7 Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents can cause devastating injuries because of the size, weight, and operating characteristics of tractor-trailers and other large trucks. When a collision involves an 18-wheeler, delivery truck, or other commercial vehicle, the consequences can be particularly serious for occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.
Understanding how these accidents happen can help drivers recognize dangerous situations and take precautions when sharing the road.
Below are seven common types of truck accidents, their potential causes, and important safety considerations for Florida motorists.
1. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end truck accidents occur when a commercial truck strikes another vehicle from behind or when a passenger vehicle collides with the rear of a truck.
Large trucks generally require more distance to stop than passenger vehicles, particularly when traveling at highway speeds or carrying heavy loads.
Common contributing factors include distracted driving, following too closely, excessive speed, driver fatigue, and inadequate braking distance.
Because of the significant difference in vehicle size and weight, rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and fractures.
2. Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a tractor-trailer's trailer swings outward, forming an angle with the truck's cab.
These accidents can happen when the trailer loses traction or the driver loses control, particularly during sudden braking, sharp maneuvers, or slippery road conditions.
A jackknifed trailer may block multiple lanes of traffic, creating the potential for secondary collisions involving several vehicles.
Investigating these accidents may require examining driver actions, braking systems, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance records.
3. Underride Accidents
An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the rear or side of a commercial truck's trailer.
These collisions are especially dangerous because the trailer can intrude into the passenger compartment of the smaller vehicle, potentially causing catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Poor visibility, inadequate lighting, unsafe lane changes, and insufficient stopping distance may contribute to underride collisions.
Determining what caused an underride accident can involve reviewing vehicle design, safety equipment, driver conduct, and the circumstances of the collision.
4. Blind Spot Accidents
Commercial trucks have substantial blind spots, often called no-zones, along their sides, directly behind the trailer, and in front of the cab.
When a passenger vehicle enters one of these areas, the truck driver may have difficulty seeing it.
Blind spot accidents frequently occur during lane changes, merging, and turning maneuvers.
Truck drivers have a responsibility to check their surroundings before changing lanes or turning, while other motorists can reduce their risk by avoiding prolonged travel alongside large trucks.
5. Rollover Accidents
Truck rollover accidents happen when a commercial vehicle tips onto its side or roof.
Factors that may contribute to a rollover include excessive speed, sharp turns, improperly secured cargo, uneven loading, and sudden steering maneuvers.
A rollover can affect multiple lanes, scatter cargo across the roadway, or strike nearby vehicles.
Investigations may examine whether the truck was properly loaded, maintained, and operated under the conditions present at the time of the accident.
6. Wide Turn Accidents
Large trucks need additional space to make turns, especially right turns at intersections.
A truck driver may initially move left to create enough room for a right turn. If another vehicle enters the space beside the truck, it can become trapped between the trailer and the curb or another obstacle.
These collisions may involve inadequate signaling, poor visibility, driver misjudgment, or failure to account for surrounding traffic.
Motorists should avoid positioning themselves alongside a truck that is preparing to turn.
7. Tire Blowout Accidents
A tire blowout can cause a truck driver to lose control, particularly at highway speeds.
Blown tires may also scatter debris into surrounding traffic, creating additional hazards for nearby motorists.
Potential causes include worn tires, improper inflation, excessive loads, road hazards, and inadequate maintenance.
When a tire failure contributes to a serious collision, investigators may need to examine inspection records, maintenance practices, and the condition of the failed tire.
How to Stay Safe Around Commercial Trucks
Although not every truck accident can be prevented, understanding how large commercial vehicles operate can help motorists reduce their risk.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Large trucks can obstruct your view of traffic ahead. Leave enough distance to see developing hazards and respond safely.
Allow additional space during heavy traffic, poor weather, or reduced visibility.
Avoid Truck Blind Spots
Avoid traveling for extended periods directly beside or behind a commercial truck.
As a general precaution, if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver may not be able to see your vehicle.
When passing, move through blind spot areas safely rather than remaining alongside the trailer.
Pass Trucks Carefully
Before passing a truck, confirm that the adjacent lane is clear and that you have enough room to complete the maneuver safely.
Avoid cutting closely in front of a truck after passing. Its driver may need considerably more distance to stop.
Give Trucks Room to Turn
Never attempt to squeeze between a turning truck and the curb.
Watch for turn signals and give commercial vehicles sufficient space to complete wide turns.
Adjust Your Driving in Bad Weather
Heavy rain, standing water, fog, and reduced visibility can make commercial truck accidents more likely.
Slow down when conditions require it, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes near large trucks.
Watch for Unsafe Driving
Speeding, erratic lane changes, distracted driving, and signs of driver fatigue can create dangerous conditions.
If you observe a commercial truck being operated dangerously, maintain a safe distance. Report an immediate threat to the appropriate authorities when it is safe to do so.
Practice Defensive Driving
Stay attentive, anticipate possible hazards, and avoid distractions.
Give commercial trucks extra room and never assume a driver can see your vehicle.
Who May Be Responsible for a Truck Accident?
Commercial truck accident cases can be more complicated than ordinary passenger vehicle collisions because multiple parties may share responsibility.
Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include:
The truck driver, if negligent driving contributed to the crash.
The trucking company, depending on its own conduct and applicable legal responsibilities.
A maintenance provider, if negligent inspection or repair work contributed to a mechanical failure.
A cargo loading company, if improperly loaded or secured cargo played a role.
A vehicle or component manufacturer, if a defective product contributed to the accident.
Determining liability may require reviewing driver logs, electronic vehicle data, inspection reports, maintenance records, photographs, and witness statements.
Preserving this evidence early can be important, particularly when a commercial trucking company controls relevant records.
Injured in a Florida Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can leave victims facing significant medical expenses, lost income, long-term rehabilitation, and uncertainty about their future.
At Daniel Sagiv Law Group, P.A., we represent people injured in commercial truck collisions in Boca Raton and throughout Florida.
Our firm helps clients investigate serious crashes, evaluate potentially responsible parties, and pursue compensation for accident-related losses.
Learn more about how our Boca Raton truck accident lawyers can help after a serious commercial vehicle collision.
Contact Daniel Sagiv Law Group at (561) 569-1387 to discuss your accident and legal options.