Accidents involving trucks can be devastating. Because of the size and weight of trucks, even a relatively low-speed accident can cause significant damage and injuries. Truck accidents can also lead to major highway pile-ups.
If you are injured in a truck accident, you should seek medical attention right away. You may also want to speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out if you can file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. The best truck accident lawyers Chicago has to offer can help you get the money you need to pay for your medical bills and other expenses.
Truck accidents can occur for a number of reasons. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of accidents on the road. These accidents occur when a truck driver fails to stop and rear-ends another vehicle. This can cause the driver of the rear-ended vehicle to be thrown forward and suffer serious injuries.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents can be incredibly dangerous, as they often result in the truck flipping over. This can cause the truck driver and any passengers to be seriously injured or killed. If you are involved in a jackknife accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact a truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are a type of car accident that can be particularly dangerous. They occur when a car slides underneath a tractor-trailer, often resulting in fatalities. This happens because the car is not able to withstand the force of the collision and is crushed underneath the larger vehicle.
Rollovers
Rollovers are a serious hazard for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. They can occur when a truck loses traction and tips over onto its side or roof. Drivers need to be aware of the dangers of rollovers and take steps to avoid them.
Driver Error
Truck drivers can be responsible for accidents if they are driving recklessly or causing a dangerous situation on the road. For example, if a truck driver is changing lanes without signaling or driving too fast for conditions, they could be responsible for an accident. Additionally, truck drivers who are fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also be responsible for accidents.
Poor Maintenance
When it comes to something as important as truck safety, it’s crucial that drivers take the time to properly maintain their vehicles. Unfortunately, too many truck drivers don’t take this responsibility seriously, and as a result, their trucks are more prone to accidents. This can include everything from issues with the brakes and tires to problems with the engine.
Distractions
Truck drivers are often distracted by activities that are not related to the road. This can lead to them not paying attention to the road and causing an accident. Some of the distractions that truck drivers can be faced with include using cell phones, radios, and passengers.
Inclement Weather
There are a number of different weather conditions that can make it difficult for trucks to drive safely. These conditions can include rain, sleet, snow, and high winds. When these conditions are combined with darkness, it can be very difficult for truck drivers to see what is ahead of them on the road. This can lead to dangerous situations and accidents.
Improper Loading
Any vehicle that is carrying a heavy load must be properly secured to avoid accidents. When a truck is overloaded, it can become difficult to control, which can lead to an accident. Additionally, an improperly secured load can become a dangerous projectile in the event of a collision. It is therefore important that truck drivers take the necessary precautions to ensure their load is secure.
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and then contact an experienced truck accident lawyer. The lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.
