Truck accidents can lead to life-altering consequences due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. These incidents often result in extensive property damage, severe injuries, or even fatalities. For those involved, the aftermath may include long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, or permanent disabilities that disrupt daily life and careers. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, the psychological effects on survivors and their families can be profound, often requiring counseling and emotional support.
The consequences extend to businesses as well, with significant financial losses, legal challenges, and potential damage to reputations. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, dwarfing the average passenger vehicle’s weight of 4,000 pounds. This weight disparity makes collisions particularly dangerous.
Types Of Truck Accidents
Jackknife Accidents
One of the most dramatic types of truck accidents occurs when a semi-truck’s trailer swings out to the side, creating an angle with the cab that resembles a folding pocket knife. Sudden braking, adverse weather, improper braking techniques, or excessive speed on curves often lead to these incidents. Equipment failures, particularly with the braking system, can also contribute.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers are another serious type of accident, frequently caused by a truck’s high center of gravity. Factors like improper load distribution, excessive speed on curves or ramps, and sudden steering corrections make these incidents especially hazardous. External elements, such as strong crosswinds or tire blowouts, further increase the risk.
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents are among the most devastating, occurring when a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer. These often result in severe injuries or fatalities, typically stemming from poor visibility, inadequate reflective markings on trailers, or the truck making sudden stops. Faulty or improperly maintained underride guards can exacerbate the danger.
Wide Turn Accidents
Known as “squeeze play” accidents, these occur when a truck swings wide to the left before making a right turn. Vehicles or pedestrians can become trapped between the truck and the curb due to blind spots, poor space judgment, or insufficient training in proper turning techniques.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions involving trucks can be catastrophic due to their substantial weight. Insufficient following distances, driver fatigue, distracted driving, and brake failures are common causes. Adverse weather conditions can also increase stopping distances, heightening the risk.
Lost Load Accidents
When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can fall onto the roadway, endangering other drivers. These accidents often result from improper loading procedures, defective securing equipment, or poorly maintained cargo areas.
Blind Spot Accidents
Trucks have extensive blind spots, or “no-zones,” which create significant visibility challenges. Accidents occur when vehicles linger in these blind spots, or when trucks change lanes without a clear view. Improperly adjusted mirrors or poor weather conditions can make the problem worse.
Tire Blowouts
A tire blowout can cause a truck driver to lose control, leading to potentially severe accidents. Common causes include poor tire maintenance, overloading, road hazards, manufacturing defects, or excessive wear.
Seeking Legal Assistance
The complexity of truck accidents requires skilled legal representation to navigate the unique challenges involved. An experienced truck accident attorney can analyze federal regulations, identify liable parties, and build strong cases for compensation. This includes addressing aggressive defense strategies from trucking companies and insurers.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, the team at Ace Lakhani Law is here to help. Contact us at (702) 814-4000 or fill out our form for a free consultation.
