Types Of Truck Accidents

Trucks are the most common form of transportation for goods across the United States, and every day there are thousands of large, commercial trucks on the roads throughout Texas. With the immense size of a semi-truck compared to other vehicles on the road, when an accident does happen the results are often catastrophic for injury victims, and these accidents can take many forms. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, the experienced Houston truck accident lawyers at the Gilde Law Firm are here to help. Call or contact our office today to schedule a free consultation of your case.

Common Truck Accidents

There are many ways that a truck accident can happen on the road, but some types of accidents are more common than others. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include the following:

Jackknife Accident

A jackknife accident happens when a truck loses control and their vehicle collapses in on itself while on the road. Typically, slick conditions or a blown tire cause the truck to lose control, and the front cab of the truck folds in towards the cargo area, creating a “V” shape. The truck driver has no control over the truck, which can result in high impact crashes.

Rear-end Crash

A rear-end crash is the accident that happens most often with large trucks and occurs when the front end of a truck impacts the rear end of another vehicle. This usually happens when the truck driver is not paying attention and cannot come to a complete stop before striking the vehicle in front of it. Speeding and distracted driving contribute often to rear-end crashes.

Rollover Accident

Rollover accidents are more common with large commercial trucks than other types of vehicles. A rollover occurs when circumstances cause the truck to roll on its side, sometimes end over end, in an accident. There are many things that can contribute to a rollover crash, including speed, poorly loaded cargo, heavy winds with an empty cargo area, and more.

Blind Spot Crash

Blind spot accidents are another common type of truck accident given the substantial blind spots on this type of vehicle. If a truck driver fails to properly check their blind spots before changing lanes, they can sideswipe a smaller vehicle on the road next to them.

Lost Load Accident

While this type of accident is not as common, it can cause devastating injuries to those hurt in a lost load accident. This type of crash occurs when a truck loses its cargo onto the road and happens more often with trucks that have an open cargo area where the cargo is exposed to the elements. If cargo is improperly secured in this situation, it can fly off the truck and strike other vehicles or cause an accident.

Wide Turn Accident

The final type of accident is a wide turn crash. Trucks make wider turns than other vehicles, and if this turn is not maneuvered properly it can result in striking other vehicles that are at an intersection.

Talk to Our Office Today

If you have more questions about a truck accident that happened in the Houston area, call or contact Gilde Law Firm today.