Trucking accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. Roughly 500,000 accidents occur annually, with 5,000 ending in a fatality in the United States. Accidents involving large vehicles can result in life-altering consequences.
There are many different types of trucking accidents, but some of the most common include the following:
– Jackknife accidents occur when a tractor-trailer’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can happen if the driver brakes suddenly or if the trailer is overloaded. Jackknife accidents can be hazardous because they often result in the complete loss of control of the truck.
– Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents occur when a truck overturns onto its side or roof. They can be caused by several factors, including speeding, sharp turns, and improper loading of the truck. Rollover accidents are often severe because they can result in the truck driver being ejected from the cab.
– Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents involving large trucks. They occur when a truck rear-ends another vehicle, often because the truck driver was following too closely or was not paying attention to the traffic ahead. Rear-end collisions can be hazardous because of the size and weight of large trucks.
– Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are another type of accident that can be particularly dangerous. They occur when a truck collides with another vehicle head-on. Head-on collisions often happen when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel or drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you have been involved in any trucking accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced trucking accident lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Who Is Liable For Trucking Accidents?
While anyone can be held liable for a truck accident, the party most often responsible is the truck driver. Truck drivers are expected to follow specific regulations to ensure the safety of other motorists. They can be held liable when they fail to do so, and an accident occurs.
Other parties that may be held liable in a trucking accident include the trucking company, the truck’s owner, or the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. If any of these parties contributed to the cause of the accident, they might be held liable.
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, contact us. We can help you determine who is liable for your injuries. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.