Common Types of Truck Accidents in Texas
Year over year, Texas is consistently in the top ten states that have the highest number of fatalities due to truck accidents. Even when accident victims survive a crash, they will be left with some of the most serious injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, amputations, paralysis, and severe burns are just a few of these. There are a number of different ways injuries and fatalities occur during a truck accident. Below, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer outlines the most common types of crashes that occur and how you can recover your losses.
Rollover Accidents
Transport trucks are incredibly large and heavy. They also have a much higher center of gravity than the other types of vehicles they share the road with. All of these factors, and others, can result in a rollover accident. There are two types of rollovers that can involve commercial trucks. Un-tipped rollovers are caused by poor driving behaviors, while tipped rollovers occur due to factors outside of the truck, such as slippery roads. The most common causes of rollover accidents involving trucks are as follows:
- Sudden lane changes
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Adverse weather conditions
- Speeding
- Over-steering
- Distracted driving
Blowout Accidents
Tire blowouts on big trucks are extremely dangerous and can result in significant damage due to the size of the truck. Overinflated and under-inflated tires can cause these types of accidents. For example, under-inflated tires will result in the sides touching the ground. This increases friction, which will produce more heat and ultimately cause a tire blowout. Truck drivers typically have no warning that a blowout is going to happen and so, they can easily lose control of the vehicle as they try to bring it to a stop.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents get their name due to the way transport trucks are built. These vehicles consist of two main parts: a trailer and a cab. The cab is where the driver sits to operate the truck, and the trailer is the long portion of the vehicle that holds the cargo. When a jackknife accident occurs, the trailer swings around and rests perpendicular to the cab. These accidents usually occur due to:
- Unsafe speeds
- Improper braking
- Poor driving conditions, such as ice or rain
- Taking a turn too quickly
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Taking a turn too quickly
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Fatigued driving
Underride and Override Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a vehicle following a transport slides underneath the trailer. This can happen when a trucker slams on the brakes or reverses without making sure the way is clear. An override accident occurs when a trucker drives over top of another vehicle. This typically happens when a truck driver speeds and does not have enough time to slow down before running over a smaller car. Both underride and override accidents are usually fatal.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Help After Any Crash
Regardless of what type of accident you have been hurt in, you may deserve compensation for your injuries. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help you obtain the full settlement you need to make a full recovery. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence
