Common Types of Truck Accidents

Many of the most common types of truck accidents can be prevented, but they still occur. When you need an attorney to help you with any truck accident cases, call the legal experts in accidents involving trucks at RAM Law. This New Jersey firm specializes in the most common types of truck accidents, as well as situations outside the norm. Call today to learn more and get the best representation in the state.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents take on various forms, but collisions involving commercial trucks, like semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, cause severe injuries and extensive damage due to their size and weight. Moreover, accidents involving trucks may occur in ways that are unlikely to happen in collisions between two passenger vehicles. Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions. These accidents occur when a truck driver collides with the vehicle in front. They’re particularly dangerous because of the size and weight of the truck.
• Truck rollovers. This devastating type of accident happens when big rigs tip over on their side, due to speeding, a sharp turn, unstable cargo or uneven roads. Rollovers cause severe damage to the truck and other vehicles on the road.
• Head-on collisions. Considered the most perilous type of accident, a head-on collision occurs when vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. These accidents are unexpected and often result in death.
• Jackknife accidents. These occur when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. It occurs when a truck driver brakes suddenly or turns sharply. It may result in the truck blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
• Wide turn accidents. This type of accident occurs when a commercial truck is making a turn, which often needs to be wide to accommodate the trailer. It may result in collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or stationary objects.
• T-bone accidents. Also known as a side-impact or broadside collision, this occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a T shape. Because the sides of vehicles are less protected than the front or rear, it almost always results in injuries.
• Sideswipe accidents. In the case of a sideswipe truck accident, a commercial truck makes contact with the side of another vehicle, usually a passenger car.

If you’ve experienced any of these types of truck accidents, contact the knowledgeable truck accident attorneys of RAM Law in New Jersey. They can advise you, no matter what types of truck accidents may have occurred.

What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Both truck drivers and motorists should practice safe driving habits, especially when sharing the road with 18-wheelers.

The most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver error. This includes distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigue and failure to obey traffic laws.
• Equipment failure. Truck accidents may occur when the vehicle’s brakes, tires, steering or other critical components fail.
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo. Incorrectly loaded cargo may shift during transport and cause the truck to become unstable, leading to an accident.

Poor road conditions also cause truck accidents in several ways, such as:

• Reduced traction. Wet or icy roads make it more difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of losing control.
• Potholes and uneven pavement. Road damage such as potholes and uneven pavement can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, especially at high speeds.
• Construction zones. Construction zones present a hazard for truck drivers due to narrowed lanes, sudden changes in traffic patterns and the presence of construction equipment and workers.
• Adverse weather conditions. Truckers may encounter difficulties driving in icy, snowy or rainy conditions, due to the slower stopping speed and heavy weight of their vehicles. Heavy rain, fog or snow limit the driver’s visibility, making it difficult to see other vehicles or obstacles on the road.
• Inadequate training or experience. Drivers without professional training or lacking in experience increase the possibility of making critical errors while operating a commercial truck.
• Negligence on the part of the trucking company. In some cases, truck accidents are due to the negligence of the trucking company for failing to properly maintain their vehicles or encouraging drivers to exceed legal driving limits.

Without proper training and preparation for all conditions, truck drivers are at risk of causing accidents. If you’re involved, RAM Law stands ready to fight for your rights and fair compensation through the settlement process.

Do Truck Drivers Cause More Accidents?

Truck drivers don’t necessarily cause more accidents than drivers of other types of vehicles. But due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving trucks may have graver consequences than accidents involving smaller vehicles. To limit the various types of truck accidents, truck drivers are required to adhere to strict safety regulations, such as:

• Limits on driving hours
• Regular vehicle inspections
• Mandatory rest periods

These regulations are in place to help reduce the risk of accidents. The causes of accidents involving trucks vary, but truck drivers are responsible for their share. Overall, while accidents involving trucks usually have profound consequences, it’s not accurate to say that truck drivers are inherently more likely to cause accidents than drivers of other types of vehicles.

How Can Truck Accidents Be Prevented?

While some types of truck accidents are no one’s fault, you can take steps as a driver to avoid them. Don’t speed around tractor trailers on tight turns. Follow the rules of the road when truckers have the right of way. Truck drivers can do their part to prevent truck accident cases by taking advantage of several resources available, such as:

• Driver training. Truck drivers must receive comprehensive training on safe driving practices, defensive driving techniques and how to manage their vehicle in different road and weather conditions.
• Vehicle maintenance. Regular inspections and maintenance of the truck’s critical components prevent equipment failures that could lead to accidents.
• Compliance with regulations. Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with federal and state regulations governing hours of service, weight limits and other safety requirements.
• Avoiding distractions. Truck drivers must avoid distractions while driving, such as using their phone, eating or engaging in other activities that take their attention away from the road.
• Sharing the road. You must be aware of the limitations of large commercial trucks, such as their longer stopping distances and limited visibility. Give them plenty of space on the road.
• Technology. Truckers should use advanced safety technologies, such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure warning systems and electronic stability control to help prevent accidents.

Implementing these measures reduces the types of truck accidents that lead to lawsuits, making the roads safer for everyone. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that truck accidents may be avoided by using advanced trip preparation, safe driving speeds and compliance with federal regulations.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact the attorneys at RAM Law in one of the New Jersey areas we serve. They specialize in managing truck accident cases, boasting over 15 years of experience. They listen to the details of your case and take the necessary time to understand your specific needs and concerns. RAM Law attorneys keep you informed and engaged throughout the process.