An Overview of the Deadliest Types of Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Although large commercial trucks only make up 5% of vehicles traveling on U.S. roadways, the FMCSA estimates that over 13% of all fatal crashes involve one or more commercial trucks or buses. Of those who died as a result of a truck accident, seven out of 10 were drivers or passengers of other vehicles - not occupants of the trucks. Below, we will discuss common types of truck accidents and how they can lead to serious injuries, including death.
At Virginia Beach Injury Law, we understand just how devastating it can be to suffer serious injuries in a truck accident. That is why Ron Kramer, a top truck accident lawyer in Virginia Beach, fights tirelessly to get injured victims the compensation they deserve. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, learn how we can help by calling (757) 802-4662 and scheduling a FREE consultation.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Any motor vehicle accident can lead to serious injuries. But when one of the vehicles involved is a tractor-trailer, the chances of serious injuries and even death are significantly higher. This is because of the size and weight discrepancy between the truck and a standard passenger vehicle. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas the average car weighs in at just 4,000 pounds.
Big rigs are also much bigger and taller than cars. Cars can be smashed when hit by the front of a truck but can also get wedged underneath a big rig in a rear-end or T-bone accident.
Rear-end Collisions
When a car is hit from behind by a much larger and heavier commercial truck, the impact can crush the vehicle, leading to serious, often fatal, injuries. Tractor-trailers need much more time and distance to slow down or stop. When a truck driver is following too closely, distracted, or traveling too fast, their actions can lead to devastating rear-end crashes. Driver fatigue and driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol can also cause serious truck crashes.
Head-on Collisions
When drivers are fatigued, distracted, reckless, or operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can drift out of their lane and into the path of oncoming traffic. Tire blowouts or hazardous road conditions can also lead to head-on collisions.
Rollover Accidents
Commercial trucks have a much higher center of gravity than standard cars, which is why truck drivers must exercise great caution when making turns. If they turn too sharply or make a turn while going too fast, the tractor-trailer can roll over. Deadly rollover crashes involving 18-wheelers can also occur when the trailer is not loaded properly, or the weight of the cargo exceeds the trailer’s weight limit.
T-Bone Crashes
Also known as “side-impact” crashes, T-bone accidents typically occur in intersections. When a truck driver or motorist fails to stop at a red light or stop sign, they can crash into the side of a car or truck passing through the intersection.
Jackknife Accidents
Improper braking, equipment failure, and icy or wet roads can cause a big rig’s trailer and cab to fold in on themselves at the point of separation. When they do so, the truck and cab form a 90-degree angle, thus resembling a pocket knife blade folding into its handle.
Wide Turn Collisions
Making a right turn in a truck is challenging due to the length of the trailer. Often, commercial truck drivers swing far to the left, even outside of their lane, in order to make a right turn. However, entering another lane of traffic create a dangerous situation for those traveling in the other lane. Those motorists can crash into the truck or even get caught beneath the trailer itself.
Sideswipe Crashes
When motorists or truck drivers leave their lane and collide with another car or truck traveling the same direction in the lane next to them, it is referred to as a “sideswipe” accident. Often, these crashes occur because either the truck driver or passenger vehicle motorist failed to check their blindspots adequately. Sideswipe accidents are also caused by distracted driving, driving under the influence, or fatigued driving.
Speak with a Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyer for FREE
After sustaining severe injuries or suffering the tragic loss of a loved one in a truck accident, knowing your legal options is critical. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, you might be entitled to significant financial compensation.
At Virginia Beach Injury Law, we fight tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. Whether you are seeking damages in a truck accident case or demanding compensation for the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death lawsuit, we are here to help. We will work with you to determine the cause of the accident and work to collect maximum compensation for all at-fault parties.
To learn more about your legal options following a serious truck accident, call (757) 802-4662 and schedule a FREE consultation with a commercial truck accident attorney in Virginia Beach.
