Truck Accidents

Override accidents are the opposite of underride accidents, where a large truck drives over the top of a smaller vehicle. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when a truck driver doesn’t see a small car in the lane next to them, or when the car stops suddenly in front of the truck. Our car accident lawyers have seen many cases like this. Just like underride accidents, override accidents often result in severe damages and tragic consequences.

Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s cab and trailer fold at the articulation point, creating an acute angle that resembles a folding pocket knife. These accidents are often caused by sudden braking, improper loading, or hazardous road conditions, such as ice or spilled oil.

A jackknife accident can lead to multiple vehicle collisions as the truck’s trailer swings uncontrollably across the highway. To prevent jackknife accidents, truck drivers must ensure their cargo is loaded correctly and exercise caution when braking or negotiating a curve under adverse conditions.

Wide turn accidents are common when a truck driver swings out the vehicle to make a turn, creating a dangerous situation for nearby motorists. These accidents often occur due to the driver’s lack of awareness or negligence, and they can lead to significant damage and injuries.

Blind spots are areas around a truck that the driver cannot see directly. Given the sheer size of these vehicles, blind spots are much larger and more hazardous when compared to passenger cars. Blind spot accidents happen when drivers change lanes or merge into traffic without realizing that another vehicle is present in the truck’s blind spot.

Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. These types of accidents are particularly dangerous because they can lead to a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles. Rollover accidents typically occur when a truck is traveling at high speeds, changes lanes abruptly, or takes a turn too quickly.

The trucking company may also be liable in certain instances. This is because they are responsible for making sure that their vehicles are adequately maintained and that the drivers they hire have the required qualifications to operate them safely.

Your lawyer can gather evidence such as maintenance records, driver training records, or other documentation to show why the company should be responsible.

In certain cases, the company that loaded and/or maintained the truck may also be held responsible for a truck accident. For example, if the load was not properly secured, resulting in an overturn, then the loading company may be liable. Similarly, if a mechanical failure occurred due to inadequate maintenance, then the company responsible for maintaining the truck could face repercussions..

In certain cases, another driver may be liable for a truck accident. For example, if another vehicle caused the truck to swerve or change lanes suddenly, causing the truck to crash into you.

In some cases, the manufacturer of faulty truck parts could be held liable for a truck accident. For example, if a defective tire is found to have caused the crash, the tire’s maker may be responsible.

Other potential defendants could include a government agency responsible for road repairs or a truck leasing company. There could be one defendant or multiple defendants. It’s vital to have a thorough review of the facts.

Truck drivers often spend many hours on the road. They are required to rest, but sometimes they try to beat the system. Drowsy driving is one of the main causes of semi-truck accidents in the state of Arizona. If a drowsy driver has caused you to suffer injuries or lost wages, please contact our office.

While all truck drivers are supposed to have the proper training, some trucking companies fail to provide safety education. The shortage of truck drivers in this country has caused some companies to hire anyone they can find even if they don’t have the right training.

Trucking companies often push drivers to haul as much freight as possible. This often puts them over the legal weight limit. While the state patrol and other law enforcement agencies try to stop this practice, they can’t catch them all. Being over the weight limit can make it hard for truck drivers to stop. This can lead to rear-end accidents that are often deadly. If you have been rear-ended by a semi, make sure to give us a call.

Collapsed roadways, potholes, or weak infrastructure can lead to a tragic truck accident. These road hazards can cause the truck to lose control or tip over. It’s crucial that truck drivers are cautious and vigilant when navigating roads with subpar conditions.

Tires are critical components of large trucks, and compromised tires can lead to disastrous consequences. Worn-out, underinflated, or overinflated tires can result in decreased traction, loss of control, or even tire blowouts, making accidents more likely. Regular tire maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent tire-related accidents.

Failed or compromised brakes are another leading cause of truck accidents. Due to their size, trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. Brake failure can lead to catastrophic collisions with other vehicles. Regular brake inspections and proper maintenance are vital to ensure the reliable functioning of brakes.

When driving uphill, the heavy loads that trucks carry can put immense strain on the truck’s engine and transmission system. If the truck’s engine or transmission fails, it can lead to hazardous situations as the vehicle may roll backward. Being aware of the truck’s limitations and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is crucial when traveling uphill.

Improper handling of a truck, such as taking sharp turns at high speeds or swerving to avoid obstacles, can cause the truck to lose control or tip over. Truck drivers should always exercise caution, driving defensively and avoiding abrupt maneuvers.

Due to their massive size and weight, trucks require longer stopping distances than cars. Failing to maintain appropriate stopping distances can result in rear-end crashes with other vehicles. To avoid such accidents, drivers should maintain a safe following distance and stay vigilant when driving in traffic.