.