Many motorists place a lot of faith in truck drivers, believing that they are less likely to make a mistake because they are professionals. Truck drivers and trucking companies can absolutely cause an accident, though, and the consequences can be devastating. Knowing the most common types of truck accidents can help keep you safe on the road.
Dangerous Types of Truck Accidents
According to the National Safety Council, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2022. Below are examples of some of the most common truck accidents that present a constant threat on the roads. If you’re involved in one of these types of accidents, or any truck accident for that matter, you should seek immediate medical attention and protect your right to fair compensation.
1. Rollover Accidents
Semi-truck trailers have a high center of gravity, making it relatively easy for them to tip over. It becomes even more likely if loading crews arrange the cargo improperly.
Sharp turns, tire blowouts or high winds can cause the entire truck to roll over, crushing any vehicles or pedestrians caught underneath.
2. Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident is when a truck’s trailer swings outward and “folds” in on the cab, creating a sharp-angled shape like a jackknife. This can happen if the driver brakes too suddenly or the tires lose traction. Factors like slippery road conditions and improperly secured cargo can increase the likelihood of this dangerous event.
When a cab swings widely into a jackknife position, it can slam heavily into other vehicles or objects nearby. A multi-car accident is very possible when a truck jackknifes.
3. Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles traveling side-by-side collide along their sides. This typically happens when one vehicle attempts to merge into another lane without making sure the way is clear.
The risk of sideswiping is much higher for trucks because they have many large blind spots. If the truck driver is not constantly vigilant, a smaller vehicle or motorcycle can slip into a blind spot completely unnoticed.
4. T-Bone Accidents
When the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, it causes a “T-bone” accident that is particularly devasting for the party on the receiving end. Passengers on the impacted side of the vehicle are especially vulnerable.
Large trucks often cause T-bone accidents because their heavy weight makes stopping quickly difficult. For instance, if a truck driver runs a red light and another car enters the intersection, the truck may be unable to avoid a collision.
5. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-ends are another type of truck accident that often occurs because of the heavier vehicle’s slow braking speed. If a car in front of the truck stops unexpectedly, or if the truck approaches an intersection too quickly, the truck may be unable to stop before colliding with the vehicle in front.
While rear-end collisions involving smaller vehicles might result in minor damage, that’s rarely the case when a large truck is involved. The truck’s weight can cause significant damage, potentially crushing the smaller vehicle or pushing it into another car.
6. Underride Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear of a semi-truck trailer and becomes lodged underneath it. This can cause severe crushing damage to the smaller vehicle.
The worst-case scenario for an underride accident is if the truck driver does not notice it happened. They might try to continue driving, either tearing part of the smaller car away or dragging the entire vehicle behind the truck.
7. Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions tend to be the most devastating type of truck accident. Both vehicles absorb the full force of their combined speed and weight. Because of the significant mass of a large truck, especially one with a loaded trailer, a head-on collision can have catastrophic consequences.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Various factors can contribute to a truck accident, many of which may not be the driver’s fault. The trucking company, manufacturers and operating partners can all share some of the liability, too. It is important to carefully investigate the cause of the accident so you can pursue compensation from every liable party.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Cargo issues
- Unreasonable company policies
- Road conditions
- Driver distraction or fatigue
When a truck driver is at fault in an accident, one common contributing factor is excessive driving hours. Truck drivers are required to follow federal hours-of-service regulations, which are designed to prevent fatigue and ensure safe driving practices. These rules limit drivers to a maximum of 11 hours of driving after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
Additionally, they cannot drive after being on duty for 14 consecutive hours, even if some of that time was spent resting or loading cargo. If a driver exceeds these limits, fatigue can set in, leading to slower reaction times, impaired judgment and a higher likelihood of causing an accident.
Compensation in a Truck Accident
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you may be eligible to receive significant compensation for your losses. While the average truck accident settlement in Arizona is more than $1 million, your settlement can vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
Your settlement should fully cover all the damages caused by the other parties’ negligent actions. These recoverable damages may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages and loss of earning ability
- Transportation costs
- Pain and suffering
Truck accidents often cause total vehicle loss, lasting emotional or mental trauma and other life-altering changes. Working with a lawyer who can prove the full extent of these damages can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call Sargon Law Group for Any Type of Truck Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident is challenging enough without the added stress of navigating legal claims. At Sargon Law Group, our truck accident attorneys are ready to handle those legal burdens for you so you can focus on rest and recovery.
We handle all types of truck accident cases in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California. Contact us for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options after a crash.