If you have been involved in a truck accident in the state of Arizona, a Phoenix truck accident lawyer could be an invaluable resource. Truck accidents are scary events that can cause serious damages and injuries to those involved, especially to those in passenger vehicles. Being aware of common types of truck accidents in Arizona can help you avoid being involved in one.
If you have been involved in an accident, the first thing you should do after you get the necessary medical attention is to call an accident attorney.
Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
There are several types of truck accidents that can occur on roadways. Some of the most common truck and passenger vehicle accident types are:
- Rear-end accidents. Rear-end truck accidents are simply when a vehicle is struck by another on the back end. Many rear-end truck collisions happen because the truck driver is following too closely behind a vehicle or fails to check their blind spots in time.
- Head-on accidents. Head-on accidents occur when the front of the truck collides with the front of another oncoming vehicle. Head-on accidents can be some of the deadliest types of accidents. Head-on accidents frequently occur because of distracted driving or mechanical failure of the truck.
- Rollover accidents. Rollover accidents occur when the truck rolls over and makes contact with another vehicle. This can be more common with heavy trucks than smaller cars because the trucks have a higher center of gravity, making them more susceptible to rollovers. A rollover accident can happen when a truck driver loses control due to erratic driving or making too sharp of a turn.
- Jackknife accidents. Jackknife truck accidents happen when the truck’s trailer starts going faster than the truck itself and folds the connection between the two like a jackknife. Similar to rollover accidents, jackknife accidents can happen when a truck driver turns too sharply or stops too quickly.
- Underride accidents. Underride accidents are when a passenger vehicle gets caught underneath the trailer of the truck. These types of accidents can lead to very serious injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. These accidents have a high fatality rate due to the top of the smaller vehicle being crushed or cut off completely by the trailer.
- T-bone accidents. T-bone accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of the truck or trailer, making the shape of a T. T-bone accidents happen most frequently at intersections, and they frequently occur when drivers fail to pay attention or ignore red lights and stop signs.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Truck Accidents?
A: One of the most common causes of truck accidents is negligence from the truck company. Each trucking company is responsible for the safe overall operation of its trucks. This can entail regular inspections, maintenance, background checks on drivers, ensuring drivers operate within the reasonable number of hours allotted, and fully investigating driver complaints.
If a company fails to follow through on these responsibilities, it could be a significant cause of a truck accident. In these situations, the truck company could be held liable for the accident.
Q: What Are the Three Most Common Types of Collisions Involving Heavy Trucks?
A: The three most common types of collisions involving heavy trucks include a rollover accident, a jackknife accident, and an underride accident. A rollover accident can be common for heavy trucks because they are much heavier and have a higher center of gravity. Jackknife accidents are when the truck’s trailer slides out from behind its cab. Lastly, an underride accident is when a smaller vehicle gets caught underneath the trailer of the truck.
Q: What Is the Most Common Injury for Truck Drivers?
A: One of the most common injuries for truck drivers is brain trauma. Brain trauma occurs as a result of some accidents because of the substantial impact of the crash. The brain can be jolted around in the skull, causing major injuries or trauma. Traumatic brain injuries can be very unpredictable.
It is important that everyone involved in the truck accident seeks the proper medical attention. Traumatic brain injuries can cause seizures, confusion, paralysis, social problems, chronic headaches, convulsions, and several more serious symptoms.
Q: Who Is More at Risk During a Large Truck Collision?
A: The occupants of the smaller vehicle are typically more at risk during large truck collisions. Each accident has its own unique factors, but in general, the occupant or driver of the smaller vehicle is the most vulnerable.
The large truck has such a size and weight advantage against the smaller vehicle that it’s easy for the smaller vehicle to become trapped underneath the large truck, increasing the possibility of serious injuries. The impact and the potential for serious injuries make the occupants of the smaller vehicle the most at risk.
Q: How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?
A: A truck accident attorney can help you by reviewing your case and providing sound legal advice to ensure you get the fair settlement you deserve. An attorney can also conduct an investigation, interview witnesses, and represent you in court during your case. Engaging the help of a qualified and experienced truck accident attorney could make all the difference in successfully resolving your case.
Attorney On Your Side
Truck accidents can be very scary events, and they can often leave the people involved feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically stressed. The at-fault driver should be held liable for their actions in a truck accident. Anyone who employs negligent actions while driving on the road can be a serious threat to everyone else. A qualified and experienced legal team can help you seek the equitable and reasonable compensation that you deserve after you are involved in an accident.
At Luis P. Guerra, LLC, our legal team is ready and able to assist those involved in a truck accident. Our team has a dedicated history of helping individuals all across the state of Arizona hold the person or company that caused the accident accountable. Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that the right compassion and assistance is dedicated to your case. Contact our office today to have our legal team work for you so that you get the fair compensation that you rightfully deserve.