Unfortunately, there are approximately 6 million accidents in the United States each year. Not all of them involve conventional cars, though.
It should come as no surprise to learn truck accidents are some of the most dangerous types you can experience on the road. Interestingly, there are different types of truck accidents that not everybody is aware of.
Let’s explore what you should know about them.
Rear-End Accidents
This type of truck accident is one of the most common. Unfortunately, it can easily prove to be deadly for the victims.
Frequent causes behind a rear-end truck accident include driver impairment, lack of visibility, or poor road conditions. Depending on how fast the truck was moving, a rear-end accident could also affect multiple vehicles.
This is especially true if the truck collides with a stationary vehicle, such as at a traffic light.
Jackknife Accident
This type of accident gets its name from the shape that the trailer makes during the collision. More specifically, the trailer begins to fold in on itself and resemble a jackknife.
Due to how a jackknife accident occurs, it can affect a large number of people at once across a wide area. Additionally, it’s entirely possible for this type of accident to push other cars off the road as a result of the momentum behind the swinging trailer.
If you’ve found yourself to be a victim of a truck accident, it’s imperative that you seek legal counsel immediately. You can visit this resource to help connect you with a reputable truck accident lawyer.
Runaway Trailer
As the name suggests, a truck driver who has lost control of their trailer is often the cause of this type of collision. But, the driver isn’t always entirely to blame.
When the speed of the trailer exceeds the speed of the truck itself, it begins to force the truck forward at an uncontrollable rate. In many scenarios, it may even become impossible to use the brakes.
It’s also not likely for the trailer to detach from the truck, putting everyone in the immediate area at risk of severe injury or death.
Underride Crashes
When a smaller vehicle becomes lodged underneath the trailer, this incident is referred to as an underride crash. Unfortunately, this is one of the most dangerous types of accidents for those who are affected by it.
Since the smaller vehicle becomes stuck underneath the weight of the trailer, it’s highly likely that the victim will not survive. In the unlikely event that they do, they are often left with lifelong injuries, such as paralysis.
Although some underride crashes occur due to the victim’s poor driving behavior, they are almost always the result of the truck driver’s negligence.
Truck Accidents Can Be Catastrophic
So, it’s essential that you understand how to recognize them. From here, you can navigate around nearby truck accidents and ensure that you stay safe while on the road.
Want to learn more info you should keep in mind? Be sure to explore what the rest of our blog has to offer.
