The most common types of truck accidents are jackknife, rollover, rear-end collisions, underride accidents, wide turns, and blind spot crashes. Each has unique causes and risks and can seriously injure those involved.
If you or a loved one is recovering from one of these types of truck accidents, a Charlotte truck accident lawyer from our firm can handle the process of filing a claim or lawsuit to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost pay, and more. You can learn more during a free consultation.
Common Types of Truck Accidents and How They Happen
Large trucks are an essential part of our economy, but accidents involving these massive vehicles can be incredibly dangerous for everyone, including bystanders and other road users, including pedestrians.
Understanding the most common types of truck accidents can help drivers stay safer on the road. Below, we explore these accident types and how they often occur.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when the truck’s cab and trailer fold at a sharp angle, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Sudden braking, slippery roads, or improper turning techniques typically cause these accidents.
Drivers of smaller vehicles must stay aware of a truck’s movements, especially during poor weather conditions. Our attorneys can investigate whether improper maintenance or driver negligence caused the crash.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over due to sharp turns, excessive speeds, or an imbalanced load. These incidents can crush smaller vehicles or cause major traffic disruptions.
If you’ve suffered injury in a rollover accident, we can help analyze the factors leading to the crash and determine whether the truck driver or company failed to comply with safety regulations.
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end collisions involving trucks often result from their longer stopping distances and distracted driving. Victims in smaller vehicles are at a higher risk of whiplash, spinal injuries, or fatalities.
Our firm can gather evidence such as dashcam footage or brake records to build a strong case for your recovery.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are some of the deadliest truck crashes. They occur when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath a truck’s trailer. Insufficient underride guards or sudden stops often cause these accidents.
Our truck accident lawyers can hold trucking companies accountable for failing to meet safety standards.
Wide-Turn Accidents
Wide-turn accidents occur when trucks swing left before turning right, leaving smaller vehicles caught in their path. Drivers must give trucks plenty of space to turn safely.
If you’ve been involved in a wide-turn collision, we will work to prove whether the truck driver was properly trained or negligent.
Blind Spot Accidents
Blind spot accidents happen in the no-zones surrounding large trucks, where visibility is limited. Smaller vehicles should avoid staying in these areas for extended periods. Our legal team can investigate whether the truck driver checked their mirrors and blind spots as required before the crash occurred.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
Other Types of Truck Crashes Can Also Cause Injuries, Losses
While some truck accidents, like jackknife or blind spot crashes, are more well-known, other types of crashes can be just as dangerous and devastating. From mechanical failures to improperly secured cargo, these incidents often result in severe injuries and property damage.
Below are additional types of truck accidents, their causes, and how they can be prevented.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts happen when a truck’s tire bursts, often due to poor maintenance, excessive weight, or road hazards. A blowout can cause the truck to veer uncontrollably, putting nearby vehicles at risk of collisions or flying debris.
Drivers can avoid accidents by maintaining a safe distance from trucks, especially if a tire appears worn or underinflated.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions involving trucks are among the deadliest accidents due to the massive weight and force of these vehicles. These crashes often happen on two-lane roads, during improper passing, or when a truck crosses the centerline due to driver fatigue or distraction.
The sheer impact can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Staying vigilant and avoiding distractions can help prevent these tragic crashes.
Lost Load Accidents
Lost load accidents occur when a truck’s cargo is improperly secured, allowing debris to fall onto the road. This can cause pileups, vehicle damage, or injuries as drivers swerve to avoid the hazards.
Trucking companies are responsible for making sure that cargo is properly loaded and secured to prevent these dangerous incidents.
How We Can Lead Your Truck Accident Claim or Lawsuit
When you’re injured in a truck accident, managing the process for an insurance claim or lawsuit can feel like a lot to take on, especially when you need time to care for your injuries.
Our personal injury lawyers in Charlotte can guide you every step of the way to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
- Conducting thorough investigations: We gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and vehicle maintenance records to build a strong case.
- Identifying all liable parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties; we work to pinpoint who is at fault, from drivers to trucking companies or manufacturers.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We handle communication and negotiations with insurers to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your losses.
- Reviewing damages: Our team will evaluate your economic and non-economic damages to determine the worth of your injury case. Compensation should cover your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, among other losses
- Advocating for you in court: If we cannot settle your case outside of court, our lawyers are prepared to represent you in court to pursue justice at trial.
- Providing guidance and support: We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery, keeping you informed throughout the process. This includes filing your lawsuit on time. We generally have three years from the accident date to file it, per G.S. § 1-52, North Carolina’s statute of limitations deadline.
With our legal team advocating for you, you can feel confident in pursuing a truck accident claim or lawsuit to secure the compensation and accountability you deserve.
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Steps to Take if You are in a Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident, your safety is the top priority. Move to a safe area, if possible, and call 911 to report the incident. You should also seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel pain or think your injuries are minor.
Document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from witnesses. Avoid saying anything that someone could interpret as accepting blame for the crash.
Finally, when you are safe and have received medical care, you can consult with our truck crash attorneys, who will guide you through the process of resolving your legal matter.
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Call Us Today for a Free Consultation About Your Truck Accident
The most common types of accidents can cause serious and deadly injuries. If you have suffered injuries and losses due to a negligent truck driver or another party, call us today for help.
At DeMayo Law Offices, we’ve been fierce advocates for injured people since 1992, securing over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. When you hire us, you’re hiring a team of experienced attorneys who will handle your entire case so you can focus on recovery.
You’ll never pay us anything upfront—no fees, no retainer, not a dime. You only pay if we win your case. Call our team today for a free consultation.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
