Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry is shipping more than 11.49 billion tons of merchandise every year. On top of that, commercial trucks like big rigs, semis or tractor-trailers account for approximately 12.8% of the vehicles on the road. Since there are so many types of trucks on the highway, accidents can indeed happen. Here is a list with some of the most common trucking accidents that you can encounter nowadays.
Tire blowouts
Tire blowouts happen frequently, and if the tires are not maintained properly, the odds of blowouts increase. When one or more tire bursts, it makes it very difficult to control the vehicle. This can quickly become a very dangerous situation and can lead to an accident.
Lost load
Trucks are designed to be taller than other vehicles. If a speeding truck stops suddenly and too quickly, it can jackknife and end up folding to a 90-degree angle, dragging and sweeping other vehicles under its trailer. Many accidents are caused due to this issue, and can be fatal.
Head on collisions
These accidents happen when the truck is unable to slow down in time. They are devastating because drivers can end up flying through the windshield due to the sheer force of the impact and can result in major injuries or even death.
T-Bone
This usually occurs when a vehicle runs a red light and then collides with another vehicle or pedestrians. The results of this type of collision can be devasting.
Rolling over of the truck
Normally, this situation occurs on windy roads. The truck travels with heavy cargo, and due to speeding or careless driving, it can end up rolling over, resulting in vehicle damage, injuries and even death.
Wide turns
Wide turns happen when truck drivers want to make a right turn. However, steering a large vehicle like this is very complicated, particularly in heavy traffic, and sometimes, when people get in the way, accidents can occur.
Blind spots
Cars are not always aware that they are in a truck’s blind spot. While the truck may be abiding by all the rules of the road, they can still accidentally hit a vehicle that is in their blind spot and cause serious damage.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Truck Accident Attorneys located in Fairfax and licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC today for a free consultation. All truck accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, call now (703) 560-0700!
References for “Most Common Types of Truck Accidents”:
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks
