Semi-truck collisions are notorious for causing destruction to smaller vehicles and severe or fatal injuries to vehicle occupants. Semi-trucks are so large and heavy that they pose a major hazard to people in smaller vehicles.
Not only can they cause particularly severe collisions, but they can also cause unusual types of crashes. There are certain types of collisions that frequently or exclusively involve semi-trucks. What unique collision types typically involve commercial trucks?
Underride crashes
Underride collisions tend to have tragic outcomes. They occur when smaller vehicles strike semi-trucks and end up going underneath them. If a semi-truck turns abruptly in front of another vehicle, for example, a side underride crash might occur. Such collisions are preventable with the installation of special guards, but not all trucking companies use side underride guards. Rear underride crashes can occur in rear-end scenarios. While rear underride guards are mandatory, trucking companies often install the cheapest option available to them rather than the most effective guards available.
Jackknife incidents
The unique design of a semi-truck creates an opportunity for a jackknife incident. Such crashes get their name from the shape of jackknives, also known as folding knives or pocket knives. Jackknife incidents occur when the trailer comes out of alignment with the cab or tractor pulling it. Factors including slick roads and abrupt braking might increase the likelihood of a jackknife incident occurring.
Roll-over crashes
Semi-trucks are notorious for making wide turns. They also have a reputation for rolling over when going around sharp curves or completing turns. Particularly when there are heavy winds, when the truck has liquid contents or when the trailer has an imbalanced load, the truck may end up rolling over in traffic. Both jackknife and rollover incidents can be particularly dangerous because they have the potential to block multiple lanes of traffic and involve numerous other vehicles. Most semi-truck collisions are preventable with proper vehicle maintenance and appropriate driving practices.
Those harmed by semi-truck collisions may need help handling complicated commercial insurance claims or preparing for a lawsuit, and that’s okay. Realizing that even the most dramatic collision may have been preventable can help people find the courage to seek justice after a crash occurs.