Common Types of Truck Accidents

If one thing’s for sure, it’s that regular drivers don’t want to go head-to-head with semi trucks. Truck accidents tend to be a lot more serious than regular car crashes; many times, they result in more serious injuries and cause higher numbers of fatalities. As a responsible driver, it pays to understand the basic types of truck accidents. By educating yourself about them, they’ll be easier to avoid. Learn more about the most common types of truck accidents below.

Squeeze Play Accidents

When large trucks need to make sharp left or right turns, they often have to swing their vehicle out in the opposite directions in order to accomplish the maneuver - i.e., they’ll swing left to make a right turn. When a truck driver fails to notice a car that is next to them, they can swing over and pin it between their truck and the curb. These types of incidents are typically called “squeeze play” accidents.

Blind Spot Accidents

Blind spots can cause trouble for any driver, but the problem is more acute for the operators of large trucks. Trucks tend to have very large blind spots or “no zones.” If you are unable to spot the driver in his side mirrors, he more than likely can’t see you, either. If a truck driver is unaware of a car’s presence, he can easily change lanes and crash right into it.

Head-On Collisions

Road-weary drivers - and those who are operating on an insufficient amount of sleep - can doze off, drift into oncoming traffic and cause horrendous head-on collisions.

Brake Failure Accidents

The improper maintenance or installation of a truck’s brakes can cause them to fail, causing serious accidents on the road. Brake failure can also occur when a truck’s brakes get overheated. Brakes often overheat when a driver rides them for excessive periods of time, or when the truck is overburdened with excessive weight. Innocent drivers pay the price when brakes fail on large trucks.

Rollover Accidents

Due to their high center of gravity, trucks are susceptible to rolling over when drivers lose control. Many times, large trucks roll over onto passenger vehicles, causing severe injuries and fatalities.

Rear-End Collisions

Truck drivers have to use extreme caution when it comes to braking distances. The heavier a truck is, the more distance it needs to stop in a safe and sufficient manner. When enough space isn’t maintained, semi trucks can get into rear-end collisions with other vehicles on the road.

Truck accidents are unfortunate facts of life on today’s roads. Alert drivers can minimize the problem by being aware of how these incidents occur. Consult a truck accident attorney for the help you deserve.