18-wheelers can be extremely dangerous on the roads. Truck companies are expected to keep up with truck maintenance and hire qualified drivers to operate these vehicles, which can decrease the probability of an accident occurring. Semi-truck accidents can have devastating consequences for all parties involved.
It is important to know about semi-truck accidents and why they happen. This can help you avoid the dangers of these vehicles and be aware of the damage they can cause.
A major accident that can occur is when an 18-wheeler jackknifes. This occurs when the cab of the vehicle and the trailer skid in different directions. It has been found that at least 10% of semi-truck accidents are caused by a jackknife incident. When this happens, everyone on the road is in danger because the truck driver has very little control of their vehicle. It is possible that the semi-truck will travel across the lanes causing serious injuries and even fatalities.
It is also possible for semi-trucks to roll over when the driver loses control of the vehicle. These trucks are almost forty times heavier than a regular vehicle, so they can be very difficult to operate. If a vehicle of this capacity collides with a smaller vehicle, it can be tragic. Rollover accidents are usually caused by incorrectly loaded cargo, poor truck maintenance, and curvy roads.
Blind spots and tire blowouts are the main reasons 18-wheeler accidents happen. Tire blowouts can occur when the company fails to repair or examine the vehicle. This will lead to the driver losing control and can push the vehicle out of their lane, putting other cars in danger. Trucks of this size have much larger blind spots than regular vehicles. If a semi-truck does not see you, they will most likely hit or run your vehicle off the road when changing lanes.
What to do if you have been injured in an accident
Semi-truck accidents can be devastating financially, physically, or mentally. They can lead to high medical bills, property damages, lost wages, or mental health issues. It is important to know your legal rights if you are in this situation. The Accident Injury Legal Center can get you in contact with an attorney that is qualified to help you with your case.
Call the Accident Injury Legal Center at 1-866-255-4870.
Resource
DeVita, C. (2022, March 8). Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers and Commercial Trucks. Legal Reader. Retrieved May 24, 2022, from https://www.legalreader.com/accidents-involving-18-wheelers-and-commercial-trucks/