Most Common Types of Large Truck Accidents
Anyone who’s been in a motor vehicle accident involving a large truck knows how scary it is. Small vehicles don’t stand much of a chance against big rigs and that means a much higher likelihood of disability or death for small vehicle passengers. According to IIHS.org, 4,136 people died in large truck crashes in 2018 alone. Of these deaths, 67 percent were car and other passenger vehicle occupants, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists. One thing that has increased during the pandemic is the need to get food and household staples to grocery stores and that means more trucks on the roads and a higher risk of large truck accidents than normal.
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident, seek the help of an experienced accident attorney. The personal injury lawyer will review the details of your case and can discuss your legal rights and the settlement you are entitled to.
Most common types of large truck accidents
Here are the top four types of accidents involving large trucks:
- Jackknife accident – A jackknife accident is when a large truck folds because of their trailer swinging outward. In many cases, the truck comes to rest at an angle or in a position where the cab is facing the opposite direction of the trailer, resembling a folding jackknife.
- Underside accident – an underside accident is when a smaller vehicle ends up underneath the back end of a truck or trailer. This type of large truck accident usually happens because the truck is forced to brake hard very suddenly and the vehicle behind it hasn’t left enough space to stop.
- Rollover – A rollover truck accident simply means that a truck ends up on its side. Considering the size and weight and potential contents of the truck, rollover truck accidents can be particularly devastating. A common cause of rollover truck accidents is poor driving combined with an improperly loaded semi.
- Tire blowout – When truck tires are worn down or not filled to manufacturer specifications, trucks can experience a tire blowout which can cause a very serious truck accident involving other vehicles or even pedestrians.
Common causes of truck accidents
There are many causes of large truck accidents including driver fatigue and the use of drugs and alcohol. Read more here: http://www.tariolaw.com/most-common-causes-of-commercial-truck-accidents/
What to do if you are involved in a large truck accident
There are several steps to take if you are involved in a large truck accident:
- If you are able, call 9-1-1 for medical help and police (The police will create an accident report that will be important for proving fault)
- Seek any appropriate medical treatment
- If you are able, take pictures of any external injuries, the scene and damage to vehicles
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
- Exchange contact information with any witnesses
- Call an experienced truck accident lawyer to review your accident and legal rights
Seek the help of a truck accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced truck accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
