What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accident Cases?
Truck accidents are often devastating events with traumatic consequences. Being involved in an accident with a large truck can result in life-altering injuries and a future wrought with financial instability.
At Whitestone Young, PC, our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and resources to tackle the most common truck accident cases. What are they? We’ve compiled a detailed list of the common types of truck accident cases and how we can help.
Common Types of Truck Accidents on Fairfax Roadways
Most large truck accidents on Fairfax roadways are caused by carelessness or driver error. Unfortunately, when a professional truck driver fails to exercise caution behind the wheel, their actions can trigger significant truck accident cases like:
- Jackknife accidents – Jackknife accidents occur when a large semi-truck folds in half. The cab of the truck forms a 90-degree angle with the trailer. These accidents are typically caused by braking too hard or too quickly.
- Rollovers – Rollover accidents are more common in large vehicles because of their high center of gravity and weight distribution. Maneuvering a truck too quickly or shifting cargo can throw it off balance, leading to the truck tipping and rolling over.
- Pile-up accidents – Multicar collisions or pile-up accidents involve two or more vehicles. These types of accidents are common during periods of inclement weather.
- Hazardous spills – Semi-trucks transport a variety of materials across the country. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift or come loose, spilling dangerous debris on the road. Trucks may also be transporting hazardous materials. If spilled, these materials can cause significant health complications and explosions.
- Tire blowouts – Tire blowouts can happen at any time. However, large trucks are particularly susceptible to dangerous accident-causing blowouts.
- T-bone crashes – A T-bone crash occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. These accidents are common at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign.
- Blind spot accidents – Large trucks have several “no-zones” or blind spots due to their size and shape. Drivers not monitoring their blind spots when changing lanes can cause dangerous accidents.
- Wide-turn collisions – Large trucks need a wide birth to negotiate turns, especially right turns. Getting too close to a turning truck can put someone in danger of being hit or crushed.
- Underride accidents – Most trucks come equipped with a bar called an underride guard, a steel bar hanging off the back of the truck. It prevents smaller cars from traveling under the truck in a rear crash. However, hitting this bar can also cause massive damage and injuries to those in passenger vehicles.
- Head-on collisions – A head-on collision happens when two vehicles collide front to front. These crashes are particularly deadly, especially when a large truck is involved.
These types of accidents are often caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Inexperienced drivers
- Mechanical defects
While the driver may bear much of the responsibility for causing an accident, the trucking company, cargo loading company, or another third party may also be liable.
Contact an Experienced Fairfax Truck Accident Attorney Immediately
Common does not mean insignificant. Were you involved in a truck accident with a careless driver? You need immediate legal representation to protect your rights. At Whitestone Young, PC, we have experience pursuing common and complex truck accident cases. Trucking companies work hard to protect their profits. Seek help from an attorney willing to fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
To set up a free legal consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney, call our Fairfax office at 703-591-0200 today.
