According to the 2018 report from American Trucking Associations, 11.49 billion tons of freight was transported by large commercial trucks (also referred to as semis, big rigs or tractor-trailers) in 2018. Trucks are on our roads and highways daily and, unfortunately, truck accidents happen due to driver fatigue, mechanical failures, unsafe driving, and other causes such as drug/alcohol use, distracted driving or lack of skill.
Truck accidents involving other vehicles are severe and, often, fatal. Here are the common types of truck accidents that occur.
Head-On: A head-on accident is often due to distracted driving or driver fatigue (drowsiness or falling asleep at the wheel). These accidents usually result in serious injury or death.
Jackknife: A jackknife accident is when a driver brakes fast and the trailer slides outward to a 90-degree angle of the truck cab. This type of accident can cause vehicles behind the truck to collide with the truck or with each other when trying to stop suddenly.
Rollover: A rollover is when a commercial truck loses control and rolls over on its side. These types of accidents may crush other cars on the road.
T-Bone: A T-Bone accident occurs when a truck runs a red light or stop sign and hits a car on its side.
Wide Turn: This type of accident occurs when a truck driver is attempting to turn in one direction but swings out to the other before making the turn. If the truck hits another vehicle while swinging out, the accident is referred to as a wide turn or “swinging turn” accident.
Blind Spot: A big rig has many more blind spots than a regular sized car. A blind spot accident is when a truck driver is changing lanes and is unaware of a car (or cars) in the lane he is going into and as he moves over, he hits the car(s) or forces them off the road.
Underride Accident: An underride accident is when a truck stops abruptly and the car behind it doesn’t stop in time and gets lodged under the truck trailer. These accidents are often fatal.
Tire Blowout: When a tire blowout happens on a truck, it can cause the driver to lose control and/or tire debris can fly out and hit cars around the truck, causing an accident.
Rear-end Collision: If a driver in front of a truck stops suddenly, the truck may have not enough stopping room and will rear-end the car. A rear-end collision between a commercial truck and a car can cause significant damage and injuries.
Our Bakersfield truck accident attorneys have handled hundreds of commercial truck accident cases. In 2019, we obtained a $70.5 million verdict, the highest personal injury verdict in Kern County history, for a family who was driving in an SUV when a big rig ran a red light and slammed into them.
Learn more about the truck case in this video from personal injury attorney Daniel Rodriguez, founder + president of Rodriguez & Associates.
If you are looking for an experienced truck accident attorney, contact us at (661) 777-7575 or toll free (800) 585-9262 to schedule a no-charge consultation.