Even though it can seem that large commercial trucks are a minority on our roads, it may surprise you to learn that they make up almost 13% of all motor accidents. Unfortunately, when a truck accident occurs, their size means anyone involved can be at a greater risk of severe injury or even death.
So, what are the most common truck accident types? Talk to any truck accident lawyer in Texas or further afield, and they’ll likely tell you the following:
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck has to brake suddenly, such as for a pedestrian or a vehicle unexpectedly stopping in front of them, jackknifing can occur. This is when sudden braking leads to their trailers swinging out at a 90-degree angle.
Once the trailer shifts, the force can cause the truck to roll over, overturn, or become an obstacle on the road for other traffic to navigate.
Tire Blowouts
Even though any vehicle can suffer from a tire blowout, commercial trucks can be even more at risk. When a tire blows out, there’s a potential for the driver to lose control. What’s more, tire rubber can be thrown into the middle of a lane, leading to a potential accident involving following vehicles.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision involves a truck and another vehicle coming into contact head-on when traveling from opposite directions. Many things can be to blame for such an accident, like either driver crossing onto the wrong side of the road as they are coming around a corner.
A head-on collision can be a catastrophic event and one that leads to costly, life-long injuries that can alter your entire way of life.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision involves a truck driving into or on top of the back of another vehicle. The truck may have been following too closely to the car in front, or the vehicle in front may have stopped suddenly. Like head-on collisions, rear-end collisions can have severe consequences for both vehicles.
Blind Spot Accidents
Even though truck technology has improved significantly in recent years, it hasn’t stopped blind spot accidents from being a common occurrence. It’s all too easy for truck drivers to lose sight of vehicles around them. Often, it’s only when it’s too late that they know another car is there.
Underride Accidents
Perhaps one of the most horrific and fatal forms of truck accidents is underride accidents. When a truck stops suddenly in front of a car, that car can end up lodged underneath the truck. Sometimes, the entire top section of the car is ripped off.
Fortunately, thanks to modern safety measures like side guards, many possible underride accidents have been avoided. Still, they are far more common than they should be.
Most Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
Even though no one sets out to cause a truck accident or be involved in one, they happen on a frequent basis. And when they do, those involved – both the liable party and victim – can suffer some severe injuries.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Limb loss
- Paralysis
- Brain and spinal injuries
- Burns
- and even death
What To Do When You’re Involved in a Truck Accident
Given that you likely never expect to be involved in a truck accident, you may not know what to do. One of the most important things is to phone 911 to access emergency assistance. Police can secure the scene, while emergency services can tend to the wounded.
If you are in a position to do so, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible by taking photos and witness information. It’s also imperative to access the medical care you need and make a reach out to your Texas personal injury attorney.
Let J. Alexander Law Firm Help You After A Truck Accident
You may never expect to be in a truck accident, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision, contact our experienced personal injury law firm today. They can fight for the compensation you deserve.
