Cambridge Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur in different ways, and the type of accident often influences the extent of injuries and damages. Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents:

• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab. This typically happens when a driver brakes too hard, causing the trailer to lose control. These accidents can result in multiple vehicle collisions as the truck sweeps across multiple lanes of traffic.
• Rollover Accidents: Truck rollovers are one of the most catastrophic types of accidents and often happen due to speeding, improper loading, or taking sharp turns. A truck rollover can crush smaller vehicles and cause massive traffic disruptions.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to the significant weight and size of trucks, rear-end collisions can be especially dangerous. Trucks require much more distance to come to a full stop, and if a truck driver is distracted or following too closely, they may collide with the vehicle in front of them, leading to severe injuries for the occupants.
• Underride Accidents: An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck. These accidents are often fatal or result in catastrophic injuries because the top of the smaller vehicle can be sheared off in the collision.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides, and if a truck driver fails to check these areas when changing lanes or turning, they may collide with a vehicle in the truck’s blind spot.
• Tire Blowouts: When a truck’s tire blows out, the driver can lose control, potentially leading to a serious accident. A tire blowout can cause a truck to swerve into other lanes or roll over, endangering nearby drivers.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Devastating

Truck accidents are often more devastating than standard car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average car, which weighs around 3,000 pounds. This massive weight difference means that the impact of a truck accident is far more severe, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Additionally, truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles, increasing the likelihood of widespread damage and injuries. Some of the most common injuries resulting from truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Severe burns
• Amputations

These injuries can lead to long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and loss of income, making it crucial to seek adequate compensation for your damages.

Determining Liability in a Truck Accident Claim

One of the most complex aspects of a truck accident claim is determining liability. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making it essential to investigate thoroughly. Some of the parties that may be held liable include:

• The Truck Driver: Truck drivers may be liable if they were negligent in their duties, such as driving while fatigued, distracted driving, speeding, or failing to adhere to traffic laws. Truck drivers are required to follow strict regulations regarding hours of service to prevent drowsy driving, but violations of these regulations are not uncommon.
• The Trucking Company: The trucking company may be held responsible for negligent hiring practices, failure to properly train drivers, or encouraging unsafe driving practices. Additionally, if the trucking company fails to maintain its fleet, it can be liable for accidents caused by mechanical failure.
• The Cargo Loader: Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unbalanced and leading to accidents such as rollovers. If cargo is not loaded or secured properly, the party responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.
• The Manufacturer: In some cases, defective parts, such as brakes or tires, can cause an accident. If a mechanical failure due to a defect is determined to be the cause of the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part may be liable.
• Other Third Parties: In some situations, other third parties may be responsible for causing a truck accident, such as negligent drivers of other vehicles or government entities responsible for maintaining safe road conditions.