Commercial truck accidents are crashes that involve large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers, together with delivery trucks. These types of accidents can cause significant damage and injuries because of the size and weight of commercial trucks.
Please read on to learn about the common types of commercial truck accidents.
Common Types of Commercial Truck Accidents
Common commercial truck accidents cause severe injuries and damage as these vehicles can weigh up to 80 000 pounds. This is compared to passenger vehicles that typically weigh approximately 4 000 pounds. In addition, the large size and weight of commercial trucks also mean that they have a lot of momentum, making it difficult for them to stop quickly in an emergency.
The height of commercial trucks, particularly tractor-trailers, can cause more serious injuries in accidents involving passenger vehicles. This is because the truck’s undercarriage is more likely to strike the passenger compartment of a car.
Many commercial trucks carry hazardous materials, such as chemicals or gasoline, which can increase the risk of injury or damage in the event of an accident.
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Here is a list of the common types of commercial truck accidents.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision is a type of commercial truck accident that occurs when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the front end of another vehicle going in the opposite direction. In the case of a commercial truck, this can be a passenger vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when a truck collides with the rear of another vehicle. In a rear-end collision involving a commercial truck, the smaller vehicle is at a disadvantage due to the size and weight of the truck. This can result in significant damage and severe injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover commercial truck accident is a type of truck accident in which the truck flips over on its side or roof.
Blind Spot Collisions
Blind spot commercial truck collisions are accidents that occur when a commercial truck driver is unable to see another vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian in their blind spot. As a result, the truck collides with them.
Tire Blowouts
A tire blowout happens when the tire of a commercial truck suddenly loses air pressure, causing the tire to burst. This can cause the truck to lose control, veer off the road, or collide with other vehicles.
Lost Loads
Lost loads can cause a commercial truck collision when the load that it is carrying becomes dislodged, either partially or completely, while the truck is in motion. This can occur when the load is not properly secured or when the load shifts during transit because of rough roads or other conditions.
T-Bone
A T-bone (or side-impact) collision occurs when a commercial truck hits the side of another vehicle. This can happen at an intersection, when the truck is making a turn, when a truck fails to yield the right of way or when the other vehicle is entering or exiting a driveway.
Underride Collisions
An underride commercial truck collision happens when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or a bike, collides with the rear or side of a commercial truck and becomes wedged underneath it.
Jackknife
A jackknife situation occurs when a commercial truck’s trailer swings out to one side, forming an angle with the truck cab. A “V” shape is created that is similar to a folding pocket knife. This can happen when the truck’s brakes are applied too quickly or it is traveling too fast on a slippery road.
Wide Turn
A wide turn by a commercial truck can cause an accident when it takes a turn that is too wide and enters into the lane of another vehicle, causing a collision. This can happen when the truck driver misjudges the turn or when the vehicle is too large to make the turn without encroaching into another lane of traffic. This is often called “off-tracking”.
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Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
The common causes of commercial truck accidents include driver fatigue, improper maintenance, speeding, distracted driving, overloading, and poor road conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Commercial Truck Accidents
Why are Trucking Accidents a Serious Issue?
Trucking accidents are a serious issue because of the potential for severe injuries and damage. As previously mentioned, owing to the large size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles can result in devastating consequences for other road users, including passenger vehicle occupants, cyclists, and pedestrians.
How can Truck Accidents be Reduced?
Truck accidents can be reduced through a combination of education, training, and enforcement of regulations and best practices. For example, providing commercial truck drivers with proper training and education on safe driving practices and regulations can help to reduce accidents caused by driver error.
If you need help with a matter involving a Commercial Truck Accident, call Coluccio Law today for a free consultation.
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