Truck drivers must have extensive training and experience to handle big commercial trucks safely. However, most companies hire inexperienced drivers for low wages. As a result, they may need to be more trained to operate large commercial trucks and may not follow traffic safety regulations.
There are several common types of truck accidents, each with a different cause, although almost all of them are often the result of driver error. Therefore, truck drivers and all traffic participants must understand how to avoid them, as most truck accident consequences devastate all parties involved.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a truck strikes another vehicle in the rear, stationary or moving at a slow speed. Heavy trucks are particularly dangerous when involved in rear-end collisions, as they can cause severe damage, serious injuries, or even death.
A rear-end collision can also lead to a traumatic brain injury, leaving a person with lasting effects. While some TBIs heal within a few weeks, many people with traumatic brain injuries are permanently damaged. Therefore, rear-end collision victims with moderate to severe TBIs will face different struggles depending on their injuries.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife truck accident occurs when a semi-truck trailer swings around to form a V with the truck’s cab. As the trailer spins, it loses control of its steering. This accident can result in catastrophic injuries for all parties involved.
These accidents are most common on highways and interstates. The high speed of trucks and trailers makes it difficult to stop on a dime. Suddenly stopping a truck can cause the trailer to spin out of control. This can be especially problematic when taking steep curves. The resulting force can cause the truck to fold in on itself.
A jackknife accident puts other vehicles on the road in danger, as the truck can skid into adjacent lanes or strike pedestrians and bicyclists. As a result, a multi-car pile-up is likely to occur.
T-Bone Accidents
T-Bone accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or death. Most victims of this type of accident suffer broken bones, brain injuries, and internal injuries. They can also suffer back, neck, and spine injuries. Drivers must be vigilant to avoid being in T-bone accidents, especially since they often take place at intersections and on highways. They occur when one driver ignores a stop sign or runs a red light and hits the side of another vehicle. Other T-bone accidents can be caused by bad judgment at a green light or another driver’s failure to yield. No matter the cause, the accident can be extremely dangerous for the drivers and passengers of the vehicles involved.
In addition to serious physical injuries, T-bone collisions – like all truck accidents – also cause significant financial hardships. Victims may have to miss work for days, weeks, or even months while recovering from their injuries. Not only that, but they will also have to spend thousands of dollars on medical bills, vehicle repairs, lifestyle changes, etc.
Wide-Turn Accidents
Wide-turn truck accidents are caused by truck drivers executing a wide turn, violating the right of way of other drivers. Truck drivers must ensure their lane is clear of other vehicles, signal their turn, and check their blind spots before executing a wide turn.
In some wide-turn crashes, the victims may never fully recover from the accident and may even die. You must contact an experienced truck accident lawyer for legal help if this happens to you. An attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries and expenses caused by the wide-turn truck accident.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe collisions are common when two vehicles merge onto a highway or change lanes. Drivers of both vehicles need to check their blind spots during lane changes and turn signals. Inattentiveness and tire blowouts are other common causes of sideswipe collisions. Drunk drivers may also drift into adjacent lanes.
What Should You Do If You Are Hurt in a Truck Accident?
The short answer is to hire an attorney. Trucking laws require the company that owns the truck to maintain detailed logbooks and inspection reports. Your lawyer will help you obtain and organize this data for the best-case scenario. In addition, a truck accident lawyer can help you get economic compensation, covering your medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. You may also receive noneconomic compensation if your injuries are severe.