Common Types of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

There are many different types of tractor-trailer accidents. Some of the most common include:

Jackknife Accidents

This occurs when the attached trailer of a tractor-trailer combination swings out from behind the cab at a sharp angle, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab, which is usually caused by an improper turn or braking maneuver. Jackknife accidents can be particularly dangerous because the driver loses control entirely over the skidding trailer.

Under-Ride Accidents

This type of accident occurs when another vehicle collides with the rear end of a tractor-trailer combination and becomes wedged underneath it. Underride accidents tend to occur at night when it is difficult for other drivers to see stopped or slow-moving trucks, often because a truck’s lighting systems are not functioning and/or its reflective warning signs have degraded. These accidents tend to be fatal.

Wide-Turn Accidents

Because large tractor-trailer combinations cannot complete right turns in the same small radius as smaller passenger vehicles, commercial truck drivers are often forced to make “wide turns,” i.e., begin a right turn from the second lane to the left instead of the designated right turn lane. Accidents frequently happen as a result.

Rollover Accidents

Truck rollovers are some of the most horrifying motor vehicle accidents imaginable. This type of accident occurs when a tractor-trailer combination overturns onto one side. Rollover accidents are often caused by a driver taking a turn too sharply, swerving to avoid a hazard in the roadway, or driving too fast for the conditions. Frequent contributing factors include reckless driving, speeding, driver distraction, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, insufficient truck maintenance, and defects in the truck’s tires or axles (or other products liability issues).

T-Bone Accidents

This type of accident, also referred to as a “side-impact” or “broadside” accident, most commonly happens at an intersection, often when a tractor-trailer combination runs a red light, disregards a stop sign, or turns left in front of oncoming traffic without enough time to complete the turn, resulting in a collision with the side of an oncoming vehicle at roughly a 90-degree angle. Like rear-end collisions, T-Bone accidents are often caused by driver-related factors such as speeding, distraction, drug or alcohol impairment and fatigue.

Sideswipe Accidents

These accidents are similar to T-bone accidents, except that they involve collisions with vehicles traveling next a tractor-trailer combination in the same direction. Sideswipe accidents are extremely dangerous because the size and weight of a truck can send a small passenger vehicle sideways into other lanes of traffic. Common causes include distracted, impaired, or fatigued driving, and/or failure to use turn signals or check blind spots.

1: You Will Be Going Up Against a Large Corporation With Deep Pockets.

Trucking companies are often large corporations with significant financial resources. They will have an entire team of lawyers working on their behalf – sometimes beginning mere minutes after the accident – to minimize their financial liability. You need an experienced attorney who has the knowledge and resources necessary to level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve.

2: Your Case May Be Complex

There are many moving parts in a tractor trailer accident case. In addition to determining who is at fault, there may be multiple insurance carriers involved, as well as state and federal regulations that come into play. Additionally, in many of our cases, the police initially determine our client to be at fault. Among other things, we engage a private investigator and any necessary experts immediately. An experienced truck accident attorney will be able to quickly and efficiently make sense of the evidence and determine the best course of action for your case.