Truck accidents can be devastating and often fatal. Many truck crashes are caused by the negligence of truck drivers, the company that employs them, or road conditions. Truck drivers must adequately manage their space on the road by signaling lane changes and ensuring they have ample time and distance to change lanes safely. They must also check their mirrors and ensure the truck has adequate clearance at intersections.
Underride Collisions
Often the most deadly type of truck accident, underride crashes involve smaller vehicles lodged underneath or between a truck and its trailer.
Underride accidents can occur at any speed. A typical case is when a truck merges into a highway lane, and a smaller passenger vehicle crashes into or slides under the rear of the larger truck.
Other causes include driver distraction, tired or distracted truck drivers, poor weather conditions (such as ice, snow, rain, or fog), and road hazards such as loose gravel. These types of accidents typically result in the deaths of drivers and front-seat passengers. In many cases, the top of the smaller vehicle is wholly sheared off in these collisions.
Defective Equipment
Trucks are standard on roads, but these large vehicles are dangerous to smaller cars when they crash. The occupants of smaller vehicles may suffer fatal injuries, paralysis, or life-altering injuries in a head-on or rear-end accident with a commercial truck.
Because of their size, trucks need to be appropriately maintained to ensure road safety. Unfortunately, this is only sometimes done. Problems with equipment are a significant cause of truck accidents.
When a truck accident occurs because of defective equipment, the victim will likely suffer severe injuries and should contact a tractor trailer injury attorney. This could include spine injuries that lead to ongoing mobility problems and other painful conditions.
Jackknife Accidents
Many people have heard the term “jackknife truck accident” but don’t know what it means. These are among the most devastating truck accidents and can leave victims with life-changing injuries.
These crashes occur when the drive wheels on a trailer lock up during heavy braking while the tractor continues to move forward, pulling the trailer along with it. This causes the trailer to fold out like a pocket knife in front of the cab, forming that distinctive jackknife shape.
Several factors, including drowsy driving, can cause this type of crash. When a driver is sleepy, they may not be able to react as quickly to road hazards and need more time than other drivers to stop. Drivers also jackknife when they turn their trucks too quickly, which can cause the trailer to swing out and hit other vehicles.
Tire Blowouts
A tire blowout is a sudden loss of air pressure in your vehicle’s tires. This is usually accompanied by a loud “bang” or a sound of air whooshing out, and your vehicle may begin to sway back and forth as it loses traction.
Truck drivers must give smaller vehicles a wide berth and take extra care when driving near them. But if a truck driver misjudges traffic speed, is unfamiliar with the road, or has to react to other cars suddenly cutting them off, they can quickly get into trouble.
Additionally, trucking companies keep their vehicles in good condition and ensure their drivers receive the necessary instruction. Trucking accidents caused by negligence by a truck driver or trucking company can devastate innocent motorists.
Rear-End Collisions
Although truckers are trained to safely haul and deliver their cargo, loading, and unloading can be dangerous. Depending on the load, it could shift or fall off the trailer, causing the driver to lose control of the truck and crash.
Rear-end collisions are common and often involve larger trucks. Severe injuries from these collisions, including whiplash and spinal cord damage, are possible.
Your spine has a natural curve, and the sudden movement in a rear-end collision can flatten or disrupt that curve. This can cause spinal cord injuries such as herniated discs that press on your neck and back nerves.
A common reason for rear-end accidents is distracted driving. This includes using a phone, eating, rubbernecking at an accident, or engaging in aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating.
What technology helps delivery truck drivers route around construction delays and traffic accidents?
The technology that assists delivery truck drivers in routing around construction delays and traffic accidents is known as “telematics.” It uses GPS tracking to offer real-time traffic updates and enables dynamic route planning based on current road conditions, such as construction zones and accidents, helping drivers choose the most efficient route to avoid delays.
What does a truck accident attorney or truck accident lawyer do?
A truck accident lawyer specializes in representing individuals involved in accidents with trucks. Their responsibilities include:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing accident reports to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Working with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
- Filing Legal Claims: Preparing and filing legal documents, such as claims and lawsuits, to seek compensation for damages.
- Representing Clients in Court: Advocating on behalf of clients in court if the case goes to trial.
- Providing Legal Advice: Offering guidance on legal rights, options, and strategies for pursuing a claim.
- Managing Settlement Negotiations: Negotiating settlements to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.
- Handling All Legal Aspects: Dealing with all legal procedures and paperwork, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
