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Truck accidents are among the most devastating and complex types of motor vehicle collisions on our nation's roads. With their massive size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage, severe injuries, and tragic loss of life when involved in accidents.

At Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges and intricacies of cases involving different types of truck accidents. Our nationwide team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping victims and their families navigate the legal process after these life-altering events.

Remember, if you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident, the skilled legal team at Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers will fight for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents that occur on America’s highways and city streets; the challenges they pose for determining liability, gathering evidence, and pursuing compensation; and why having an experienced truck accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of recovering full and fair compensation if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident. 

Rear-End Truck Accidents

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of truck accidents. They occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle or when another vehicle collides with the rear of a truck. The immense size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents particularly dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Causes of rear-end truck collisions include:

• Distracted driving (e.g., texting, adjusting the radio)
• Tailgating
• Sudden stops or traffic slowdowns
• Poor weather conditions affecting visibility or stopping distance
• Brake failures or improper maintenance
• Driver fatigue leading to delayed reaction times

The squeeze play is a specific type of rear-end collision unique to trucks. This occurs when a truck attempts to make a wide right turn and a smaller vehicle tries to squeeze between the truck and the curb, resulting in a collision.

Injuries from rear-end truck accidents can be severe, including whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. Determining liability in these cases often involves investigating factors such as driver behavior, vehicle maintenance records, and road conditions at the time of the accident.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents are named for the acute angle formed between the truck's cab and trailer, resembling a folding pocket knife. These accidents occur when a truck trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Jackknifing is particularly dangerous because it can result in the truck taking up multiple lanes of traffic, potentially involving numerous vehicles in a catastrophic accident.

Common causes of jackknife accidents include:

• Improper braking techniques
• Speeding, especially around curves or in adverse weather conditions
• Sudden swerving to avoid obstacles
• Improperly loaded or secured cargo affecting the truck's balance
• Slippery road conditions due to rain, ice, or snow
• Equipment failures, such as brake or tire issues

When these accidents occur, determining liability often involves thoroughly investigating the truck driver's actions, the trucking company's policies, and any potential mechanical failures.

Rollover Accidents

Truck rollovers are among the most dramatic and dangerous types of truck accidents. These occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often resulting in multi-vehicle pile ups and significant road closures. Large trucks' high center of gravity makes them particularly susceptible to rollovers, especially when turning or navigating curves at high speeds.

Factors contributing to rollover accidents include:

• Excessive speed when entering curves or ramps
• Improper load distribution or overloading
• Sudden steering maneuvers to avoid obstacles
• Strong crosswinds, particularly for high-profile vehicles
• Driver fatigue or inattention
• Defective tires or suspension systems

Rollover accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, not only for the truck driver but also for occupants of nearby vehicles. If the truck carries dangerous cargo, these accidents can also lead to hazardous material spills, further complicating the aftermath and potential legal claims.

Underride Truck Accidents

Underride accidents are particularly horrific collisions where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a large truck. These accidents can occur from the rear or the side of the truck and often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Types of underride accidents include:

• Rear underride: When a vehicle crashes into the back of a truck and slides underneath
• Side underride: When a vehicle collides with the side of a truck trailer, often in intersections or during lane changes
• Offset underride: When a vehicle partially slides under the truck, typically at an angle

Causes of underride accidents may include:

• Poor visibility due to weather conditions or inadequate truck lighting
• Sudden stops by the truck
• Lack of proper underride guards on the truck
• Distracted driving by either the truck driver or the other vehicle's driver

The trucking industry and safety advocates have long debated the effectiveness of underride guards and the need for improved safety measures. In legal cases involving underride accidents, factors such as the truck's compliance with safety regulations and the circumstances leading to the collision are crucial in determining liability.

Wide Turn Accidents:

Wide turn accidents, also known as "swinging turn" or "right turn squeeze" accidents, occur when large trucks make wide right turns. Due to their length, trucks often need to swing left before making a right turn, which can confuse other drivers and lead to collisions.

Common scenarios in wide-turn accidents include:

• A vehicle attempting to pass the truck on the right as it swings wide
• The truck striking a vehicle in an adjacent lane while making the turn
• Pedestrians or cyclists being caught in the truck's blind spot during the turn

Truck drivers must use proper signaling and be aware of their blind spots, while other drivers need to recognize when a truck is positioning for a wide turn and give it ample space.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially on large commercial trucks. When a truck tire suddenly fails, the driver can lose control, potentially leading to rollovers, jackknifing, or collisions with other vehicles.

Factors contributing to tire blowouts include:

• Overloaded trucks putting excessive stress on tires
• Poor tire maintenance or failure to replace worn tires
• Road hazards such as potholes or debris
• Manufacturing defects in the tires
• Extreme weather conditions affecting tire pressure and integrity

After a tire blowout accident, investigators will look at factors such as the truck's maintenance records, the driver's pre-trip inspection procedures, and the possibility of defective tires. Liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even tire manufacturers.

Head-On Collisions

While less common than some other types of truck accidents, head-on collisions are often the most deadly. These occur when a truck crosses the center line or median and collides with oncoming traffic or when a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction strikes an oncoming truck.

