We share the roads with tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, construction vehicles, and other large trucks that put us at risk for different truck accidents. What these accidents have in common is their ability to leave victims with devastating consequences in just about every area of life.
If you have been hurt in a truck-involved accident, connect with knowledgeable, compassionate Kansas City truck accident lawyers from Langdon & Emison. We fight for injury victims’ rights and will work to get you fairly compensated for every loss you have sustained.
Types of truck accidents
Trucks far outweigh passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. No matter what type of truck accident you are involved in, you face a high probability of experiencing serious damage.
Jackknife accidents
Semi-trucks comprise the trucks’ cab coupled with the trailer holding cargo. A jackknife accident occurs when the truck driver loses control and the trailer swings from behind the cab and out to the side. Ultimately, the cab and trailer come to a stop and form a jackknife or “V” shape.
As it swings, the trailer may crash into other vehicles. Once the truck stops, it presents a massive, dangerous road obstacle other vehicles may be unable to avoid.
Rollover accidents
Rollover accidents happen when a truck becomes off balance and rolls over. Depending on its speed or the power of the force that sent it off balance, it can tumble onto its side or roof. The truck can collide with other vehicles as it rolls or crushes them underneath, creating a road hazard once it comes to a full stop. Federal and state laws mandate at least some underride guards to reduce the injuries in these types of truck accidents.
Underride accidents
Trucks are taller than other vehicles. As a result, the truck floor is sometimes high enough from the ground for a smaller vehicle to slide underneath. A truck may suddenly slow down or stop, and a vehicle traveling close behind can drive under it and get trapped below.
Sideswipe accidents
Trucks have large blind spots, making it easier for vehicles traveling alongside to disappear from the truck operator’s field of vision. The truck driver may think there is room to switch lanes, only to cause a sideswipe accident. Lane merges and shifts onto exit ramps or off of entrance ramps also pose an increased risk for these occurrences.
Head-on crashes
Trucks often travel roads with opposite lanes of traffic. Sometimes, there is no barrier other than a double line between those lanes. The truck or oncoming vehicle may veer into the opposite lane and cause a head-on collision.
Rear-end crashes
Speeding, driving too fast for conditions, or following a vehicle too closely can cause rear-end collisions. Often, the initial crash leads to subsequent chain-reaction collisions.
Cargo-related accidents
If not secured properly, materials loaded on a truck bed can fly off, hitting other cars or creating a road hazard. Cargo overloads can strain a truck’s braking system, especially when a fast-moving truck must be stopped. Cargo can also shift if not loaded properly, sending the truck off balance. Liquid cargo leaks can cause slick road conditions, release toxic fumes, or erupt into flames if ignited.
Parking-related accidents
Truck operators may pull over, park on the shoulder of a busy highway, or double-park the vehicle on suburban or city streets. An improperly parked truck can impair other vehicle operators’ views of the flow of traffic, partially block intersections, or create other dangers. Though these practices are not always prohibited, truck operators must activate hazard lights and immediately place warning flares or reflective triangles around the stopped vehicle.
Causes of different types of truck accidents
Langdon & Emison will conduct a post-accident investigation to reveal the cause of your accident and the negligent party. Possible causes include:
- Driver negligence: Driving while fatigued, drunk, or distracted, disobeying traffic laws, committing driving errors, or otherwise failing to uphold the obligation to preserve the safety of others on the road
- Truck company practices: Negligent hiring practices, inadequate vehicle maintenance, pressuring drivers to drive too fast or long, or overloading cargo
- Vehicle malfunction: Brake or steering failures, tire blowouts, or other system breakdowns
- Shoddy maintenance: Inferior inspections and repair work
- Road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, road debris, unclear road markings, or non-working traffic signals
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has instituted comprehensive commercial truck operations regulations. While investigating your accident, your Independence truck accident lawyer will look to expose violations and demand accountability.
We handle all types of truck accidents
Any truck accident is a traumatic experience with long-lasting consequences. Langdon & Emison is here to help you find your way through those and into a more stable financial future. Connect with us at (866) 931-2115 or by sending a message to request your free case consultation. We are ready to fight to get you the financial justice you deserve.
