Truck accidents are among the nation’s most devastating and dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 5,936 people died and 161,000 people were injured in large truck accidents in 2022 alone. The sheer weight and size of trucks compared to other vehicles on the road makes truck collisions particularly dangerous and deadly. Here’s a look at some of the most common types of truck accidents that occur.
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Jackknife Accidents
The first type of accident that is incredibly common with trucks is a jackknife accident. These accidents occur when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. The 90-degree angle that is formed resembles that of a half-open jackknife or pocket knife, hence the name. Jackknife accidents can arise for several reasons. For example, if a truck driver suddenly slams on their brakes, this may cause the trailer to lose traction and swing uncontrollably. Another reason these accidents occur is due to inclement weather, such as heavy snow or rain that can make the roads slick and difficult for truck drivers to control.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are also common among truck drivers. Given their weight and size, trucks have a longer braking distance than the average vehicle. Therefore, if a truck driver is distracted and fails to notice slowing traffic or is unable to come to a stop in time, this may cause a truck to collide with the vehicle in front of them. Factors such as speeding and brake failure can further exacerbate rear-end accidents. Those who are involved in a rear-end accident with a truck are often likely to suffer severe injuries, or even death, from the significant impact. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to seek legal guidance from a Tacoma truck accident attorney who can help you recover the compensation that you deserve.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are a particularly dangerous type of truck accident and occur when a smaller motor vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck. These accidents often happen when a truck suddenly comes to a stop and the vehicle behind them does not have time to brake or fails to brake. Additionally, underride accidents can occur when a truck changes lanes and fails to see another vehicle in its blind spot. Underride accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities and can shear off the top of the other vehicle.
Tire Blowout Accidents
The last common type of truck accident is a tire blowout in which a tire suddenly loses pressure and explodes. These accidents can occur due to improper tire maintenance, cargo overloading, tire punctures, defective tires, or from hitting loose debris on the road. When this happens, truck drivers oftentimes will lose control of the vehicle and swerve uncontrollably, causing them to veer into other lanes and hit other vehicles on the road. To help reduce the incidence of these accidents, it is important that truck drivers and trucking companies regularly inspect and maintain their trucks.
