The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is the agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry, estimates well over 100,000 truck accidents resulting in injury each year on the nation’s interstates, highways, and byways. This includes almost 5,000 fatal truck crashes.
A semi-truck, when fully loaded, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, in comparison to passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs which weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds depending on the exact vehicle. The massive weight and size of a truck mean more property damage, severe injuries, and a greater likelihood of fatality when an accident occurs. When you learn about the types of truck accidents and their causes, you have a lesser chance of causing a truck accident or suffering harm because another driver caused a truck accident.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a truck accident in or around Duluth, Georgia law entitles you to sue the at-fault driver for damages in civil court. A truck accident lawyer can discuss injuries and how to get the compensation you deserve.
Below you will find types of truck accidents explained in detail.
1. Head-on Truck Accidents
Fortunately, head-on truck accidents are rare because they often result in fatal injuries, especially when they occur at high speeds. A head-on collision might occur when a truck driver loses control of his rig and swerves into oncoming traffic, not providing vehicles enough time to avoid a crash. A truck driver might lose control of his vehicle for a variety of reasons including driving while distracted or driving under the influence of controlled substances. Truck drivers’ demanding schedules and long hours also contribute to driver fatigue, which might cause a trucker to nod off while driving and swerve into another lane.
2. Rear-end Truck Accidents
Truck drivers who are distracted, driving too fast for conditions, or tailgating a vehicle in front of them risk causing a rear-end collision. The massive size and weight of trucks require more time and distance to stop or avoid road hazards. When cars make sudden stops, quick turns, or other sudden maneuvers, it can be difficult for truck drivers to stop or slow down in time to avoid a collision. The FMCSA recommends truck drivers leave at least five to six second gap to avoid a rear-end collision. If you notice a large truck following you too closely, it’s in your best interest to pull to the side and let them pass.
3. Underride Accidents
An underride accident is also a rear-end collision, but it’s added danger and likelihood of fatality warrant special treatment. Also, underride collisions occur when a vehicle rear-ends a truck, not the other way around. When motor vehicle drivers cannot avoid a collision and strike the back of a tractor-trailer, they might slide under the trailer if they have a small vehicle. The car gets lodged and ride under the trailer until the driver stops. Like typical rear-end accidents, underride collisions can occur when a driver is distracted, impaired, or fatigued.
4. Side-Impact Accidents
Also called angle collisions, T-bones, and broadside collisions, side-impact accidents most often occur at intersections. Fortunately, side-impact crashes don’t occur as frequently with truck accidents as other types of traffic accidents. Yet, when a truck accident is a side-impact accident, it often results in severe or catastrophic injuries. In a side-impact collision, the full force of a truck smashes into the side of a vehicle, taking out any drivers, passengers, or occupants in its way. A truck driver who tries to speed through a red light or drives through a stop sign while distracted might cause a side-impact collision.
5. Jackknife Accidents
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers have two parts: the cab and the trailer. A hitch which lies below the forward area of a trailer connects with the cab. The hitch is a movable joint that pivots whenever a truck makes a turn. A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer continues to move and pivot on the hitch, which acts like a hinge. When the trailer swings towards the cab, the truck looks as if it is folding like a jackknife, giving this dangerous accident its moniker. Many different scenarios might lead to a jackknife accident, but the most common is improper braking. When a truck driver brakes too quickly or uses his engine brake in inclement weather, it often results in a skid, which can lead to a jackknife. When other vehicles are around, they risk running into a jackknifed semi, creating a multi-vehicle pileup.
6. Rollover Accidents
When truck accidents occur, truck drivers often walk away with little to no injuries, even when other motorists involved in the accident might suffer fatal injuries, except in rollover accidents. Truck rollovers are among the most dangerous and deadly for truck drivers. They most often occur because a driver loses control of his truck. A driver might lose control from speeding or being overloaded, making corners and curves especially dangerous. The most common cause of rollover truck accidents in 18-wheelers is a tire blowout.
7. Cargo-related Accidents
The most common situations that lead to cargo-related truck accidents are improperly secured loads or overloaded trucks. Depending on the load a truck is carrying, cargo spillage might mean anything from gasoline to corn to boxes to beer spilling all over the road. Nearby motor vehicle drivers are at risk for accident and injury if they can’t avoid the truck and their cargo. In the most severe cases and multi-vehicle pileup might occur, bringing injury and possibly death to many.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney For More Information
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries from a commercial vehicle crash, discuss the circumstances of your case with a skilled truck accident lawyer and determine the next steps for holding those who caused you harm accountable for their actions. Georgia law requires you to bring a lawsuit against an allegedly liable party within a strict time period, so don’t delay.
