Common Truck Accidents

Like automobile accidents, truck accidents come in any number of varieties and causes, and there are countless unforeseen circumstances that can cause them. Despite the overall unpredictability of traffic accidents, there are certain types of accidents that are more common than others.

At Matt Hardin Law, our Lebanon, TN Personal Injury Attorneys have helped countless truck accident victims get compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs after collisions. Throughout our years of experience, we’ve found some accidents occur more often than others when it comes to big trucks—and being aware of these accidents can help drivers avoid them when they share the roadway with big trucks.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

Rollover accidents

Rollover accidents occur when trucks flip over 90, 180, or even 360 degrees. Rollover accidents are incredibly dangerous for both the truck driver and other motorists, as the truck can land on top of other vehicles or in the path of drivers who may not have enough time to slow down. In addition, rollover accidents can cause cargo to come loose, such as pipes, logs, and even hazardous materials, and strike other vehicles on the road.

Jackknife accidents

Trucks are susceptible to jackknifing when operated by inexperienced drivers or when driven in inclement weather conditions. These accidents occur when a truck’s cabin and trailer go in opposite directions, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and possibly strike other motorists in the process. Losing control of a truck trailer can cause huge pile-up accidents on interstates, as the trailer can affect several lanes of traffic and can even block the interstate for hours.

Tire failure accidents

Truck tires are much larger than the tires on standard passenger vehicles—and that means they’re also filled with significantly more air. The extreme amounts of air pressure in truck tires means that a blowout can actually push other vehicles off the road or even flip them entirely. In addition, trucks with blown out tires can be extremely difficult to maneuver and steer safely, which puts other drivers in danger as the truck driver tries to regain control.

Brake failure accidents

Like truck failure accidents, brake failure accidents occur when a critical component of the truck fails. Trucks generate huge levels of force when in motion, and it takes powerful braking systems to slow or stop them. Over time, the wear and tear on truck brakes make them more likely to suddenly fail—especially if the truck driver or owner doesn’t repair or replace them on a regular basis. Trucks that are unable to slow down can run into the backs of other vehicles, causing serious and even fatal injuries to drivers and passengers.

Lost cargo accidents

The primary purpose of big trucks is to carry cargo that can range from consumer goods to industrial chemicals and waste. In the event of an accident or simply because of negligent truck loading procedures, heavy and dangerous cargo can detach from trucks and hit other vehicles. The consequences of vehicles being struck by detached cargo can range from minor damage to major accidents that cause fatal injuries.

No matter what caused it, if you or your loved one was injured in a truck accident, you deserve compensation for your accident-related expenses. Let the Lebanon, TN Truck Accident Attorneys at Matt Hardin Law handle your case every step of the way. It’s our goal to take the burden of the accident off your shoulders so that you can focus on getting better.

To get in touch with us, just dial (615) 547-2683 or fill out a free online form today.