5 Common Types Of Truck Accidents & Causes

There are now more big trucks such as dump trucks and 18-wheelers on the road every day. While most truck drivers have gone through proper training, there are some who are negligent and untrained, which is one of the most common causes of truck accidents.

Aside from the drivers being negligent and untrained, the design of most trucks makes them susceptible to tipping and blind spots, thus leading to accidents. Below are the 5 types of truck accidents that happen on roadways every day.

5 Most Common Truck Accident Types & Reasons

#1. Truck Rollover Accidents

This is one of the most common types of truck accidents and is also often tragic. Rollover accidents are also frightening for anyone nearby, especially for people on the freeway where trucks are allowed to speed up.

If you’ve already seen a truck rollover accident before or driven past its aftermath, you know just how tragic and devastating this type of accident can be. Sometimes, truck rollover accidents can happen because the driver suddenly takes an exit ramp or turns too fast.

Other common causes of truck rollover accidents include speeding, sudden lane changes, swerving, wet or slippery roads due to poor weather conditions, improper cargo loading, lack of proper maintenance, and driver errors such as distracted driving, improper training, or fatigue. That’s why it is recommended to adhere to the DOT safety compliance. It will ensure that the driver and vehicle are in proper condition, lowering the chance of an accident. To know more, click here.

There are also two main types of truck rollover accidents. First is the tripped rollover that can happen when something outside the truck hits it and causes it to roll over. It could be that the truck hit another vehicle, a guardrail, or an object on the road.

The second type is the un-tripped rollover that happens due to a truck going too fast on a wet or slippery road or a poorly maneuvered turn. Moreover, if a truck has improper cargo loading using a truck bed winch, it can rollover.

#2. Head-On Collisions

Another type of truck accident is the head-on collision. Fortunately, this type of accident is rare. However, even though a head-on truck accident is rare, the aftermath can be devastating and tragic.

Head-on truck collisions that occur in highways or freeways (where trucks often travel at high speeds) can result in fatal injuries and, in some cases, multiple fatalities.

A head-on collision occurs when a driver loses control of their truck and swerves into an oncoming truck and both vehicles have no time to avoid the crash. The speed of two converging trucks amplifies the force of the impact in a head-on collision, making it one of the deadliest types of truck accidents.

There are several reasons a driver might lose control of their truck. For instance, the accident may be caused by distracted driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Because most truck drivers have demanding schedules, the long hours on the road can cause them to doze off while driving and swerve into another lane.

#3. Blind Spot Accidents

Because of their size, trucks also have large blind spots on all sides that make them susceptible to blind spot accidents. Vehicles running on the blind spots of a truck won’t be seen by the driver when they look on the rearview or side mirrors.

A truck driver who’s unaware that there’s another vehicle on their blind spot may cause a sideswipe accident if they attempt to change lanes.

All drivers have a responsibility to keep everyone safe while they’re on the road, regardless of their position in traffic. If you were in a truck’s blind spot when the accident occurred, the driver or trucking company’s insurance provider might argue that you were at fault and shouldn’t be compensated for your injuries.

Thus, you’ll need the help of truck accident attorneys serving in your area to fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

#4. Underride Collisions

Underride truck accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and gets stuck under the trailer.

Most victims of underride accidents don’t survive because of the force of the impact. And if they do, they usually suffer from life-altering injuries such as limb amputation, comatose, or paralysis.

Proving claims for underride collisions can be complicated. The insurance company of the truck driver may argue that you failed to use caution or stop in time to avoid the crash, even though most underride collisions happen due to the truck driver’s or the trucking company’s negligence.

Whatever the circumstances are of the underride collision that you were involved in, you should contact an experienced truck accident attorney who’s willing to work with you in taking legal action to help you support your claim and get the compensation you rightfully deserve.

#5. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions between two smaller vehicles usually aren’t that serious. Most of the time, the parties involved in the accident may only get minor injuries such as whiplash or wrist injuries.

Rear-end truck collisions, on the other hand, are completely different. When these collisions occur, the force of the truck smashing into the back of a vehicle in front can be tragic, especially if it’s a small car.

It can lead to serious injuries and even death. A big truck can easily demolish a smaller vehicle when hit from behind at high speeds.

There are several reasons rear-end collisions occur. It may be caused by distracted driving, the driver tailgating a vehicle in front of them, or the driver driving too fast on a wet or slippery road that prevents them from putting the truck to a stop at the right time.

Keep in mind that the heavier the truck is, the more distance it needs for it to stop. This is why truck drivers are always advised to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front so they’ll have enough time to put the truck to a stop and prevent rear-end collisions.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one has suffered some serious injuries as a result of a truck accident, you should contact a skilled and experienced truck accident attorney immediately.

Your lawyer will help you determine your best course of action so you can hold the truck driver who caused you to harm accountable for their negligence.