Ever since motor vehicles became the primary mode of transportation — and thanks to the advances in shipping and logistics in the 20th century — trucks have become a staple of American roads. They are one of the most essential vehicles to keep the economy running. From primary resources like food or materials to consumer goods and services, 80% of all merchandise in the US is moved by truck.
Having said that, working in the trucking industry is one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Not only for truck drivers but for average passenger cars as well. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 69% of all truck crashes led to fatal injuries and involved one or more tractor-trailers in the accident.
There are many causes for truck accidents, yet we can classify them into three broad categories:
Driver Error
It is the main cause of accidents involving trucks across the country. It includes factors such as fatigued drivers, driving under the influence (DUI), speeding, distracted driving, and pressure from the truck company.
Vehicle Malfunction
While it is one of the most reported causes for accidents by drivers themselves, it is not the primary cause, according to the FMCSA. Only 2% of accidents that occurred were caused by an equipment malfunction while driver error, like truck brake failure, was found in at least 32% of reported truck accidents.
Road and Environmental Conditions
Bad weather, poor road conditions, and dangerous routes are also prominent causes of truck accidents in America.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
As it happens with cars and other motor vehicles, there are several types of accidents. While an accident might seem like just that to the general population, knowing the common types of truck accidents can help you prevent them, as well as know their potential effects on other drivers.
Jackknifing Accidents
These happen when a big rig truck folds itself so the cabin and the trailer form a 90-degree angle in an attempt to stop quickly. These types of truck accidents are usually caused by hard and quick break maneuvers. Abruptly hitting the breaks trying to slow down a big rig makes the weight of the trailer move the cargo forward against the traction of the cabin.
Rollover Accidents
As with smaller passenger vehicles, when the driver loses control of the truck, it can slide and roll over onto its side. A truck rollover accident is one of the most fatal kinds of big rig accidents on the road. It is common for large vehicles to roll over because of high speeds or failure, so take the proper precautions when faced with a curve on the road or meeting other road hazards like black ice or potholes.
Blowout Accidents
Tire blowouts are extremely common not only in trucks but with any vehicle type. When a tire blows out, it can force the vehicle into wild wayward directions. When this happens to a truck, it can pose a great danger to nearby vehicles, as well as the driver. It can degenerate into a rollover or jackknifing situation very quickly.
Blind Spot Traps
Truck blind spots are so dangerous and significant that even truckers have coined the term “No Man’s Land” for them. Not seeing other vehicles puts everyone on the road in danger, be it from the sides or the back of the vehicle. While it is common for truckers to use concave rear view mirrors to prevent catching vehicles in their blind spots, these are not enough to wholly reduce the risks of a blind spot collision.
Rear End
Because of the weight and size of big rig trucks, rear-end collisions are often the cause of catastrophic damage and severe injuries. Many rear-end accidents result in fatal crashes that lead to the wrongful death of passenger vehicle occupants.
Under Ride
When coming to a sudden stop, smaller vehicles driving behind rig trucks can become lodged in the truck’s trailer. An underride accident is among the deadliest truck accidents reported.
Lost Load
Failure to properly secure the trailer to the cabin poses an extreme danger to nearby vehicles both behind the truck and beyond it. Losing the trailer while on the road, especially at high speeds, can cause many motor vehicle collisions, trap unsuspecting drivers, and cause fatal injuries.
Head-on Crash
Head-on collisions are usually devastating for any vehicle involved. This type of accident can lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries. Most passenger vehicle occupant deaths involved in truck accidents were due to head-on collisions.
T-bone Crashes
When a trucker runs past a red light at an intersection and hits another vehicle vertically, this is classified as a T-bone collision. Just as with head-on collisions, T-bone accidents can be fatal for all passengers involved.
In an Accident? Call Us For a Free Consultation!
Have you or your loved ones been injured in a truck accident? We are here to help you. Our experienced truck accident attorneys in California will walk you through the personal injury claim process from various types of truck accidents and handle all the legal matters for you.
Insurance companies, medical bills, property damage — you name it. Farahi Law Firm, APC will help you focus on your recovery while we focus on getting the medical treatment you need and winning the maximum compensation you deserve. While an insurance firm might offer you X amount for your injuries and losses, having a seasoned accident lawyer by your side can bring your receivables up by 5 to 7 times more.
Contact us or call us for a free consultation at (844) 824-2955. We speak English and Spanish. The best part is that you don’t have to pay us anything. We work on a contingency fee basis — so no costs upfront. No fees until we win!
