Jackknife Tractor Trailer
When a truck driver loses control of the trailer being carried, the trailer can skid and end up in a 90-degree angle to the truck. As it skids, everything in its way is in danger of a collision or worse – being crushed if the trailer rolls over. Passenger cars may pile up and hit each other in an effort to avoid the out-of-control trailer. This type of accident can happen due to driver error or when the truck driver is not properly trained.
Rollover Accidents
Trucks can rollover for a variety of reasons such as an unbalanced load, weather conditions, and the driver taking turns too fast. Because of their height, trucks that are not fully loaded are highly susceptible to wind gusts. As with a jackknife accident, rollovers can cause catastrophic injuries to the occupants of smaller vehicles.
Underride Crashes
These tragic accidents occur when a passenger vehicle is pushed under the truck’s trailer resulting in high rates of fatality. When an underride accident occurs at great speed, the top of the car can be sliced off from the force of the impact. Trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds are required to use underride guards that are intended to prevent smaller vehicles from entering the space under the trailer. Unfortunately, not all trucking companies adhere to these regulations.
Blind Spot
Trucks have notoriously large blind spots in four major areas, also called “no-zones.” Accidents occur when a truck driver attempts a turn, lane change or other maneuver when another vehicle is in one of its blind spots. Truck drivers who are speeding, under the influence of illegal substances, or fatigued are more susceptible to this kind of error. Drivers must also take great care to avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot.
Load Spills
The trucking industry is highly regulated, including requirements for loading and securing the goods being transported. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in an unbalanced load or an overloaded truck, both of which can cause the load to spill into the road and oncoming traffic.
Head On/Rear End Collisions
Because of their size and weight, trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. Inclement weather can make braking even more difficult. Trucks that have not been maintained properly have a higher risk of crashing. Manufacturing defects such as faulty brakes or tires can also contribute to collisions.
Recovering Compensation After a Serious Truck Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck wreck, you should know that truck accident cases are complex and can involve multiple parties including the driver of the truck, the trucking company, owner of the truck, and/or the manufacturer of truck parts if a defect caused the accident. Trucking companies and their insurers will work hard to minimize their liability in an accident and avoid compensating victims of truck accidents for their injuries. Often a team of their investigators will arrive at the scene of the crash to begin collecting evidence to build a case against you. Injured victims of truck wrecks are best advised to find an experienced truck accident lawyer to handle their personal injury or wrongful death claim. Do not attempt to go it alone against a trucking company and their insurer.
Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers Fight for Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims of Truck Accidents
If you were injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Call East Coast Trial Lawyers at 757-352-2237 to speak to a skilled Virginia Beach truck accident lawyer about your case. You can also contact us online. Consultations about personal injury cases are free so schedule yours today. From our offices in Virginia Beach, we serve clients throughout Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, Virginia.