Every day, there are nearly 100 fatal vehicle accidents in California. Some of these involve commercial truck accidents. There are several types of accidents that trucks are more likely to be involved in due to their size, height, and weight, combined with the loads they are carrying. Keep reading to learn some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents, and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Jackknife Accidents
When the trailer the truck is pulling loses traction, it can skid and end up at a 90-degree angle to the truck. This most commonly happens when the trailer is empty, as it does not have the weight to bear down on the road as well as it would if the trailer had cargo.
Even in the event that a jackknife accident occurs at a slow speed and the truck driver is not injured, it can cause secondary crashes and traffic backup for miles. Smaller vehicles that hit the tractor-trailer at high speeds can be pushed under the trailer and crushed.
Blind Spot Accidents
Commercial trucks have large blind spots. They are required to have certain mirrors to make up for these blind spots, but nothing can return their view to 100%. When a vehicle is in a truck’s blind spot, the truck might change lanes or otherwise move in a way that strikes the vehicle in its blind spot. This is why it is important to not pass a truck on the right, and if you are passing on the left, to get by them as quickly as possible.
Rear-End Accidents
A truck needs as long as 40% longer to brake. This means that if the vehicle in front of it stops suddenly, a truck can often not stop. This is also why they should leave a longer space between their truck and the vehicle in front of them.
Cargo Spill
If the crew that was loading cargo on the truck does not balance it and/or secure it correctly, or if they overload the truck, then the chance of that truck being involved in an accident is significantly higher. When a truck spills cargo, its center of balance instantly changes, which can lead it to swerve uncontrollably. The vehicles around the truck can strike the truck or the cargo, either of which can cause serious issues.
If you have been involved in a truck accident and require the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, we invite you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas now at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
