For truck drivers and all individuals on the road, it is crucial to understand the most common types of truck accidents and their causes. Keeping the roads safe is a group effort. If you were injured in a collision, contact a Middlesex County auto accident attorney for skilled representation in your claim or lawsuit.
How Are Trucks Accidents Caused?
Like all motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents can be caused by a variety of actions and factors. One of the most common causes of any accident is distracted driving. Eating, drinking, texting, changing the radio, talking on the phone, and more can force a driver’s eyes or focus off of the road and result in a crash.
Additionally, truck drivers have the difficult job of being on the road for hours and transporting heavy goods. They may be fatigued and fall asleep at the wheel, lose focus, become dizzy, etc. Poor maintenance of the vehicle and inadequate training can also contribute to accidents.
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
Below are some of the most common types of truck accidents that drivers experience on the road.
1. Rollover
When trucks tip over on their sides and roll due to speeding, sharp turns, or uneven roads they can cause serious damage and injury to the driver and other surrounding vehicles.
2. Jackknife
Jackknife accidents happen when the truck’s trailer swings out creating a V or L shape. These are often caused by sudden braking.
3. Wide turn
When a truck makes a wide turn they can collide with vehicles in lanes next to them as the trailer may swing into neighboring lanes or a car may not realize they are turning an attempt to pass.
4. Rear-end
These accidents can happen from the truck driver hitting the car ahead, or another vehicle hitting the truck from behind. Trucks require more distance to stop so if the car ahead brakes suddenly they may not be able to prevent a collision.
5. Blindspot
Large trucks have several blind spots, particularly when cars follow too close behind or on the right side. When the truck’s visibility of other vehicles is limited, they may change lanes or make a turn resulting in an accident.
6. Tire blowout
Occurring due to wear and tear, the weight of the vehicle, under and overinflation, weather conditions, etc. tire blowouts are when one or more of the truck’s tires become damaged or lose pressure. This can lead to the driver losing control of the truck.
If you are involved and/or injured in a truck accident it is crucial that you file a claim or lawsuit in pursuit of compensation for your associated expenses and losses. Reach out to an experienced accident attorney at Stathis & Leonardis, LLC for more information and to schedule a consultation today.
