Although most truck drivers adhere to the set driving conduct, some accidents are unavoidable. The wrecks may hold you liable or other truck-related parties depending on negligence as the principal law. The following guide outlines the five most common truck accidents and their potential causes. Learn more about truck accidents and how to avoid them in this article.
Whether the truck mishap involves your track only or two or more vehicles, it’s advisable to seek legal advice and representation as you seek compensation. You should apply legality whether you’re at fault or not and if you caused any of the following truck accidents.
- Jackknife Accidents: One of the most common truck crashes is jackknife accidents. Jackknife truck accidents happen when a truck skids or makes improper turnovers after the rear trailer becomes discordant with the front cab. Jackknife mishaps are dangerous, mainly on busy roads, since the truck may carry several vehicles as it finds its way through the traffic.
- Head-On Collision: Another truck wreck accident happens when a truck loses control and drifts into the wrong lane. The truck ends up colliding with the incoming traffic. In most cases, this accident happens if the driver has been driving for long hours or due to mechanical problems.
- Rear-End Collisions: This crash happens when drivers follow a truck or another car too closely. In the case of instant braking, the truck hits the car from the rear side, causing fatal car damages and injuries.
- Truck Rollovers: As the name suggests, rollover accidents occur when a truck loses balance and the trailer sways on one side, causing it to flip and roll the entire truck. Often, the leading cause of this wreck is improper container loading.
- Side-Impact Accidents: This mishap occurs when a truck collides with another car at a perpendicular angle that makes a “T” shape after colliding. Side-impact collision affects the car occupants more since the vehicle sides have lesser mass than the front and rear ends to absorb collision forces.
Possible Causes of Truck Accidents and Their Solutions
While each type has its different characteristics, causes, and severity, there are joint contributions that lead to these crashes. Here are some of the accident contributors and how to avoid them.
Drunk Driving: Driving or operating under the influence increases the chances of truck accidents. Usually, alcohol or drugs impairs how your brain functions.
Solution: Don’t drink and drive or operate a truck under the influence.
Inadequate Training: Unfortunately, truck drivers have never attended driving lessons. Lack of skills impairs how they navigate and interpret road signs on different roads. Also, unskilled truck drivers must be more conversant with the driving rules and regulations.
Solution: Before hitting the road, attend driving classes and attain a valid driving license.
Over Speeding: Running late to deliver a customer’s load could lead to a fatal accident that claim people’s lives. Many states have set speed limits, which all drivers must adhere to while driving on any road.
Solution: Drive your truck within the speed limits per state regulations.
Harsh Weather Conditions: While snow affects tire traction, fog affects visibility. Also, strong winds and heavy rains may result in truck accidents due to sliding and loss of trailer balance.
Solution: Be careful and drive at a lower speed in unfavorable weather conditions.
Distracted Driving: Driving while eating or talking on the phone may result in truck wrecks. When you’re multitasking, you’re forcing your brain to handle different tasks simultaneously.
Solution: Never use a phone while driving. If you must, move your car to the roadside and resume driving after hanging up.
Truck accidents are preventable and avoidable regardless of the type and how they happen. The above guideline outlines the common truck accidents and their causes. Also, it has insightful solutions for the mentioned contributors.