Different Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Updated on February 9, 2022

Commercial vehicles are the primary source of transportation for shipping cargo from one place across the United States to the other. These trucks, while huge in size due to their trailers, are usually driven by safe drivers. These drivers will have a particular type of license and go through training to navigate these trucks. However, if there is an unsafe driver, commercial vehicles can cause mayhem with their wreckage.

One way to keep drivers alert and safe on the roads is by identifying the types of truck accidents common with these large commercial vehicles. The following are the types of accidents found on roads:

Pileup Accidents

Pileup accidents, commonly known as chain-reaction accidents, are accidents that involve three or more vehicles. An example of this accident includes: a speeding truck rear-ending a car stopped in traffic and pushes it into stopped or slow-moving vehicles also in traffic. To avoid, leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you. You should be able to see their license plate; if not, then you are too close.

By the same token, it’s simple to understand the terror that follows from a collision between a big truck or tractor-trailer and an automobile. Because of the size disparity, a semi-truck is capable of causing significantly more damage to a car than a regular car collision. Federal laws are more complicated than those enforced on the average Oklahoma road user. In this case, you will want the services of a semi-truck accident attorney who is familiar with the special regulations of the road. (source: https://www.kanialaw.com/tulsa-attorneys/personal-injury-law/semi-truck-accident)

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident is an incident when a tractor is towing a trailer folds or spins on impact so that it resembles the angle of a folding knife. This folding action happens when a truck driver slams on the brakes and the truck spins out. The trailer swings out to the side, and the truck overturns. As a result of the jackknife, the vehicle may collide with other vehicles. These types of accidents usually occur in inclement weather or on wet and icy roads.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents are the result of a rear-end accident. An underride accident happens when a vehicle rear-ends a commercial truck and they end up on the underside of the truck. Government statistics show that more than 200 people are killed this way every year, according to NBC News.

Truck-Pedestrian Accidents

Truck-pedestrian accidents occur when a commercial vehicle collides into a pedestrian. Truck-pedestrian accident consequences can be catastrophic due to the weight of a commercial vehicle colliding into a person. The faster a commercial truck goes, the higher the chance of a fatal injury.

Rear-End Accidents

Texas roadways see rear-end accidents far too often. These accidents are a common result of distracted driving, such as texting and driving. These accidents occur at intersections, in traffic, and even in suburbia. Rear-end accidents happen when one driver isn’t paying attention, and they crash into the rear of the car in front of them. If a rear-end accident includes three or more vehicles, it leads to a pileup accident.

Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions are scary, life-changing situations. These collisions are caused by fatigue and/or distractions, and happen when one driver maneuvers their vehicle into an oncoming lane. The results end with two front-facing cars colliding. For commercial trucks, the impact can be extremely severe, with some accidents erupting in flames.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were involved in any of the collisions listed above, contact a highly-skilled truck accident lawyer today. Accident lawyers from successful law firms like Sutliff & Stout Law Firm have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your accident case gets the maximum compensation. Whether you need a truck accident lawyer, bicycle accident lawyer, or a pedestrian accident lawyer, lawyers like Sutliff & Stout are here to help.

The best car accident lawyers make sure your rights are protected. Don’t hesitate to contact a car accident law firm for your truck accident today.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.