Even the most experienced truck drivers can experience accidents in California, a state filled with frequent drivers. Trucks are much larger than other vehicles on the road, so unsurprisingly, they can cause some of the worst injuries and painful deaths. Understanding common types of truck accidents can help drivers understand the risks they take on the road.
Types of Truck Accidents in California
California is overflowing with congested highways and interstates. With so many drivers on the road, truck accidents are unfortunately common in the state. California drivers and passengers should be aware of the following common truck accidents:
- Jackknife: A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings at a 90-degree angle, forming the shape of a jackknife that is closing. This frightening occurrence can cause the driver to lose control and pull the vehicle across multiple lanes of the highway. Tractor trailers weigh tens of thousands of pounds and can cause serious harm to many people. The risk of jackknife accidents is a key reason not to speed, hit the brakes too quickly, and proceed with extreme caution when driving in the rain or snow.
- Mechanical failure: A very common cause of truck accidents is mechanical failures, like defective brakes, steering wheels, or problems with the transmission. Failures like these can cause even the most responsible, alert driver to lose control of the truck and cause chaos on the road.
- Rear-end collisions: Trucks take a longer time to stop than smaller vehicles, so they are often not able to stop in enough time if another driver suddenly hits the brakes. This can cause serious injuries like whiplash or damage to the spinal cord.
- Rollover: If a driver is operating a truck in windy conditions, speeding, or carrying liquids, they are at risk for a rollover accident. In a rollover, the truck’s center of gravity gets distorted, and it rolls over, often causing fatal consequences for those in and around the vehicle.
- T-Bone: A T-bone accident is a frightening collision that can happen to anyone driving. These collisions happen when a driver crashes into the side of another vehicle and are often caused by speeding or running a red light.
- Tire blowout: Like any car on the road, trucks can experience a tire blowout, which puts them in a vulnerable position in the middle of the road. A tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control and collide with other trucks, cars, or pedestrians.
- Wide-turn collisions: Again, a risk because of the size of trucks, wide-turn collisions can occur if drivers do not check their blind spots before making a wide turn. This can hurt people driving in another lane and cause multiple injuries or fatalities.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Any road accident can be terrifying and cause severe injuries and even death. Truck accidents tend to cause some of the worst injuries, like those on the following list:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
It is vital to seek immediate medical attention for any injuries after a truck accident. Although medical treatment can be expensive, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for your expenses if someone else was at fault for the accident. A personal injury attorney can help you file a detailed claim and craft a strong legal strategy to fight for your rights.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in California
In addition to the extreme emotional and physical toll a truck accident can cause, these accidents can also raise questions of liability. It can be difficult to determine who was to blame and how to fight for compensation. If you have been injured or faced financial loss because of a truck accident and feel you have the legal grounds to take action, the right truck accident attorney can provide peace of mind through this confusing and overwhelming process.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
A: Trucks are massive vehicles, and operating them puts drivers and those around them at risk of many types of accidents. For example, common types of truck accidents include jackknife accidents, mechanical failures, rear-end collisions, rollovers, T-bone collisions, tire blowouts, and wide-turn collisions. All of these accidents can cause serious physical harm like whiplash and traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
Q: What Is the Main Cause of Truck Accidents in California?
A: There are lots of causes of truck accidents in California, but unfortunately, risky driving behaviors, like speeding and driving while fatigued or distracted, are often causes of catastrophic events. Knowing and respecting the speed limit and ensuring you are alert enough to drive are vital precautions to take to avoid such dangerous accidents.
Q: What Injuries Can You Get From Getting Hit by a Truck?
Getting hit by a truck can cause all kinds of injuries, including whiplash, broken bones, and spinal injuries. These are huge and heavy, and being hit by one can thus cause serious physical damage and even death. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are involved in a truck accident.
Q: What Should I Do After Being Involved in a Truck Accident?
A: Make sure to attend to all medical needs as soon as possible after a truck accident. As you begin your recovery process, the last thing you need is to go through any complex legal processes alone. If the accident has raised questions of liability, you should contact a truck accident attorney to handle this process and protect your interests.
Truck Accident Legal Advice
No matter the type, truck accidents can be awful events that can change your life permanently. It is important to be aware of the worst-case scenarios that can happen on the road so you know what steps to take to try and avoid them and protect yourself. If you have been involved in a truck accident and are seeking legal guidance, our experienced team at The Ward Firm is here to help.
