What are the types of trucking accidents?

Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents that occur: 

• Tire blowout accidents: These occur when a truck’s tire bursts, causing the driver to lose control. Factors leading to tire blowouts include poor vehicle maintenance, overloading, and extreme weather conditions. Damage can range from minor vehicle scratches to severe multi-vehicle collisions. Regular tire inspections and adherence to cargo weight restrictions can help prevent these incidents.
• Underride accidents: This type of accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a semi-truck. It’s often due to sudden braking by the truck or the smaller vehicle failing to keep a safe distance. The consequences are usually catastrophic, given the smaller vehicle’s vulnerability. Installing underride guards and maintaining proper following distances can help mitigate such accidents.
• Jackknife accidents: Named for their resemblance to a folding knife, these occur when a truck’s cab and trailer fold at the hinge, forming a 90-degree angle. Factors include sudden braking, slippery roads, and equipment failure. Proper brake maintenance and careful driving in adverse weather can help prevent jackknifing.
• Rollover accidents: These accidents happen when a semi-truck tips over onto its side or roof, usually due to high speed, sharp turns, or uneven cargo distribution. They can result in significant property damage, severe injuries, or even fatalities. To prevent rollovers, drivers should adhere to speed limits, load cargo evenly, and take extra caution on curves and slopes.
• Blindspot accidents: Semi-trucks have large blind spots or “no-zones” where smaller vehicles are invisible to the truck driver. Accidents occur when a truck changes lanes or turns without noticing a vehicle in its blind spot. Regular mirror checks and the use of blind-spot detection technology can help reduce these accidents.
• Head-on accidents: These occur when a semi-truck collides with oncoming traffic. Causes include driver fatigue, distraction, intoxication, or straying from the correct lane. The impact often results in severe injuries due to the size and speed of the truck. Regular rest breaks, avoiding distractions, and sober driving are crucial for prevention.

What types of compensation can I pursue in a trucking accident case?

In a trucking accident case, you can pursue various types of compensation to cover your losses. This includes economic damages such as medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity if you are unable to work. 

You may also seek compensation for property damage, covering the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property. 

Additionally, non-economic damages may be pursued, which include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and reduced quality of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the conduct of the trucking company or driver was particularly egregious or reckless.

What are common causes of truck accidents?

Several factors contribute to truck accidents, many of which are preventable. Here are some of the most prevalent:

• Speeding: This is the leading cause of all types of vehicular accidents, including truck collisions. Truck drivers often speed to meet tight delivery schedules, but this increases the likelihood of accidents due to reduced reaction times.

• Dangerous overtaking: Trucks have larger blind spots than regular vehicles, making overtaking particularly risky. If a truck driver fails to check these blind spots thoroughly before overtaking, it can result in a collision.

• Failure to maintain Distance: Trucks require longer stopping distances due to their size and weight. Should a truck operator neglect to keep an adequate gap from the vehicle ahead, they may lack sufficient room to halt securely, which could result in collisions from the rear.

• Inattentive driving: Distractions like mobile phones, eating, or fatigue can lead to inattention, causing drivers to overlook critical road signs or changes in traffic patterns.

What do I do after being involved in a trucking accident?

Being involved in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, and it can be hard to know what you should do following an accident. Here are some steps you can take after being involved in a truck accident: 

• Ensure safety: Your immediate priority should be the safety of everyone involved. If possible, move your vehicle out of the traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Call the authorities: Dial 911 and report the accident. Even if no one seems injured initially, it’s crucial to have emergency medical personnel assess everyone involved for any hidden injuries. 
• Gather information: Collect as much information as possible from the scene. This includes the truck driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. Also, gather details from any witnesses and take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and roadway conditions.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not manifest immediately. Visit a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Document all medical visits, treatments, and costs.
• Report the accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. 
• Document everything: Keep a detailed record of everything related to the accident. This includes medical bills, repair costs, missed work, and any other financial impacts.
• Contact a trucking accident attorney: When an accident happens the damages can be life altering. An accident attorney will be your claim advocate against the other party or insurance company and ensure you secure maximum compensation. 

How do you determine liability in a trucking accident?

Determining liability in a trucking accident involves a thorough investigation of several factors. This process typically includes:

• Examining the truck driver’s actions and behavior, such as whether they were fatigued, impaired, or violating traffic laws.
• Reviewing the trucking company’s practices, including their maintenance records, hiring practices, and adherence to safety regulations. 
• Assessing the condition of the truck itself to identify any mechanical failures or defects. 
• Analyzing evidence such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and data from the truck’s black box is gathered and analyzed. 
• Using expert testimony to reconstruct the accident and establish fault.