Truck accidents are dangerous and catastrophic. They are among the most devastating accidents on American highways, causing serious injuries, fatalities, and damage to property. While drivers can be at fault for the accident, it is not always the case with trucks. There are many factors that can result in a truck accident, such as maintenance, road conditions, weather, and even the load of the truck.
Each state may have its own federal laws in case of such accidents. Galveston is a popular city located in Texas, United States. It is known for its large number of truck accidents, so if you are ever in a truck accident in Texas, you need to know Texas’s law. In such cases, hiring a top truck accident lawyer in Galveston, TX, can help you with the case.
Here are a few types of truck accidents and the injuries that follow.
1. Jackknife Accidents
This type of accident mainly occurs in trucks with trailers attached to them, like semi-trucks. Like the name suggests, when this type of accident occurs, the shape of the truck resembles a pocketknife.
During a jackknife accident, the trailer of the truck turns at an acute angle to the cab. This is often caused by sudden braking or slippery roads. In such incidents, the trailer swings out and may collide with any vehicle near the truck, causing an accident.
Readers also enjoyed this connected article—check it out.
2. Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident is one of the most devastating and deadliest accidents for a truck. Rollover can result in everything surrounding the truck being demolished due to the massive weight of the vehicle. Rollovers usually take place when drivers go fast during adverse climatic conditions like rain or snow.
This way, the driver loses control of the truck, causing the vehicle to roll over. Rollovers can also occur when the truck is overloaded with cargo, making it impossible for the driver to control the truck while climbing slopes or taking turns.
3. Blind Spot Accidents
Many car drivers and bikers fail to realize the blind spots of trucks. Due to the truck being huge, it makes it impossible for the driver to see another vehicle too close to them. Such accidents happen when truckers try to change lanes or while trying to turn the vehicle.
4. Rear-End Accidents
The weight of the truck makes it impossible for them to make sudden brakes. Trucks usually require a longer distance to stop when compared to smaller vehicles. So, vehicles halting suddenly in front of trucks or a distracted truck driver not noticing other vehicles braking may result in rear-end accidents.
5. Head-On Accidents
Head-on accidents are one of the deadliest truck accidents. This happens when two vehicles facing each other collide. Most head-on collisions happen when you try to overtake vehicles on highways or take the wrong side of the road.
Injuries that Follow
Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, coupled with the significant force generated in collisions, truck accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries.
Common types of injuries encompass a range of serious conditions. One notable type is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which often occur when a person’s head strikes a hard surface, leading to potential long-term cognitive and physical impairments. These injuries can result in symptoms such as confusion, headaches, memory loss, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
Spinal cord injuries are another critical concern, as they can disrupt the communication between the brain and the body, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Additionally, broken bones or fractures commonly arise from high-impact collisions or falls. The severity and location of the fractures can affect recovery times and may sometimes require surgical intervention to aid in healing.
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, can be particularly dangerous and may remain undetected without prompt medical evaluation.
Understanding the dynamics of these accidents is crucial. For instance, if you notice a truck weaving in and out of its lane or speeding, it’s important to maintain a safe distance and be prepared to react quickly to avoid a potential collision.
Browse all categories in one place by returning to 2A Magazine.
