What are Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents?

Motor vehicle accidents are extremely dangerous and claim many lives every year in the United States. With all the assortments of different sizes and styles of passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, the potential for deadly accidents is always present. The most catastrophic accidents, however, are often the ones involving commercial trucks. It is important to understand the dangers of semi-trucks and also the different types of truck accidents.

There are many types of accidents involving semi-trucks. Understanding the most common truck accidents can help a driver know what to look out for and help them traverse the road more safely. Listed below are some of the most common types of semi-truck accidents.

Blind Spot Accidents: Driving in a semi-truck’s blind spot can turn deadly very quickly. If the truck driver changes lanes and does not see a car next to them, a resulting collision could be catastrophic.

Rear-End Collisions: Since it takes a long time for a large vehicle to come to a complete stop when braking, a vehicle that stops in front of them or becomes immobilized could be struck from behind before the truck driver has time to avoid the accident.

Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are less common on most major highways, but on two-lane roads, if a driver misjudges and crosses the centerline, a head-on collision with a semi-truck could cause a catastrophic injury.

Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife truck accident occurs when the semi-truck brakes suddenly, causing the cab and trailer to form a 90-degree angle shape. This can impede other traffic or can turn into a rollover accident.

Tire Blowouts: Any tire blowout can be dangerous. The danger increases with higher speed because of the greater potential of loss of control. When a semi-truck loses control, the truck could cause extensive damage to other vehicles. Additionally, the very large tires can become road hazards for drivers who may hit big sections of loose rubber.

Underride Accidents: These accidents are extremely dangerous and most often deadly for those in the other vehicle. In this type of crash, a passenger vehicle gets stuck under the tractor trailer when the truck stops suddenly. Underride accidents will typically destroy and likely even rip off the top part of the car.

Rollover Accidents: When a semi-truck brakes suddenly or fails to maintain a safe speed when turning, the tractor trailer can roll over, causing a serious hazard for other motorists. The overturned trailer could be struck by other vehicles or it could even roll over onto other vehicles that were driving next to the truck at the time of the rollover.

Why are Semi-Trucks so Dangerous?

Car accidents are very dangerous, however, semi-trucks add additional elements that can make a crash more deadly. Some considerations when it comes to semi-trucks include:

• Size and Weight: When thinking of a semi-truck, size likely comes to mind. In terms of danger, this is an important consideration. Being struck by a bigger, heavier vehicle will likely do more damage than a smaller one would. Additionally, the size of these vehicles means they take up more space on the road, and their weight means it takes longer for them to slow down or stop when braking. Semi-trucks have a greater potential to impact with multiple vehicles, doing significant damage in the event of an accident.
• Unique Structure: In addition to the size, semi-trucks are designed much different from passenger vehicles. The truck cab sits higher than other vehicles, and the overall length is obviously greater. The higher position off the ground means that these kinds of trucks will often do much more damage than lower-sitting vehicles.
• Visibility Issues: Truckers typically sit up high and have very large side mirrors to give them better visibility of their surroundings. However, when hauling a large trailer, visibility can be a problem, especially when smaller vehicles fall into a blind spot on either side.
• Cargo Hazards: Another important consideration is what a semi-truck is hauling. In the event that the truck tips or rolls over, the contents of the trailer may fall onto the road. This could include hazardous materials or even items, like furniture, that are not hazardous on their own, but they present a huge risk for drivers on the highway.
• Maneuverability Issues: Commercial trucks also operate differently than other vehicles due to their size and shape. For example, they need to make wide turns and may not be able to stay in the lanes the same way as smaller vehicles. It is important for drivers to be aware of this at an intersection.

When Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Semi-Truck Accident?

The effects of a semi-truck accident can be devastating. From serious physical injury to mental trauma, a victim has a long road to recovery and needs help putting the pieces back together. When a victim suffers because of an accident caused by another party, they deserve justice. A knowledgeable lawyer is the best resource for a truck accident victim.

Cherry Hill Truck Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims Injured in All Types of Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-truck accidents are extremely dangerous and often deadly. If you were injured in a semi-truck accident, you need to explore your legal options. A knowledgeable Cherry Hill truck accident lawyer at DiTomaso Law will know how to help you with your case. Located in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Mt. Holly, Camden County, and Vineland. For a free consultation, call us at 856-414-0010 or complete our online form today.