Sadly, semi-truck collisions are more often than not very serious incidents that inflict severe injuries and property damages.
However, there are certain types of crashes specifically unique to semi-trucks, including:
- Rollover accidents
- Underride collisions
- Unsecured load crashes
- Jackknife wrecks
Read on to learn more about these types of collisions.
#1 - Rollover Accidents
While a rollover accident can occur in any type of vehicle, they are more common for semi-trucks because of their massive size and weight, as well as their weight distribution.
Some of the most prevalent reasons for rollover accidents include:
- Excessive speed
- Unexpected swerves or lane changes
- Ineffective cargo loading
- Not conducting the necessary maintenance
- Hazardous roads or weather conditions
- Other trucker errors, including:
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Inadequate training
#2 - Underride Collisions
When a passenger car hits a truck from the rear or side and skids underneath the semi, an underride collision occurs. Since trucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles, the front and top of the car are often destroyed in such types of collisions.
An underride collision can be the result of any of the following:
- Incorrectly maneuvering turns or lane changes
- A truck stops too quickly
- A truck’s speed is inconsistent with the flow of traffic
- A trucker fails to use a turn signal when making a turn
- A trucker is unaware a passenger car is in their blind spot when changing lanes
#3 - Unsecured Load Crashes
Cargo loaders must make sure that all products loaded onto the truck are completely secure. Similarly, there are weight restrictions imposed on commercial trucks. Semi-trucks mustn’t weigh more than 80,000 pounds (lbs).
#4 - Jackknife Wrecks
A truck Jackknifes when the cab and trailer fold at the joint, which causes the back of the trailer to swing forward, creating a steep angle between the cab and the rear. When this type of crash occurs, the truck is facing two separate directions.
Jackknife accidents are often the result of:
- Mechanical malfunctions
- Locked wheels
- Brake failure
- Speeding
- Weather conditions
- Loose cargo
- Debris
- Ineffective maneuvering
We Want to Help
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, our team wants to do everything possible to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Call our firm today for a free case evaluation at (605) 777-7466. Choose a skilled team that truly cares about you and your best interests.