Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents cause thousands of injuries and deaths each year in the United States. These huge trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds or more, making them a risky vehicle on the road.
While there are a myriad of factors that can cause these wrecks most of them are caused by driver errors.
Rear-end collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when a car is involved in a collision with another vehicle. These accidents can be extremely dangerous. They can cause fatal injuries or even death, as well as causing substantial property damage.
There are many reasons rear-end collisions can happen. The most common include speeding, tailgating or distracted driving. If you're the victim of a rear end collision you should protect your legal rights and seek compensation from the negligent party that caused your injuries.
In most instances, rear-end accidents happen when a driver does not slow down fast enough or stop completely at the right time. This is usually caused by drivers who are texting or playing music on their mobiles.
The weight and size of a truck may increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Heavy trucks, such tractor-trailers and other large vehicles, can weigh up to the weight of 80,000 pounds. They slow down more than passenger vehicles.
Many victims of accidents with trucks suffer serious, potentially life-threatening injuries as a result of these factors. They may suffer brain injuries spinal cord injuries, brain injury or herniated disks. Broken bones, as well as other serious injuries are also possible.
If you've been injured in a rear-end accident it is crucial to consult a medical professional right away. Whiplash injuries can cause pain, stiffness and a restricted range of motion in the neck and upper body.
You should also document all the details of the rear-end truck crash including where you were at the time the crash occurred and who was the person at the fault, and what occurred during the collision. These details can be used to back your claim.
Head-on collisions
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles collide front-to-front while traveling in opposite directions. This is not something you should do on a highway. Head-on collisions with trucks can be extremely dangerous due to the weight and size of trucks.
There are a myriad of reasons that can lead to head-on collisions, such as driver error. Most commonly, a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic and leaves its zone of travel. It can happen for many reasons, including if the driver is distracted by an animal or a stray object in the road, or if they are driving drunk.
Head-on collisions can be caused by drivers who speed. Larger trucks can easily drift out of their lane at greater speeds which makes it easier to cause a head on collision.
A person could be entitled to compensation if they sustain serious injuries in an accident that is head on. In certain states, victims are able to file an action even if they are partly at fault for the accident. This is known as a comparative fault state.
Side-swipe collisions
Side-swipe collisions can be minor or very serious, depending on the circumstances and the vehicles involved. Head injuries could include traumatic trauma, upper-thorax injuries as well as broken bones and internal injuries.
Sideswipe accidents can occur when vehicles make a dangerous turn or lane change, or enters the wrong lane of travel. Before changing lanes, drivers should look over their mirrors and their blind spots, particularly when they are driving high clearance trucks.
Road conditions can cause sideswipe collisions. For instance when a driver changes lanes on icy or wet roads, they may not be able to see oncoming traffic and could strike another vehicle in the other lane.
Sideswipe accidents need to be immediately reported if involved. In the absence of reporting, it could make it harder to claim compensation for damages you sustained in the accident.
Documenting the scene of your sideswipe accident will help you prove the that you are at fault. Photograph the scene from every angle. Also, take pictures of any impressions made on the road or other items.
You should also keep the track of any medical bills or expenses you incur as a result of the incident. This could include hospitalization, medication, long-term care, therapy, and doctor visits.
To determine the amount of compensation you're entitled to following a swipe accident, talk to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. Getting the maximum amount of compensation you can get will help you get back your lost wages as well as medical expenses and pain and suffering. You Tube provides you with the resources you need to lead a healthy and safe life after your accident.
T-bone collisions
T-bone collisions, also referred to as broadside impacts, are particularly dangerous for the passengers of cars struck by truck. The vehicle's side provides no protection to the passengers inside, therefore anyone involved in a truck-truck collision can suffer severe injuries, or even die.
These crashes are usually caused by drivers who do not give the right-of-way to others or who drive illegally through a the red light. T-bone accidents are usually caused by improperly timed traffic signals as well as poor road design.
Trucks are more likely to be involved in a side-impact collision due to their size and weight compared to regular passenger vehicles. Speak to an attorney for personal injuries immediately in the event that you've been involved in a collision with a T-bone.
People who suffer injuries in T-bone accidents can seek compensation for their losses from people responsible for the wreck. This could include the driver responsible for the crash as well as his or her employer, or the manufacturer of the commercial truck.
Rollover collisions
Truck rollovers are a dangerous type of collision, because they could cause the death or serious injury to the driver. They can also cause damage or injury to other vehicles, and could cause traffic jams that can be dangerous.
Most rollovers occur when the vehicle is unable to control its speed due to road conditions or the vehicle itself. These issues can be caused by driver as well as other motorists, equipment or a combination of the two.
Speed is the biggest factor in rollovers. The center of gravity in large trucks is quite high and a vehicle that is going too fast for road conditions can shift this weight onto the chassis, which can cause the wheel to flip over.
Another cause of rollovers is cargo that's not properly secured. This could happen if the cargo is too heavy, not securely fastened, or too high in the truck.
Despite the dangers loads-induced rollovers can be avoided by having the weight of the truck distributed properly. This can be done by securing the load, and also by making sure that it is stable before driving.
The length of the truck can influence the likelihood of an accident. Shorter trucks have lower centers of gravity, meaning that they are less likely to roll over than taller ones.
The most effective method to cut down on the number of rollover accidents is to educate truck drivers about how to avoid crashes. This could include conducting a thorough inspection of their vehicles thoroughly before leaving on the roads and making sure that their loads are not too heavy or unstable. This could include altering their speed limit or installing devices that warn them of overloading.