What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

The trucking industry is vital to the economy, as it is responsible for transporting goods across the country. However, these commercial vehicles jeopardize public safety when unreasonable demands are placed on their workforce. Many trucking companies put pressure on their workers to meet crazy deadlines, forcing them to work excessively long hours, leading to driver fatigue. When truck drivers are distracted, speeding, or tailgating, their negligence can lead to devastating accidents. As such, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most common types of truck accidents in New Jersey. If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Morris County Truck Accident Attorney who can help explore your legal options. 

What Are Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can take on various forms. The enormous difference in size and weight between a large commercial truck and a standard vehicle can result in devastating collisions. Accidents involving commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks and tractor-trailers can occur in ways that are unlikely to happen in collisions between two passenger vehicles. The following include but are not limited to common types of truck accidents:

• Rear-end collisions: These accidents occur when a truck hits the back of another vehicle while both are traveling in the same direction.
• Head-on collisions: These accidents occur when vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide.
• Wide-turn accidents: These accidents occur when a truck makes a turn that is too wide, fast, or inaccurate and collides with another vehicle.
• T-bone accidents: These accidents are also referred to as side-impact or broadside collisions, which occur when the front of one vehicle collides with eh side of another, forming a T shape. It is important to note that the sides of vehicles are way less protected than the front or rear, meaning these accidents typically result in injuries.
• Rollover accidents: This devastating type of accident occurs when big rigs tip over on their side.
• Jackknife accidents: These accidents occur when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Typically, it happens when a truck driver breaks suddenly or turns sharply.

What Should I Do if I’m Injured in an Accident?

A truck accident can be life-altering and saddle you with mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. As such, it’s in your best interest to know the steps you must take to safeguard your legal rights and ensure your well-being. Following a truck accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Delaying medical treatment can be detrimental to your health and your legal claim. If circumstances permit, you should gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. This includes taking pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and property damage. Additionally, you should collect contact information from witnesses who may be able to corroborate your version of the events.

However, one of the most important things you can do after a truck accident is to enlist the help of a skilled attorney. At Lutz Injury Law, we are prepared to examine the details of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can help you attain justice.