Types of Semi Truck Accidents

Semi truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons and can cause severe injury or death plus thousands of dollars in property damage. In addition to the most common types of auto accidents like rear-end collisions, semi trucks can cause additional types of accidents such as rollovers, jackknifing and under-ride accidents which are particularly devastating. Though there are strict regulations for how semi truck drivers must load, operate and maintain their vehicles, sometimes those regulations are neglected, leading to extreme accidents that harm innocent victims.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers can happen to any vehicle, but semi trucks are particular susceptible to rollover accidents due to their massive size. Rollovers usually occur when semi truck drivers take sharp turns while speeding or when the semi truck’s center of gravity shifts due to improper loading. A load that is unbalanced, improperly secured or in excess of regulations can cause a weight shift that leads to a rollover accident.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident refers to when the trailer of a semi truck swings out, forming an acute angle with the cab of the semi. This type of accident can be extremely devastating to anyone in the path of the out of control semi. Jackknife accidents can occur for several reasons, including when truck drivers brake too suddenly or turn too quickly, or when brakes are not properly adjusted. In many instances, jackknifes can be avoided when truck drivers practice proper driving techniques and get routine inspection of their vehicles.

Under-Ride Accidents

Another common semi truck accident is an under-ride accident. This occurs when a small vehicle goes underneath a semi truck and gets stuck. This happens because semi trucks are usually significantly higher off the ground than a small vehicle. In some under-ride accidents, the entire top of the small vehicle can get sliced off causing fatal results. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has made steps to help change this, such as requiring semi trucks to have lower rear bumpers, but accidents like this still occur, especially since a lower back bumper will not prevent small vehicles from getting wedged under the side of the semi truck.

Contact a Semi Truck Attorney in Tampa

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi truck accident, contact the Capaz Law firm. We represent those who have been injured or killed in accidents due to the negligence of others and will fight to get you the compensation you need to recover from your injuries or the loss of your loved one. Call (813) 551-1405 for your free consultation.

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