Causes of head-on truck collisions may include:

• Driver fatigue leading to drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel
• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a mobile device
• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use
• Improper passing maneuvers on two-lane roads
• Poor weather conditions affecting visibility or road traction
• Mechanical failures leading to loss of vehicle control

The immense force generated in a head-on collision between a truck and a smaller vehicle often results in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Legal cases involving these accidents typically focus on driver behavior, compliance with hours-of-service regulations, and any potential mechanical issues that may have contributed to the crash.

T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions

T-bone or side-impact collisions occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a "T" shape. Due to the height difference between trucks and passenger vehicles, these collisions can be particularly devastating in truck accidents.

Common scenarios for T-bone truck accidents include:

• A truck running a red light or stop sign and striking a vehicle crossing an intersection
• A vehicle turning left in front of an oncoming truck
• A truck failing to yield the right of way when entering a roadway

Factors that may contribute to T-bone accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to obey traffic signals or signs
• Poor visibility at intersections
• Misjudging the speed or distance of an approaching truck
• Brake failures or other mechanical issues

In T-bone accidents involving trucks, the smaller vehicle's occupants often suffer severe injuries due to the limited protection offered by the vehicle's side. Determining liability in these cases often involves a detailed analysis of traffic laws, driver actions, and any potential contributing factors, such as malfunctioning traffic signals.

Lost Load Accidents

Lost load accidents occur when cargo falls from a truck onto the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles. These accidents can lead to direct collisions with the fallen cargo or cause secondary accidents as drivers swerve to avoid the debris.

Causes of lost load accidents include:

• Improper loading or securing of cargo
• Overloaded trucks
• Use of defective or worn-out tie-downs, straps, or other securing devices
• Failure to regularly check and adjust cargo during long hauls
• Sudden maneuvers or accidents causing improperly secured cargo to shift

Liability in lost load accidents can extend to multiple parties, including the truck driver, the company responsible for loading the cargo, the trucking company, and potentially the manufacturer of any defective securing equipment.

Multi-Vehicle Pile Ups

Multi-vehicle pile ups involving trucks are complex accidents that often result in numerous injuries and fatalities. These accidents typically occur on highways and can involve dozens of vehicles, making them particularly challenging to investigate and litigate.

Factors contributing to multi-vehicle truck pile ups include:

• Poor visibility due to weather conditions like fog, heavy rain, or snow
• Sudden traffic slowdowns or stops
• Chain reactions sparked by an initial collision
• Road construction or other unexpected obstacles
• Jackknifing or rolled-over trucks blocking multiple lanes

Determining liability in multi-vehicle pile ups involving trucks can be extremely complex. It often requires accident reconstruction experts and a detailed analysis of the sequence of events leading to the pileup.

Hazardous Material Spills

While not a distinct type of collision, hazardous material spills can result from various truck accidents and present unique dangers. Trucks carrying chemicals, fuel, or other dangerous materials can release these substances in the event of an accident, potentially causing:

• Fires or explosions
• Toxic exposure to nearby individuals
• Environmental contamination
• Evacuation of surrounding areas
• Long-term health effects for those exposed

Accidents involving hazardous materials require specialized response teams and can lead to complex legal cases involving multiple parties, including the trucking company, the shipper of the hazardous materials, and potentially government agencies responsible for regulating the transport of dangerous goods.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents occur when the side of a truck collides with the side of another vehicle traveling in the same direction. These accidents are often the result of improper lane changes or merging and can be particularly dangerous due to the size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles.

Common causes of sideswipe accidents involving trucks include:

• Blind spot errors: Trucks have large blind spots, especially on the right side, which can lead to collisions during lane changes.
• Improper merging: Failing to yield the right of way when merging onto highways or into traffic.
• Drifting: Driver fatigue or distraction causing the truck to drift into adjacent lanes.
• Wind gusts: Strong crosswinds can push high-profile vehicles like trucks into neighboring lanes.
• Overcorrecting: A truck driver overreacting to avoid an obstacle and swerving into another lane.
• Poor road conditions: Slippery roads or unclear lane markings contributing to unintended lane departures.

Sideswipe accidents can result in serious injuries, especially if the smaller vehicle is forced off the road or into oncoming traffic. These collisions can also lead to multi-vehicle pileups if other drivers cannot react in time to avoid the initial crash.

Contact Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers Today to Discuss Your Case

Each type of truck accident presents its own set of challenges in terms of causation, liability, and potential injuries. At Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling all types of truck accident cases across the nation.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in any type of truck accident, it's essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our team of skilled attorneys understands the complexities of truck accident litigation, including:

• Federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry
• The importance of preserving evidence, including electronic logging devices and maintenance records
• The role of multiple potentially liable parties, from drivers to trucking companies to manufacturers
• The severe and often life-altering injuries that can result from truck accidents
• The need for comprehensive investigation and expert testimony in building a strong case

We are committed to fighting for the rights of truck accident victims and their families, ensuring they

receive the full compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from these traumatic events.

Remember, a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face the aftermath alone. The dedicated team at Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can provide the support, guidance, and aggressive representation you need during this difficult time. Contact us today at 866-455-3629 or through our online form for a free consultation, and let us put our experience to work for you.