Types of Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks fill our highways and interstates, and these large vehicles can pose risk to other drivers on the road. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, they can cause an immense amount of devastation to themselves and other drivers on the road when involved in an accident. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2016 report, there were 4,440 large trucks and buses involved in fatal accidents during that year. The type of truck accident that occurs depends on the circumstances that cause the accident. The common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife: This type of accident occurs when a truck driver breaks abruptly, creating a 90-degree angle between the trailer and the truck’s cab.
• Blind spot accidents: Semi-trucks have much larger blind spots compared to normal vehicles. As a driver, it is imperative that you do not drive on the side or directly behind a semi in order to avoid blind spot accidents. Always make sure that you can see the truck’s mirrors, indicating that they are able to see you.
• Tire blowout: A tire blowout can happen to any vehicle, but the dangers are amplified when it occurs to a semi-truck due to the size and weight of the vehicle.
• Rollover accident: This type of accident occurs when the truck rotates 90 degrees or more. A rollover accident is dangerous to all vehicles on the road, especially when the truck is carrying heavy cargo.
• Override/underride rear-end accident: Override accidents occur when the front end of a semi runs over the vehicle in front of it, occurring when a truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle or is involved in a head-on collision. Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the large truck.
• Wide turn accidents: This occurs when a truck driver swings left to make a right turn. If there are other cars surrounding the semi, this can cause a collision between the two vehicles.
• Head on collisions: Head on collisions occur due to driver negligence or mechanical failures. When this type of accident occurs, the driver of the smaller vehicle will receive the most damages.

A similarity amongst all of these types of accidents involving semi-trucks is the devastation that can result. The drivers and passengers of the smaller vehicles are at a higher risk of damage and devastation. Because of this, it is imperative that drivers use extreme caution and focus when driving around a semi-truck. You should always give semi’s space when driving next to them on the interstate and you should be sure to never drive too closely behind or beside them. It is recommended that you keep a four-second distance between your vehicle and a semi.

Unfortunately, collisions with semi-trucks are not always avoidable. Collisions can happen due to the driver making negligent errors, or they can happen due to mechanical defects that cause the truck to malfunction. No matter what the occurrence, the experienced truck accident attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. are here to give guide you through your unique situation. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you determine why the accident occurred, who is at fault, and how you can get the compensation that you deserve. Contact Spiros Law, P.C., at (217) 328-2828 to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified attorneys today.