Different Types of Truck Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Research shows that commercial lorries are less than 5 percent of the registered vehicles on U.S roads. Unfortunately, more than 13 percent of road accidents involve commercial trucks. Among other causes, these accidents result from the weight and speed of the vehicle. Knowing various truck tragedies will help you identify a hitch on the road and probably prevent it. 

Below are some types of truck accidents and how to evade them.

Rollover Accidents

These accidents happen when a large commercial vehicle overturns. They occur when the driver losses control over the truck. In most cases, accidents might happen when you drive too fast on sharp inclines or turn quickly. It can also be caused by inadequate and imbalanced cargo loading. The situation is risky, especially for cars approaching the truck or trying to overtake. To prevent these misfortunes, ensure the cargo is secure to avoid shifting.

Underride Truck Accidents

They occur when a car collides with a trailer from the back side. The car slides beneath the commercial vehicle because it is higher than most trucks. The passenger vehicle may be crashed completely, causing injuries and damage. You can be compensated after filing a truck accident settlement claim with an indemnity agent. The accident may result from the lorry driver breaking quickly when the other motorist is unaware. You can avoid this accident by adding reflective tapes, especially to trucks with a dark background. This will enable motorists to see the truck ahead when driving at night. Moreover, concentrate and avoid driving under the influence.

Brake Failure Accidents

Truck accidents may also happen due to brake failure. Fortunately, these incidences are rare due to the frequent maintenance of commercial vehicles. Truck brakes may be faulty because of improper installation. They may also fail if they are old and overused. Ensure that mechanics regularly service your truck’s braking system to avoid the occurrence. They should also inspect the brake pad’s condition and change it if necessary to keep them in perfect working condition.

Unsecured Load Accidents

The United States has federal rules for the transportation of truckloads. The guidelines are put in place to avoid crashes due to insecure loads. If the cargo is not firm, it causes an imbalance on the trailer, which can easily lead to spillages and accidents. To avoid this, cargo trucks should be fastened with the right restraints. The fasteners depend on the cargo type, weight, and vehicle size. This is the reason there are scaling points along highways.

Head-on Collision

Truck drivers may swerve from their lane and drift into a coming vehicle. This happens due to several reasons. They may be tired since they drive for long hours. Similarly, drivers under the influence of alcohol and other drugs are likely to cause a head-on collision. You can avoid the misfortune by evading distractions and focusing on the road signs. In addition, do not drive when you are too tired or under the influence.

Whether rollover, underride, or a head-on collision, truck tragedies can be fatal. Fortunately, you can minimize their probability if you follow the necessary guidelines. Follow the federal highway regulations and maintain your commercial lorry to keep yourself and other road users safe.