What are Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Of all the different types of accidents on the road, those involving commercial trucks are some of the most serious. Truck accidents can happen in a number of ways, depending on driver behavior, road conditions, and the cargo being carried. There are also many different types of truck accidents. Our San Antonio truck accident attorney outlines some of the most common of these below.

Rear-End Accidents

When a rear-end accident occurs between two smaller vehicles, the crash is typically very minor. This is not the case when an 18-wheeler rear-ends a passenger vehicle. Due to the sheer size and weight of transport trucks, they need much more distance to slow down and come to a full stop than other vehicles. When truck drivers are distracted, follow other vehicles too closely, or speed, they are more likely to cause a rear-end collision.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents are some of the most serious types of collisions involving trucks. These accidents occur when a smaller passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a commercial truck. These accidents can occur if a truck driver suddenly slams on their brakes or if a truck driver merges without properly checking their blind spots. Underride accidents are often fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle because the roof of the car is usually crushed or sheared off during the crash.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of a truck swings out at an acute angle to the cab, forming the same shape as a jackknife. These crashes are typically caused by sudden or improper braking, speeding, mechanical issues, or slippery road conditions. When a truck jackknifes, the trailer can block many lanes of traffic, which can cause secondary accidents.

Rollover Accidents

Driver error, improperly loaded cargo, sharp turns, and high winds can all cause a truck rollover accident. Rollovers are very dangerous for anyone in the vicinity of the truck. A trailer that rolls over can crush nearby vehicles and hazardous cargo can spill onto the roadway. Truck rollover accidents can also create large multi-vehicle pileups on the highways.

Tire Blowouts 

Again, commercial trucks are very heavy. The weight of the truck itself, as well as any cargo it is carrying, can prove to be too much for a truck’s tires to bear. Truck drivers are required to ensure their tires are properly maintained so they do not cause a crash. Still, when a truck tire blows out, the driver can quickly lose control of their vehicle. Additionally, pieces of broken tire are very heavy and can hit other vehicles, causing secondary accidents.

Call Our Truck Accident Attorney in San Antonio After a Crash

Regardless of the type of crash you have been involved in, our San Antonio truck accident attorney can help. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our experienced attorney can determine how your crash occurred to determine who is liable and hold them accountable for paying a fair settlement. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.