December 5, 2024 | Accidents

Heavy commercial trucks play an important role in the economy of the country, transporting products over thousands of miles. While they only account for less than 5 percent of the vehicles registered nationwide, they are responsible for over 13 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes on US highways annually. This is according to data provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

There’s no denying that semi-truck accidents are often devastating. These massive vehicles can be difficult to control at high speed. Their size and weight also means that the impact of a collision is greater than when other types of vehicles are involved. In many instances, injuries suffered in accidents involving semi-trucks (or big rigs as they are popularly called) are severe and even fatal. At High & Younes Attorneys, LLC, we’ve handled numerous big-rig accident claims. Below, we take a look at the most common types of semi-truck accidents. We also discuss why you should contact an attorney for help after a semi-truck accident.

Major Types of Semi-Truck Accident Cases

1. Jack-Knife accidents

These accidents occur when the semi-truck’s trailers swings out from behind the cab. It forms a 90-degree angle with the cab. These types of accidents often occur when the semi-truck is travelling at high speed and the driver brakes too quickly. The momentum of the trailer causes it to skid out of control. The trailer ends up blocking multiple lanes on the road. If there are other vehicles on the road, the consequences can be devastating. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups.

2. Underride collisions

Semi-trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles. Underride accidents occur when smaller passenger vehicles slide underneath the trailer of a semi-truck. This occurs when the force of the collision pushes the smaller vehicle beneath the trailer. These accidents are often fatal with the roof of the smaller vehicle being crushed or sheared off. These accidents often occur as a result of vehicle malfunctions, reckless driving, speeding or sudden stops.

3. Rollover accidents

Semi-trucks are not only larger and heavier than many other types of vehicles but also have a higher center of gravity. This means that controlling these vehicles at high speed can be very difficult. Truck drivers have to be especially careful when taking turns. Rollover accidents occur when truck drivers make sudden swerves or take turns at high speed. The momentum of the semi-truck causes the truck and trailer to rollover. These accidents are often catastrophic for all involved.

4. Rear-end collisions

Semi-trucks require a greater stopping distance than smaller vehicles because of their size and weight. When the semi-truck driver brakes suddenly, the vehicle may skid and collide with the vehicle in front of it resulting in a rear-end collision. In instances such as distracted driving or fatigued drivers, the driver may not even be able to break in time and collide with vehicles in front of the semi-truck with devastating consequences.

5. Head-on collisions

Head-on collisions with semi-trucks are often fatal. These accidents may occur as a result of fatigued or distracted drivers allowing their vehicles to drift to other lanes into oncoming traffic, reckless drivers running red lights or other negligent behavior.

6. T-bone accidents

Also known as broadside or side-impact accidents, these accidents occur when another vehicle collides with the side of the truck. It can also occur when the semi-truck collides with the side of another vehicle. The consequences in either case can be devastating. These accidents often occur as a result of distracted driving, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and other negligent driving practices.

Why You Should Contact an Attorney after a Semi-Truck Accident

Semi-truck accidents often have serious consequences including catastrophic injuries and sometimes fatalities. Accident victims are often faced with hefty medical bills, loss of income for extended periods (or for good), the loss of a loved one, psychological trauma and much more. As if that wasn’t enough, navigating the legal and insurance landscape in a semi-truck accident claim is often complex. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. An experienced semi-truck accident attorney can help to ease the burden.

• They’ll help you determine liability

Multiple parties can be held liable for a semi-truck accident including the driver, the truck company, the loaders and vehicle manufacturing company. An attorney will investigate the circumstances of your case to identify the responsible parties.

• They’ll help you navigate complex regulations

Heavy commercial vehicles are heavily regulated. This is unlike passenger vehicles. An attorney familiar with federal and state laws can identify violations and determine the best approach to take with your case.

• They will maximize your compensation

Attorneys will negotiate aggressively to recover maximum compensation for damages resulting from the accident. They will seek all available avenues to seek compensation and won’t settle for low-ball settlements.

Have you been involved in a semi-truck accident? Contact High and Younes Attorneys LLC and schedule free consultation. We’d be glad to discuss the details of your case with you and explain your rights and options.

Semi-truck Accident Representation