Do you know what can cause a big rig truck accident? Many factors can contribute to a big rig truck accident, and keeping yourself and others safe on the road is important.
This post will examine some of the most common causes of big rig truck accidents. We will also discuss how to protect yourself and your loved ones when sharing the road with these vehicles.
What Is A Big Rig Truck Accident?
A big rig truck accident is a collision involving a large commercial truck. These accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. In 2015, there were 4,067 people killed in large truck crashes in the United States.
It’s a serious problem that everybody on the road needs to be aware of. We must all do our part to stay safe.
Type of Trucks Involved In Most Accidents
There are many different types of big rig trucks. They can be carrying anything from construction materials to groceries. No matter what they’re carrying, they all share one common trait: they’re large and heavy.
Tractor Trailer Trucks
The most common type of truck involved in accidents is the tractor-trailer. These trucks have a large trailer that’s attached to a smaller truck. They’re also called “18-wheelers” because of the number of wheels they have – two on the front truck and six on each trailer.
Tractor-trailers are responsible for the majority of big rig truck accidents. In 2015, 70 percent of all large truck accidents involving tractor-trailers.
Dump & Garbage Trucks
Dump trucks and garbage trucks are also common types of big rig trucks. These trucks have a large open bed used to haul heavy loads. They’re often seen on construction sites or near landfills.
Like tractor-trailers, dump trucks and garbage trucks can be involved in serious accidents. In 2015, 15 percent of all large truck accidents involved these types of trucks.
Tow Trucks
Tow trucks are also considered big rig trucks. These trucks tow other vehicles that have broken down or been in an accident.
While tow trucks aren’t involved in as many accidents as other types of big rig trucks, they can still be dangerous.
Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks are big rig trucks that carry liquids or gases. These liquids can be anything from water to oil. Tanker trucks are involved in a small number of accidents each year.
Flatbed Trucks
The last type of big rig truck is the flatbed truck. These trucks have a large, flat surface used to haul heavy loads.
Flatbed trucks aren’t involved in as many accidents as other types of big rig trucks. However, it can be serious when they are involved in an accident.
Types Of Big Rig Truck Accidents
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of big rig trucks let’s look at the types of accidents they can be involved in.
Rear-End Collisions
One of the most common big rig truck accidents is the rear-end collision. In these accidents, a big rig truck collides with the back of another vehicle.
Rear-end collisions are often caused by big rig trucks following other vehicles too closely. These trucks need a lot of space to stop, so they should always leave plenty of room between them and the vehicle in front of them.
Jackknife Accidents
Another common type of big rig truck accident is the jackknife accident. In these accidents, the trailer of a big rig truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the truck.
Jackknife accidents are often caused by sudden braking or sharp turns. Defective brakes or tires can also cause them.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are one of the most dangerous big rig truck accidents. In these accidents, a smaller vehicle goes underneath the trailer of a big rig truck.
Lost Load Accidents
As the name suggests, lost load accidents are accidents in which a big rig truck loses its load. These accidents can be caused by improperly secured loads or defective trucks.
When a big rig truck loses its load, it can cause serious damage to other vehicles and property. It can also cause injuries or even death.
Blind Spot Accidents
All vehicles have blind spots, but big rig trucks have larger blind spots than most other vehicles. Blind spot accidents occur when a big rig truck changes lanes and hits another vehicle in its blind spot.
To avoid blind spot accidents, big rig truck drivers need to check their mirrors and look over their shoulders before changing lanes.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding is one of the most common causes of big rig truck accidents. These trucks are very large and heavy, so they need a lot of time to stop.
When a big rig truck is speeding, it’s more likely to lose control and cause an accident.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake failure is another common cause of big rig truck accidents. These trucks have a lot of braking power, but they can still have problems stopping if their brakes fail.
Causes Of Big Rig Truck Accidents
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Semi-Truck Accidents? People often wonder what causes semi-truck accidents. The answer is that there are many different causes.
Bad Weather
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents is bad weather. These accidents can be caused by rain, snow, ice, or fog.
When the roads are slick, it’s more difficult for trucks to stop. This can lead to rear-end collisions and other types of accidents.
Bad Road Conditions
Another common cause of semi-truck accidents is bad road conditions. These accidents can be caused by potholes, debris, or even animals.
A truck hitting a pothole can cause the tires to blow out. This can lead to loss of control and an accident.
Road Construction
Road construction is another common cause of semi-truck accidents. These accidents can be caused by lane closures, detours, or even workers.
Truck drivers need to slow down when there’s road construction and be aware of their surroundings.
Inadequate Or Improper Training
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents is inadequate or improper training. These accidents can be caused by drivers who don’t have the proper skills or knowledge.
To avoid these accidents, trucking companies need to train their drivers properly.
Overloading Or Improper Loading
These accidents can be caused by trucks that are carrying too much weight. This can make the truck difficult to control and lead to an accident.
Poor Maintenance Or Mechanical Issues
Another common cause of semi-truck accidents is poor maintenance or mechanical issues. These accidents can be caused by trucks that aren’t properly maintained.
To avoid these accidents, trucking companies need to maintain their trucks properly.
Negligent Driving
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents is negligent driving. These accidents can be caused by drivers who are distracted, tired, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
To avoid these accidents, it’s important for trucking companies to properly screen and train their drivers.
How To Avoid Being Involved In A Big Rig Truck Accident?
Even though big rig truck accidents are fairly common, there are ways to avoid them. Here are some tips:
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Don’t drive distracted.
- Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Obey the speed limit.
- Drive defensively.
- Be patient.
- Don’t tailgate.
- Keep your distance from other vehicles.
- Check your mirrors often.
- Signal before you change lanes.
- Use your headlights at night.
- Slow down in bad weather.
- Avoid road construction areas.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Accidents Are Caused By Semi Trucks?
In the United States, semi-truck crashes are all too common, with an estimated 500,000 occurring yearly.
What Trucking Company Has The Most Accidents 2021?
In 2021, the trucking company with the most accidents was J.B. Hunt Transport, with 534 injury accidents. Swift Transportation was second, with 296 injury accidents, and Werner Enterprises was third, with 274 injuries.
What Trucking Company Has The Highest Percentage Of Accidents?
The trucking company with the highest percentage of accidents is UPS. They experienced 2,632 crashes in just one year- nearly half as many accidents per month as any other major U.S.-based fleet operator! 950 people were injured, and 56 died.
What Is the Average Truck Accident Settlement?
If you met a terrible accident and lost wages or other expenses due largely to permanent disability, you might get up to 100k or more in damages. A good lawyer can help you with a strong case, and probably a strong compensation up to 6-figures!
Injured in a Truck Accident? Use Lawsuit.com To Find an Attorney!
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. The first step is to find an experienced attorney to help you understand your legal rights and options.
At Lawsuit.com, you can search for attorneys in your area who specialize in truck accident cases.
Fill out the form below, and we’ll help you find an attorney today.
