Types of Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks navigate highways and city streets daily, transporting goods that keep our economy running. However, their sheer size and weight make them a significant threat when accidents occur. The consequences of these collisions can be devastating, often leading to severe injuries, extensive property damage, or even fatalities.

Understanding the types of commercial truck accidents is crucial for staying safe on the road and knowing your legal options if the unthinkable happens. From jackknife accidents to underride collisions, each type of crash presents unique dangers and challenges. Recognizing these risks could save lives whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.

Why Are Commercial Trucks So Dangerous?

Commercial trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles—up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This disparity in size and weight increases the potential for catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage during collisions.
Trucks also have unique vulnerabilities, including:

• Blind spots: Trucks have large areas where drivers cannot see other vehicles.
• Longer stopping distances: Heavy loads require more time to come to a complete stop.
• Tendency to tip: Uneven or improperly secured cargo can cause rollovers.

Key Statistics

• According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks accounted for over 13% of all traffic fatalities in 2021.
• Rollover accidents and underride accidents are among the most fatal.
• Nearly 70% of truck accidents involve a passenger vehicle as the primary point of impact.

Most Common Types of Commercial Truck Accidents

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision is one of the most deadly types of truck accidents. These occur when the front of a truck crashes into the front of another vehicle. They are often caused by:

• Driver fatigue: Truckers frequently work long hours.
• Distracted driving, including texting.
• Failing to obey traffic signals like red lights.

Impact: High-speed head-on crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities, with smaller vehicles bearing the brunt of the damage.

Jackknife Accidents

In a jackknife accident, the truck’s trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, forming a “V” shape. This often occurs due to sudden braking or wet road conditions.

Causes:

• Oversteering or understeering on curves.
• Traveling at high speeds during bad weather.
• Equipment failure, like faulty brakes.

Prevention: Regular truck maintenance and defensive driving techniques can reduce the risk of jackknife accidents.

Rollover Accidents

Truck rollovers happen when the vehicle tips onto its side or roof. These are among the most dangerous accidents because they often involve multiple vehicles.

Causes:

• Uneven or improperly loaded cargo.
• Taking sharp turns too quickly.
• Sudden braking on slick roads.

Statistics: The Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that nearly 4% of all truck crashes involve rollovers, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

Wide Turn Accidents

Commercial trucks require a larger turning radius than passenger vehicles. A wide-turn accident occurs when the rear wheels of a truck swing too close to other vehicles, causing damage or collision.

Scenarios:

• Urban settings with tight intersections.
• Misjudging the space required for a turn.

Underride Accidents

An underride accident is one of the most devastating types of collisions. In these accidents, a smaller vehicle becomes wedged beneath the trailer of a truck, often crushing the car’s occupants.

Common Causes:

• Sudden stops.
• Poor visibility at night.
• Lack of proper underride guards.

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks traveling at high speeds can cause rear-end collisions if they cannot stop quickly. These are particularly common in congested traffic or during sudden stops.

Why They Happen:

• Distracted driving.
• Brake failure or delayed reaction times.

Impact: Rear-end collisions involving trucks often result in life-altering injuries due to the truck’s size and weight

Other Common Truck Accidents

Tire Blowout Truck Accidents

A tire blowout can cause a truck to swerve uncontrollably, putting surrounding vehicles at risk. Contributing factors include underinflated tires, poor maintenance, or overloading.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents happen when a truck collides perpendicularly with another vehicle, often at intersections. These crashes typically occur due to failure to yield or running a red light.

Lost Load Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can lead to lost load accidents, where debris spills onto the road, creating hazards for other drivers. These incidents are particularly common among dump trucks or flatbeds.

Blind Spot Collisions

Trucks have significant blind spots—areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles. Vehicles lingering in these zones risk being involved in a blind spot accident.

The Financial and Human Cost of Truck Accidents

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Truck accidents not only cause injuries but also have significant economic consequences.

• Medical Bills: Victims may face extensive hospital stays and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Time away from work can compound financial stress.
• Property Damage: Repairing or replacing a totaled car can be costly.

According to the FMCSA, the average cost of a fatal truck crash is approximately $3.6 million, underscoring the gravity of these incidents.

Preventing Truck Accidents: What Drivers Can Do

Truck Drivers

• Perform routine inspections of the vehicle, particularly tires and brakes.
• Avoid speeding, especially on curves or in poor weather.
• Ensure cargo is properly secured to prevent lost loads.

Passenger Vehicle Drivers

• Stay out of blind spots, especially near the rear or sides of the truck.
• Give trucks extra space, particularly during wide turns.
• Avoid sudden braking when traveling in front of a truck.

Legal Steps After a Truck Accident

If you are involved in a truck accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can greatly impact your claim:

1. Call Emergency Services: Always prioritize medical attention.
2. Document the Scene: Take photos, gather witness information, and record relevant details.
3. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney: An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.

For more guidance, read our resources on filing a truck accident claim and the top mistakes to avoid after an accident.

Choose Adamson Ahdoot for Truck Accident Cases

At Adamson Ahdoot, we have a proven track record of handling cases involving commercial truck accidents. Whether you were injured in a rollover, underride, or jackknife accident, our team is dedicated to securing justice and the compensation you deserve.

Call Us Today