Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
Commercial Truck Collisions
The average motor vehicle weighs approximately 3,250 pounds, or 1.6 tons, whereas the average semi-truck weighs around 80,000 pounds or 4 tons. The weight disparity is what makes these collisions so deadly. A car can stop faster and at a shorter distance than a commercial truck. These crashes can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from drowsy driving due to long driving shifts or distracted driving by both parties, but changing weather conditions, merging lanes, and speed limits can also play a role.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks often have two vehicles (sometimes more) that are hitched together. Jackknife accidents occur when these 18-wheeler vehicles skid, and the hitched trailer swings out to a 90-degree angle. You’ve likely seen these accidents on the news or the side of the road. They’re typically the result of sudden braking, slick road conditions, rear brakes that malfunction or going down a hill at too high a speed.
Jackknife truck accidents can also occur when a trailer detaches from the cab due to hitch failure or poor maintenance.
Drive-Under Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks sit higher than your average vehicle, making it easier for a car to slide underneath the trailer in a rear end accident or a T-bone collision. Drive-under accidents can happen if a car is following too closely to a semi-truck or tractor-trailer. These large vehicles often have warnings on the back of the trailer indicated how far you should stay away, that they need space for wide turns, and that the driver most likely can’t see you in certain spots. Changing lanes quickly or improperly can also lead to drive-under accidents as can speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Rollover Truck Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 100 truck rollover accidents happen each year and typically cause wrongful death and irreversible, debilitating injuries. Truck rollovers are when the semi-truck or tractor-trailer topples and rolls onto the side or top of the truck. Cars that are involved in these accidents are typically met with disastrous consequences. These crashes are often due to overloading the truck or loading cargo improperly. Tire blowouts and unstable cargos such as hanging meat also lead to rollover truck accidents.
Runaway Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks have more tires, axles, and weight than other vehicles on the road. They’re equipped with several brake systems including hydraulic brakes, air brakes, and compression-release brakes. Despite these safeguards, runaway truck accidents still occur and can be caused by poor truck maintenance or lack of maintenance. These are particularly dangerous when the semi-truck or tractor-trailer is going downhill, gaining momentum and speed.
Contact our Truck Accident Attorney in Fishkill
If you have been injured in a truck accident or lost a loved one, please contact the Maurer Law Firm in Fishkill, New York today at (845) 896-5295 for a FREE consultation. We serve clients in surrounding areas of New York including Myers Corner, Beacon, and Lagrangeville.
