Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions due to their size and weight. When a truck accident involves a smaller vehicle, the impact becomes even more severe and sometimes causes fatalities.

Since these incidents often involve multiple parties, victims should opt for services from the best truck accident lawyers to hold the at-fault party accountable. It is important to understand the different types of truck accidents and their causes. This helps raise awareness about road safety and prevent future incidents.

Keep reading to discover the most common types of truck accidents and how they occur.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. The shape formed resembles a folded jackknife, hence the name.

These accidents have the highest fatality rates and cause serious injuries even to truck drivers. It is mostly caused by braking issues, slippery roads, poor loading, and driver errors like oversteering or speeding in curved areas.

Rear-end Collisions

Rear-end collisions involve a truck crashing into another vehicle from behind or vice versa. Given the weight and size of trucks, these collisions cause extensive property damage, especially to smaller vehicles.

Common causes of these types of truck accidents include:

• Tailgating or following a vehicle too closely
• Distracted driving
• Excessive speeding
• Failure to adjust speed in heavy traffic and poor road conditions

Sometimes, rear-end collisions can involve multiple cars, leading to a pileup.

Rollover Accidents

These are common in large trucks like 18-wheelers and semi-trailers. Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. It’s mostly caused by a sudden shift in gravity and leads to the spilling of cargo on the road.

Sharp turns, uneven weight distribution, and overloading are common causes of rollovers. Also, turning at high speeds can reduce a truck’s stabilization and increase its chances of rolling over.

Underride Accidents

This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the side or rear of a truck. Quite often, these accidents lead to fatalities. They are commonly caused by sudden stops, poor visibility, and failure to maintain proper distance.

Trucks are required to put underride guards at the back and on the side to reduce the risks of these accidents. However, most ignore this fact, and those with underride rails end up installing weak materials and not maintaining the rails properly.

Blindspot Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots, which are also called ‘no zones.’ This means the truck driver cannot see your vehicle. Blind spot accidents happen when a driver suddenly changes lanes or makes a turn without noticing a vehicle in its no-zone area.

Other causes include:

• Improper lane changing
• Failure to check side mirrors
• Drivers lingering in the no zones for long

Drivers need to stay out of a truck’s blind spot. If you cannot see a truck driver in their side mirror, there is a high chance you are invisible to them too.

Conclusion

There are various types of truck accidents, each with its own risks. However, most of these incidents are caused by overspeeding or improper road use. All drivers need to remain vigilant to reduce the risk of accidents.

Remember that drivers are not always the reason behind truck accidents. Trucking companies, cargo loaders, truck mechanics, and truck manufacturers are other common parties that can be held liable for truck accidents.

Speak with a lawyer to determine who you should sue for your accident. A lawyer will conduct an investigation and determine the negligent party. They play a crucial role in securing fair compensation. Hire a lawyer and let them handle your case while you rest.