Trucks and 18-wheelers are massive vehicles useful in transporting cargo and goods across the country. However, because of their size and weight, a collision with a truck can be incredibly dangerous and even fatal. Continue reading to learn about the most common types of truck accidents and reach out to a Rockland County truck accident lawyer for legal advice during your injury case.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?
A collision between two passenger vehicles has the potential to cause significant damage, injury, and even death. However, an accident involving one or more trucks is more likely to result in devastating losses and destruction.
Because of the significant size and weight of a truck, a collision will create more significant damage. Trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles and can continue moving and causing further destruction even after colliding with a car. In addition to their stopping distance, trucks have blind spots that can make it difficult to see other cars on the road.
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
- Rollover: Rollover accidents are one of the most common types. Trucks generally carry heavy cargo and sit higher than passenger vehicles, making them more susceptible to tipping over. Rollover accidents can happen due to sharp turns, speeding, obstacles in the road, etc.
- Rear-end: These types of collisions typically occur when the truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance and can’t stop in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of them. A passenger vehicle may do the same thing while riding behind the truck.
- Head-on: Head-on accidents are particularly deadly when trucks are involved. Driver fatigue, impaired driving, or distracted driving can lead to head-on collisions.
- T-Bone: Side impact or t-bone accidents occur often in intersections when one vehicle collides head-first with the side of the other. These often happen when drivers attempt to run yellow or red lights or fail to yield the right of way.
- Jackknife: A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of the truck swings out to the side creating an angle. This is dangerous and mostly occurs when the driver has to brake suddenly or make a sharp turn. Icy roads or wet conditions can also contribute to this type of accident.
- Tire blowout: Tire blowouts can lead to detrimental accidents. If a truck’s tire loses pressure or becomes damaged it could cause the driver to lose control of the truck and result in a crash.
- Turning: Trucks require more space to make a turn than standard cars. Wide turn accidents happen most often in intersections when the trailer may take up additional lane space and collide with other vehicles.
Truck accidents can cause significant damage so it is important to be aware of the most common types. Work with an experienced attorney during your accident case.
