Several truck accidents across San Diego each year, in part due to the heavy flow of commercial vehicles and traffic on freeways, including Interstate 5 and Interstate 15. Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries, substantial property damage, and even fatalities. If you were injured in a truck crash, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can prove liability and help you recover fair compensation. Call our personal injury law office today for a free case review. Read on to learn the most common types of San Diego truck accidents and their causes.
What Are the Top 8 Types of Truck Accidents?
1. Truck Rollovers
Truck rollovers are among the most catastrophic types of accidents, often resulting in serious and even fatal injuries. A truck rollover accident can occur due to the truck’s high center of gravity, abrupt steering maneuvers, speeding, or improperly loaded cargo.
When a truck rolls over, it can crush other vehicles, cause multi-vehicle pileups, and lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Because rollover accidents often involve multiple contributing factors, a thorough investigation is required to determine liability.
2. Rear-End Collisions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of auto accidents, accounting for 29% of all traffic crashes. Rear-end collisions involving trucks can be particularly severe due to the significant force a truck can exert.
These accidents often occur when a truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or cannot stop in time due to distracted driving, fatigue, or poor weather conditions. The impact can cause serious injuries to the occupants of passenger cars, including whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
3. Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife collision occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side and creates an angle with the cab, resembling a folding pocket knife.
These accidents are often caused by sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or improper braking techniques. When a truck is in a jackknife accident, it can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to severe collisions with other vehicles.
4. Head-On Collisions
Head-on truck accidents are among the deadliest types of accidents. The force of impact is magnified when two vehicles with different traveling speeds hit each other head-on. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), head-on collisions resulted in 5,800 deaths in 2021.
This kind of accident can occur when a truck crosses the center line into oncoming traffic, often due to driver fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving. Head-on crashes often cause severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Victims of head-on truck collisions often face catastrophic injuries and significant medical expenses.
5. T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents occur when the front of a vehicle crashes into the side of another car. This kind of side-impact collision often happens when a driver runs a red light or stop sign. The side of a passenger car offers less protection than the front or rear, making T-bone accidents particularly dangerous for the occupants of the struck vehicle.
6. Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents happen when the side of a truck makes contact with the side of another vehicle, usually while changing lanes. These accidents can cause the vehicles involved to lose control, leading to secondary collisions or even rollovers.
Sideswipe truck collisions often result from truck operators not checking their blind spots, distracted driving, or improper lane changes. Determining fault in these accidents can be challenging, so it is essential to consult with a personal injury attorney who will gather compelling evidence.
7. Wide-Turn Collisions
Trucks need extra space to maneuver turns. When drivers fail to check their surroundings or are not aware of rear traffic, they can collide with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Wide-turn collisions occur when a truck makes a wide turn, often to the right, and strikes another vehicle in the process. These kinds of accidents are more likely to happen when a truck driver does not use a turn signal to warn other drivers before making a turn.
8. Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are among the deadliest types of truck accidents. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. The upper part of the smaller vehicle is often crushed, which can lead to severe or fatal injuries. Underride guards are supposed to prevent these kinds of accidents, but they can sometimes fail, leading to severe consequences.
Parties that may be liable in a truck accident include:
- The truck driver
- The truck owner
- The trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- The truck manufacturer
- Third-party drivers
An experienced truck accident lawyer can determine the liable parties and hold them accountable for their negligence. Personal injury attorneys will meticulously investigate your claim, gather evidence, secure expert witness testimony, and build a strong truck accident case on your behalf.
Top Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is a significant factor in many commercial truck accidents, as truck drivers often work long hours with insufficient rest. Fatigued drivers have altered judgment, slower reaction times, and are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates rest periods and driving limits, but violations still occur.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of auto accidents. According to the NHTSA, 13% of all motor vehicle crashes in 2021 involved a distracted driver. Distracted driving involves engaging in non-driving activities behind the wheel, such as texting, using a GPS, eating or drinking, or adjusting the radio. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in catastrophic consequences.
According to Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, commercial truck drivers are 23 times more likely to cause an accident when texting at the wheel. Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight schedules, but safety must take precedence over multitasking on the road.
Speeding
Speeding increases the risk and severity of truck accidents. Large trucks require longer distances to stop. Therefore, excessive speed can lead to loss of control, rollover accidents, and more severe impacts in collisions.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and a higher likelihood of causing accidents. Trucking companies must enforce strict policies and conduct regular testing to ensure their drivers are sober and fit to drive.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, and road rage, significantly increase the risk of truck accidents. These behaviors can intimidate other drivers and create hazardous situations on the road.
Inadequate Training
Proper training is essential for truck drivers to handle their vehicles safely and respond appropriately to various road conditions. Inadequate training can result in errors in judgment, poor vehicle handling, and failure to adhere to safety protocols. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers receive comprehensive training and ongoing education.
Improper Loading
Improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unbalanced, leading to rollovers, jackknife accidents, and loss of control. Overloading or unevenly distributed weight can affect a truck’s handling and braking. Strict adherence to loading guidelines and regular inspections are crucial to prevent accidents related to improper loading.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Neglected maintenance can cause mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering issues, which can cause serious accidents. Trucking companies must conduct regular maintenance checks and promptly address any issues to ensure their vehicles are safe for the road.
Common Injuries Sustained in Trucking Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?
Victims of truck accidents may be able to recover damages for their injuries and losses, including:
- Medical expenses: This can cover present and future medical costs related to the injury
- Lost wages: Compensation for income an individual misses out on due to an inability to work
- Pain and suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of personal property
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of love, care, affection, and guidance in a relationship due to the victim’s injuries
- Wrongful death: Surviving family members may pursue compensation in a wrongful death claim for medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and pain and suffering
Contact an Experienced San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer
Due to the size and weight of trucks compared to passenger vehicles, truck accidents can be devastating. Truck accident victims often deal with physical pain, medical bills, mental distress, and pain and suffering. An experienced truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent the victim in court, if necessary, to recover the maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in San Diego, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer. At Harbor Accident Lawyers, our truck crash attorneys are dedicated to helping injured victims obtain justice. Our dedicated team will fight on your behalf to recover fair and full compensation. Call our personal injury law office for a free consultation.