Most Common Types of Truck Accidents

Commercial trucking is one of the largest and most important industries in the United States. Large trucks are vital to the local and national economy with approximately 13 million trucks operating on U.S. roads according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

The disproportionate number of trucks on U.S. roadways, and the size and weight disparities between trucks and passenger vehicles can be a deadly mix for drivers. In fact, the number of fatal large truck crashes per million people increased by 27% from 2010 to 2020.

This makes knowing typical truck accident scenarios vital to all drivers whether in Kentucky or across the United States. The Louisville truck accident attorneys recommend all drivers to be vigilant to avoid the serious and possibly fatal injuries associated with large trucks.

Rollover Accidents

In a rollover accident, a truck driver loses control of their vehicle causing the trailer or entire truck to flip over onto its side or top. Trucks are prone to rollover accidents due to their higher center of gravity than passenger vehicles.

Rollover accidents can result in serious multi-car collisions with numerous victims.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents are also a reason for multi-car collisions. This type of accident happens when a truck’s cab folds inward towards its trailer forming a 90-degree angle.

The most common cause of a jackknife accident is improper braking in inclement weather. 

Wide-Turn Accidents

Wide-turn accidents or right-turn squeeze accidents are caused by a truck driver swinging left to make a right turn. Vehicles in the truck driver’s blind spot or to the truck’s back right may get hit or even caught underneath the truck.

Wide turns are considered unsafe and not recommended by the FMCSA.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents can be deadly for motorists. In an underride accident, a car or motorcycle collides with the back end of a truck. It then gets trapped underneath the truck’s trailer. 

The car or motorcycle may then be dragged along with the truck’s trailer until the truck comes to a complete stop. Getting legal representation from a skilled car accident lawyer in Louisville that specializes in multi-vehicle accidents can help you recover compensation in these types of accidents.

T-Bone Accidents

A T-bone accident or side-impact accident happens when a truck and car collide to form a “T” shape. This generally occurs at intersections. Drivers who cause these accidents usually fail to yield at a traffic signal.

Sideswipe accidents are among the most deadly truck accidents for motorists.

Blind Spot Accidents

Truck blind spots are areas around a truck where the truck driver cannot see vehicles or objects, particularly when using only their mirrors. Vehicles in these areas may be crushed, dragged, or hit by a truck driver during a lane change or turn.

Truck blind spots are located:

  • From directly in front of the truck’s cab for about 20 feet;
  • From directly behind the truck’s trailer for about 30 feet;
  • Along each side of the truck extending backward diagonally; and
  • Immediately below and behind the truck driver’s window.

A good rule for drivers to remember is, “If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirror, they probably can’t see you.” 

Contact an Experienced Kentucky Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you or your loved one suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, the Louisville personal injury attorneys at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, want to help. With more than thirty years of experience, Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, is well-known and respected in the Kentucky legal community. Reach out to our truck accident attorneys today for a complimentary claim review.

Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, can advise you if you qualify for compensation to pay your medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and more.

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