There are many different types of truck accidents, each with a different set of circumstances that can determine the extent of the damage done, the severity of the injuries suffered, and who can be held liable for compensating victims. So just what are the most common types of truck accidents in North Carolina? At Kreger Brodish LLP, our truck accident lawyers have successfully handled cases involving all sorts of collisions, including the following.
Truck Rollovers
A truck rollover accident is when a large commercial truck, such as a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, flips over onto its side or roof. Trucks are far more likely to roll over than passenger vehicles because they are much taller and less stable from their top-heavy construction. Rollover accidents can occur due to speeding, taking turns too quickly, improper cargo loading, and hazardous road conditions.
Truck rollover accidents are often hazardous because of the size and weight of trucks, which dwarf smaller vehicles. When a large truck flips over, it can cause extensive damage to other vehicles and road infrastructure. It can also result in serious injuries or fatalities for those involved in the accident.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end truck accident involves a truck driver hitting the back end of a passenger vehicle or vice versa. Many rear-end truck accidents happen when truck drivers follow other vehicles too closely or drive while distracted, tired, or otherwise impaired.
Rear-end truck accidents are common for a few reasons. Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, so they take longer to stop. If a truck driver is following too closely or not paying attention, they may not have enough time to stop before colliding with the back of another vehicle.
Trucks also have much larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Because of this, truck drivers often have trouble seeing what’s directly in front of them. A truck driver who is tailgating or distracted may not be aware that a smaller vehicle is close ahead, which can increase the risk of a rear-end truck collision.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on truck collision means the truck’s front end hits another vehicle’s front end. Head-on truck collisions are often particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of the average truck compared to the average passenger car.
A truck’s size and weight can make it challenging to maneuver. Truck drivers are more likely to lose control and veer into oncoming traffic if they are distracted, impaired, tired, or driving on narrow or hazardous roads.
Jackknife Accidents
In a jackknife truck accident, a large commercial truck skids or slides in a way that causes the truck’s trailer to fold up against its cab. The truck forms a shape resembling the blade of a folding knife. Many jackknife truck accidents happen when the cab of a truck slows down too suddenly or turns too sharply for the trailer to keep up, resulting in dangerous fishtailing and loss of control.
Jackknife truck accidents are more common among inexperienced truck drivers. Drivers with limited experience are more likely to take turns too sharply, coast down hills too fast, and continue driving in dangerous road conditions. Many jackknife accidents also occur when the truck’s cargo is overloaded, unbalanced, or unsecured. This reduces traction and contributes to jackknifing.
T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone truck accident, also known as a side-impact or broadside truck accident, occurs when a truck collides with the side of another vehicle. T-bone truck accidents can happen due to various factors, including driver distraction, impairment, fatigue, and reckless driving. Some T-bone truck accidents are also caused by hazardous road conditions or not yielding the right of way.
T-bone truck accidents are especially common at intersections and other road areas where vehicles often turn or cross paths. When truck drivers ignore their surroundings near intersections and merge lanes, they are more likely to not yield the right of way or run a red light or stop sign.
Sideswipe Accidents
A sideswipe truck accident is when the side of a truck collides with the side of another vehicle traveling in the same or opposite direction. Sideswipe accidents can happen because of truck driver distraction, impairment, or general carelessness. Some sideswipe truck accidents may also occur due to hazardous road conditions or improper lane changes.
Many sideswipe accidents happen because of truck driver errors. When drivers are inattentive, intoxicated, or otherwise not paying attention to the road, they are more likely to drift into neighboring lanes, ignore their blind spots, or make unsafe lane changes. These mistakes can all result in sideswipe truck collisions.
Wide Turn Accidents
Wide-turn truck accidents occur when trucks hit other vehicles or objects while trying to make wide turns. These accidents can happen because of truck driver distraction, hazardous road conditions, or driver error. For instance, a truck driver who is not paying attention to the road is more likely to misjudge the width of a turn and crash into others.
Wide-turn truck accidents are also common among inexperienced truck drivers who might try to make turns that are too wide for the size of their trucks. Many wide-turn truck accidents also occur in areas with limited visibility or along narrow or winding roads, where there is less room for error.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Durham, North Carolina to Help You
If you have questions about your rights as a truck accident victim in North Carolina, don’t hesitate to contact Kreger Brodish LLP. Our Durham personal injury lawyers can listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss your next steps when you reach out to us for your initial consultation session.
