The Different Types of Truck Accidents Explained

No highway accident is pretty, but when one involves a truck carrying a large trailer and cargo, more often than not the consequences are fatal. Truck accidents are a regular occurrence, and if you have been involved in one or are just working in the industry yourself, it can help if you know the differences. Below, we have laid out a handy guide to explain the main types and causes of truck accidents.

Head-On Collison

A head-on collision is when two vehicles collide at the front end, thus head-on. These are rare accidents, as both parties can essentially see what is in front of them. Due to the physics of the crash and the speed of impact, these collisions are extremely dangerous, if not fatal.

Head-on collisions can occur for a number of reasons, from people swerving into oncoming traffic or drivers skipping lights. With trucks, it is often the case that a driver has nodded off at the wheel and swerved into oncoming traffic. In this event, you need to be legally covered and this link may help you.

Rear-End Collision

A rear-end collision is when one vehicle drives into the back of another. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as distractions and not allowing a safe braking distance. Due to the size and bulk of many trucks, they often need a greater stopping distance than a car would.

Jackknife

A jackknife accident is very specific to trucking. It occurs when a cab is towing a trailer. They are connected by a part known as the hitch.

In a jackknife accident, the cab stops moving, either through braking or collision. However, the trailer will continue to carry on, turning on the hinge and coming out to the side in a jackknife motion. This is extremely frequent with sudden braking in bad weather.

Underride Truck Accidents

An underride accident is extremely dangerous and starts as a rear-end collision, from a vehicle hitting the back of a truck. Sometimes the vehicle is so small that it can travel under the cab or trailer and become lodged. The vehicle will continue to move until the truck has come to a halt.

Rollover

A rollover is exactly as the name implies, in which a truck rolls over on its side. They are the most dangerous accident for a truck driver.

Common causes include too much speed on corners or too much weight in the trailer. However, most common is a tire blowout which can cause a loss of control.

Cargo Accidents

One other form of a truck accident is the danger posed by loads that have not been properly secured. Trucks carry a lot of different cargo, and so the danger posed can vary depending on the truck. This can cause injury to other motorists either by a direct collision or from sillages on roads and highways.

Side Impact

T Bones, angle collisions, side-impact, and broadside are all names for accidents that occur when one vehicle hits another in the side. This may be the truck smashing into the side of another vehicle, or another vehicle hitting the truck. They are usually caused by a failure to give way or skipping lights.

Get Quality Insurance

In the event of truck accidents, as a truck driver or motorist, you should have adequate insurance. This will keep you financially secure in case of any injury, loss of earnings, and compensation needs.

If you found this article useful, then check out the rest of our handy blog. We have a number of articles on motoring and finance that will guide you through any legal problems you may have.