Common Types of Truck Accidents

Tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers are a common sight on roadways in New York. These large commercial trucks are a critical part of the state and national economy as they transport goods from one place to another to meet demand. While they are an important part of society, they are not without their dangers, especially when truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties are negligent.

The New York truck accident attorneys of Finz & Finz, P.C. fight tirelessly to get our clients the maximum compensation they deserve for their injuries. We help our clients pay for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in New York, Finz & Finz, P.C. can help you get your life back on track following this traumatic event. Call us today at 855-TOP-FIRM for a free initial consultation.

Every day, all types of truck accidents cause severe injuries and even fatalities. While every accident is unique, many crashes fall into certain categories. The most common types of truck accidents in New York include:

Rear-End Crashes

When rear-end truck accidents occur, the force of a truck crashing into the back of a smaller passenger vehicle often results in serious injuries or even death. Rear-end crashes caused by a truck driver can often be linked to distracted driving or driving while tired or intoxicated. In some cases, the truck driver may be speeding, driving recklessly, or tailgating. When an 80,000-pound truck slams into a car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle could suffer catastrophic injuries or even death.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife truck accidents are some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. It is not uncommon for jackknife truck accidents to cause severe injuries, property damage, or fatalities. These accidents occur when the trailer pushes the tractor from behind until it spins around, making the truck face backward. It’s called a jackknife accident because it looks like a folding knife. Because the cab is facing the opposite direction of the trailer, the cab and the truck becomes stuck on the road. Other cars on the road might not have enough time to swerve around the truck or stop in time, potentially causing multiple collisions.

Rollover accidents

Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous. Rollovers occur when the wheels on one side of the truck lose contact with the road, causing the truck to fall onto its side. They most often occur because a truck driver loses control of their vehicle. This type of accident often happens due to tire blowout, when the truck driver makes a reckless sharp turn, or when the roads are slick due to rainy or snowy weather.

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision occurs when vehicles are traveling the opposite directions in the same lane. These types of accidents may result when truck drivers are distracted or unfamiliar with the roads. These are some of the deadliest types of truck accidents, and the truck driver traveling the wrong will almost always be at fault for the crash.

Side-Impact Accidents

Also known as angle collisions, broadside collisions, and T-bone collisions, side-impact accidents most often occur at intersections. Side-impact crashes are typically not as common as other truck accidents. But when they do occur, it often results in catastrophic injuries. With these accidents, the force of a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle. For instance, a truck driver who speeds through an intersection while distracted could very well cause a side-impact accident.

Runaway Trailer Accidents

When truck drivers speed or drive recklessly, they run the risk of causing runaway trailer accidents. In runaway trailer accidents, the speed of the trailer exceeds the speed of the truck. The truck driver could then lose control of the truck and put everyone on the road in great danger. The brakes could fail, leading to a collision. If the trailer becomes detached from the cab, it could have a catastrophic effect on nearby motorists or pedestrians.

Brake Failure Accidents

If the brakes fail while the truck is in motion, the driver might not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident. Brake failure can happen if the truck driver or trucking company does not maintain the vehicle. This is why it’s critical that truck drivers and trucking companies complete routine vehicle inspections. Brake failure accidents are typically preventable, and when they occur, it’s usually due to negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company.

Tire Blowouts

You can see the evidence of tire blowouts in roadways throughout New York—shreds of rubber in the middle of the lane or on the shoulder. While the tires of any vehicle can blowout, commercial trucks are particularly vulnerable to tire failure.

Cargo-related Accidents

Improperly secured loads or overloaded trucks can lead to accidents. Depending on the load, cargo spillage could mean anything from propane to corn to boxes. Nearby motorists are at great risk for injury if they cannot avoid the truck’s spilled cargo. In the most serious cargo-related accidents, a multi-vehicle pileup may happen, causing injuries to many.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots along both sides of the trailer. They also have some limited visibility on the front sides of the cab. Blind spot accidents usually occur if the truck driver does not check the blind spots or wait before changing lanes.

Contact a New York Truck Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a truck accident in New York? If so, you need the help of a skilled and experienced NY truck accident attorney. At Finz & Finz, P.C., our highly skilled and compassionate legal team will fight tirelessly hard to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained in your truck accident. Contact us by calling 855-TOP-FIRM. We offer free and confidential consultations.