Different Types of Truck Accidents
After being struck by a large truck, you likely want to file a claim against whoever was responsible for causing the accident. The truck driver might seem to be the responsible party, but it’s not always that simple. Sometimes, the trucking company or truck part manufacturer is at fault for the accident. Your truck accident attorney will investigate what happened to decide who was at fault. First, we’ll have to look at the facts of the accident to determine what parties are liable. Here are some of the types of truck collisions that can happen and result in injuries:
Blind Spots
Since trucks are large and can only have so many mirrors, there are many blind spots around the rig that regular vehicles should avoid. These “no zones” are where collisions occur because the trucker could not see you were in the adjacent lane. If the truck driver tries to switch lanes and doesn’t see you or brakes suddenly, they could crash into your car.
Override
When a truck cannot stop in time and drives over a regular-sized vehicle, it’s known as an override accident. This can occur when there is not enough roadway for a big rig to come to a complete stop, and it impacts the car ahead. This can be especially dangerous because the vehicle, along with the driver and passengers, is crushed. This type of accident could occur due to driver negligence or, as a result, a defective or malfunctioning part or safety system.
Underride
Underride occurs when a regular-sized vehicle fails to stop in time and crashes into the back of a semi-truck. This can cause the front of the car to go underneath the truck, become trapped, and potentially crush the driver if they were traveling at a high speed.
Jackknife
Since trailers are connected to the cab of a truck by a joint, the trailer can swing if the trucker loses control. If the trucker drives too fast and loses control or brakes too quickly, they can cause a jackknife accident, which is when the cab and trailer form an L-shape. The huge, heavy trailer can sweep across a roadway, hitting one or more vehicles with incredible force.
Rollover
Much like accidents with regular cars, large trucks can also roll over. The difference is that the weight and size of a commercial truck can make these incidents even more dangerous for others sharing the road.
Any of these situations can lead to you being involved in a truck collision. If you don’t see what happened to you on this list, you still may have suffered from a crash that wasn’t your fault. A Bentonville truck accident lawyer can help you determine who was responsible and what you’re owed for the damages you suffered.