There are a variety of reasons trucking wrecks occur. The size of large trucks means any poor decision or distraction can be a detriment to all drivers on the road.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2017, around 116,000 people were injured in accidents involving large trucks or buses.
Truck drivers who adhere to federal regulations can lessen the risk of a collision. Hours of service violations, fatigue and poor driving record were commonly cited factors in trucking wrecks.
If you suffered a serious injury due to a collision with a big truck, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can request a free consultation through our contact form or call us at 864-235-4999 by tapping the button below.
Understanding the different types of trucking wrecks can help you prepare when driving around these large vehicles.
Types of Trucking Wrecks
Rollover wrecks are the most common and dangerous type of accident involving a truck, killing hundreds of drivers each year. A rollover can occur when a truck attempts to take a sharp turn at a high speed or when a truck driver tries to overcorrect a drifting trailer.
A rollover can occur when a truck attempts to take a sharp turn at a high speed or when a truck driver tries to overcorrect a drifting trailer. These are the most common and dangerous types of accidents involving a truck, killing hundreds of drivers each year.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when the cab of the truck ends up facing the opposite direction of the trailer forming a 90-degree “V”. Causes of jackknife accidents include equipment failure, inability to brake properly, and adverse road conditions.
Tire Blowouts
A tire can blow out on any type of vehicle, but on a truck, it can lead to catastrophe. Improper maintenance, overloaded trailer, tire defects or even poor road conditions can lead to a tire blowout. After a blowout, the truck can be difficult for the driver to control, which can lead to an accident.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen when a truck crashes into the backside of another vehicle. This can be caused by malfunctioning or poorly maintained brakes, an overloaded trailer, or simple driver negligence such as being distracted by a cell phone, speeding, or tired driving.
Underride Collisions
When a smaller vehicle gets lodged underneath a truck it’s called an underride collision. Although there are more safety precautions in place, out of all types of truck accidents, underride collisions have the highest fatality rate.
Override Collisions
In an override collision, a truck runs over a car or smaller vehicle. Weather conditions and following too closely to another vehicle are common elements that lead to override collisions. Besides low visibility situations, the most common causes are brake failure, speeding and bursting tires.
T-Bone Collisions
One of the most widely-known truck wreck causes occurs when a truck runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the side of a vehicle that had the right-of-way creating a “T”.
Lost Load or Overloaded Trucks
Cargo that is improperly loaded or secured to the trailer can become dislodged during the route and be scattered on the road behind the truck causing an immediate hazard to any vehicles following behind.
Why do you need an Experienced Tractor-Trailer Lawyer?
I’m a member of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America (APITLA), an organization and network of attorneys across America that work on trucking cases. As a result, I continuously stay up-to-date on new laws regarding the proper and improper operation of a truck.
The Thomas Creech Law Offices are located in Greenville, South Carolina. However, I can represent you in a trucking wreck case, whether you reside in South Carolina or not, as long as the accident occurs in the state of South Carolina.
My experience, energy and compassion can help obtain the just and deserving financial resolution you deserve. Request your free consultation today via the form below and begin the process of reclaiming the quality of life you deserve.