A truck accident can be both life-threatening and life-changing. No matter the type of accident, you, as the victim, need to know your rights and the legal steps to take to recover your losses. The best way to do that is to work closely with a skilled truck accident attorney. Consider the various types of truck accidents and how they can influence your losses.
A truck is a large vehicle often used for hauling materials or products. It is bigger and taller than most cars and usually has more powerful engines and transmissions. These factors make it a higher risk for causing severe injuries to victims. The following types of truck accidents are some of the most common.
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck makes an improper turn or brakes poorly, causing the truck’s trailer (or back portion) to swing wide. This motion creates a “V” shape between the trailer and the tractor (the front portion of the truck).
These are some of the most unpredictable truck accidents because the force can cause the truck to skid in various directions, and thanks to the weight, it may plow into other vehicles.
A hazardous and common type of truck accident is a rollover, where the trailer and tractor flip over and roll onto their side. It may roll even further in some situations and land on another vehicle’s top.
These are some of the most deadly truck accidents for truck drivers and other cars in the path of the rolling truck. These accidents often occur if the truck driver loses control of the vehicle, and, due to the higher center of gravity than a passenger vehicle, the truck tilts off of one set of wheels until it tumbles onto one side.
If you are in an accident in which the truck strikes you from behind, this can cause deadly outcomes. When a rear-end collision occurs, the speed and force of the truck striking the other vehicle can cause devastating injury and destruction.
Rear-end collisions can occur if a truck driver is not paying attention or cannot stop because of a road hazard.
A head-on collision often occurs when a driver loses control or, for some reason, drifts into the other lane and strikes another vehicle head-on with the tractor. This type of accident may be due to the driver’s inattention or failed braking and often occurs when one driver fails to follow the right-of-way traffic laws.
The seriousness of the impact makes head-on collisions terrifying and traumatic.
In some situations, a broadside, side-impact, or T-bone truck accident occurs when the truck strikes the other vehicle on the side. These collisions often happen at intersections when one driver is not paying attention or does not have the right of way and strikes the other driver already in the intersection.
Perpendicular crashes like this cause major damage with a high risk of fatalities, especially if a person is sitting at the impact site.
Other kinds of truck accidents include instances involving multiple vehicles, rear-end accidents, or sideswipes. Wide-turn accidents happen when a truck driver takes a turn improperly, causing the truck to veer in the wrong direction or, in some cases, strike another vehicle. In all situations, the truck driver or other driver can sustain life-threatening injuries.
Truck accident injuries tend to focus heavily on the specific impact area, the rate of speed, and the size difference between the vehicles. After a truck accident, get to the emergency room for a complete examination because not all injuries will immediately appear.
Some of the most common injuries after a truck accident include:
Understanding the type of injuries suffered is essential since this can impact your losses over time. For example, a person with a traumatic brain injury may not fully recover, leaving them with limitations in speech, ability to work, and inability to meet their daily needs.
The compensation owed must help a person to recover fully from their injuries, or if that is not possible, it must give an individual the ability to get the level of care they need to meet their day-to-day needs over time.
Truck accidents occur for many reasons, and it is often up to the police and your truck accident attorney to determine what went wrong. In many situations, preventable events, such as distracted driving, intoxication, or failed vehicle maintenance, cause these accidents.
With the help of a skilled attorney, you can pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Understanding the cause and the types of your losses helps you determine the value of your case.
After any truck accident, work with a trusted truck accident attorney who can get you the compensation you deserve.
Never put off the legal process while you are dealing with your injuries. It can harm your case to delay consulting a truck accident lawyer. You might risk losing critical evidence, missing deadlines, and more.
Instead, seek a free case evaluation with a Dubois personal injury law firm today. They can assess your rights and begin investigating liability based on the type of truck accident that caused your injuries. You can sleep better at night knowing you placed your claim in the right hands.
Marcus & Mack
