Semi-truck accidents have the potential to cause severe and debilitating injuries
Although 18-wheelers make up no more than 5 percent of all the registered vehicles on the road, truck accidents are still fairly common in Indiana and across the nation. Injuries and fatalities are also common when it comes to truck accidents because heavy trucks are taller and typically weigh at least 20 to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle. And while any person traveling in a smaller vehicle is vulnerable to injury or death in a collision with a semi, certain types of truck accidents present more risk simply because they occur the most often.
Here are the most common types of truck accidents in the United States:
1. Rear-end truck accidents
Compared to passenger vehicles, trucks are limited when it comes to acceleration control, braking, and driver visibility. All these factors can lead to a rear-end collision. A truck can either rear-end another vehicle, or a vehicle can rear-end the back of a truck. Regardless of who hits who, rear-end accidents can have devastating results. The people involved in this kind of accident can suffer from whiplash, neck, head, and spine injuries, and, worst-case scenario, death. While a rear-end truck accident can occur for many different reasons, the most common cause is speeding. When a trucker is going too fast, they won't have enough time to react to changing traffic patterns or slow down quickly enough due to the semi's braking system.
2. Rollovers
One of the most common types of truck accidents in the U.S., rollovers can happen for a lot of different reasons. The most common causes of rollover truck accidents are:
- Speeding on a curve
- Poor truck stability
- Dangerous roads from weather conditions
- A shifting load
- Failure to keep up with proper maintenance
Truck drivers have to be careful, especially on curved roads or going around tight turns. The cargo the truck is carrying, or even the entire truck, can potentially roll over.
3. Running off the road or lane
Truckers may drive off the road or lane to avoid an obstacle on the road. Sometimes if a truck runs off the road, it is because the driver was fatigued or distracted. Whatever the reason, this type of truck accident is dangerous because the truck could easily crash into another vehicle.
4. Side Swipes
Sideswipe accidents happen when a truck and another vehicle are traveling side by side next to each other. Either a truck driver may not realize how close to another lane they are, or a driver of another vehicle doesn't see a truck in their blind spot. Side swipes also happen when drivers briefly lose control because they are speeding, distracted, fatigued, or driving under the influence. When a side swipe accident happens, the smaller vehicle can be pushed sideways into other lanes, threatening the lives of those in oncoming traffic.
Talk to an Indiana truck accident attorney today
If you were injured or a loved one died in a truck accident, it's important to know your legal rights and options. You may be entitled to compensation, but recovering your losses won't be easy. Trucking companies have teams of attorneys at their disposal to protect their interests, and without an experienced truck accident lawyer in your corner, you're at a huge disadvantage.
At Boughter Sinak, LLC, attorneys Robert Boughter and Kenny Sinak have years of experience handling complicated legal cases in Fort Wayne, South Bend, and throughout the state. We know how to investigate and find the facts that matter. We also know how to deal with the insurance company and aggressively advocate for your best interests so that you don't get taken advantage of by an insurance adjuster who only cares about protecting the insurance company's bottom line.
To learn more about how our legal team can help you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer. Our law firm has two offices located in Fort Wayne and South Bend, and we look forward to speaking with you about your potential legal case.
We have recovered millions for our clients involved in serious truck accident collisions. Allow our attorneys to fight for you today.