There are many reasons that semi-truck accidents are different than accidents involving other motor vehicles. The most obvious difference is in the sheer size of a tractor trailer. Because of the size and weight of a semi-truck (80,000+ pounds) vs. that of a car (3,700 pounds) the impact can be much more severe. Due to the design of a semi-tractor and trailer, unique types of accidents can occur.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents typically occur when a semi-truck merges into a lane and into the path of another vehicle. If the vehicle cannot get out of the truck’s way, it is possible that the vehicle can be pinned underneath the truck trailer. Fortunately, underride accidents are not common, but when they do happen, they can be fatal.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifing is a term used to describe what happens when the back end or trailer of a truck swings around and creates an angle between the trailer and the front of the truck. This often happens when semi-trucks are traveling on roads that are not meant to accommodate vehicles of their size, when the roadway conditions are hazardous or when the truck driver doesn’t make a wide enough turn. When a jackknife accident happens, the swinging of the trailer can easily catch nearby cars in its wake and cause serious accidents.
Unsecured Cargo Accidents
A semi can carry tens of thousands of pounds of cargo. Therefore, it is very important that the cargo is loaded and secured appropriately. If it is not, accidents can result. If the cargo is unsecured, it can fall into the roadway, which is especially problematic if the truck is carrying hazardous material. If the cargo is improperly loaded, it can cause the weight in the trailer to shift and throw the trailer off balance.
Get An Attorney On Your Side
Regardless of what caused your semi-truck accident, it is important to immediately contact an attorney before making a decision on how to proceed in a semi-truck accident case. Even if the police report places you partially at fault, you may still be able to recover. If you have been in a semi-truck accident, you are already at a disadvantage. Not only are you injured and in pain, but you are likely missing work and have a long road to recovery ahead of you. Immediately hiring an attorney will allow you to focus on your recovery, will guarantee that an investigation is promptly completed and will ensure that the aggressive insurance company won’t take advantage of you.
