In the U.S., thousands of lives are impacted by semi-truck accidents every year, many of which are caused by driver fatigue or equipment failure. Due to their massive size and weight, often up to 30 times that of passenger vehicles, collisions involving large trucks can have devastating consequences for everyone involved.

If you’re a victim of a semi-truck crash, you can seek compensation for your injuries, but getting trucking companies and their insurers to cooperate when you file a damages claim can be difficult. Continue reading to explore the most common types of truck accidents and learn how an experienced Huntsville truck accident attorney can protect your rights to a fair settlement.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents

Fatigued drivers, equipment failures, and improperly loaded cargo frequently create hazardous conditions on the road. The most common types of truck accidents include:

Jackknife Accidents

These crashes happen when a semi-truck’s trailer swings out from the cab, forming a sharp angle that blocks multiple lanes. Fatigued drivers may misjudge stopping distances and brake at the last second, causing their trailers to swing.

Speeding on slick roads can also lead to loss of traction, posing severe risks to other motorists. In 2020, jackknife accidents led to 1,858 fatalities in the U.S.

Rollovers

Rollovers occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof, usually caused by high speeds, tight turns, or improperly loaded cargo. Due to the vehicle’s weight, which can crush smaller vehicles in its path, these accidents are highly dangerous. Nationally, rollovers were involved in 4% of all fatal big rig crashes in 2020.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts occur when a truck’s tire bursts, often due to overuse, under-inflation, or

tire malfunctions, making it difficult for the driver to keep the truck steady and create unexpected obstacles on the road. A major federal study found that tire malfunctions contributed to 6% of big rig collisions in the U.S.

Underride Accidents

Responsible for 488 deaths in 2021, underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck, often during sudden stops or slowdowns. These collisions can be catastrophic without proper guards, as the car’s upper portion may be crushed under the truck’s frame.

Consequences of Trucking Accidents

Due to their size and weight, which can reach up to 80,000 pounds, collisions can cause extensive damage, including fatalities, traumatic injuries, and long-term health complications for those involved.

Between 2010 and 2021, there was a 52% increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks. From 2020 to 2021, the number of large trucks involved in injury crashes increased by 11%. More worryingly, is that 61% of semi-truck crash fatalities in 2022 were passenger vehicle occupants versus just 2% of truck occupants.

In Alabama, truck accidents resulted in 2,417 injuries and 162 deaths in 2022.  Specifically, 447 were due to defective equipment and another 216 due to fatigued drivers.

Pursuing Fair Compensation With a Skilled Attorney

Working with a skilled truck accident attorney is essential to protect your rights and ensure you have the support to face the trucking company’s insurers and legal team.

Trucking accident cases involve unique challenges, from navigating federal and state regulations to understanding industry practices and accident reconstruction.

  • Multiple Parties Involved: Trucking accidents often involve numerous parties, including drivers, companies, maintenance teams, and cargo loaders, each potentially liable. An attorney can identify all responsible parties, helping you build a strong claim against those accountable for your injuries.
  • Federal and State Regulations: Trucks operate under strict safety regulations, such as hours-of-service limits and routine inspections, which can reveal violations. Attorneys use their knowledge of these rules to uncover regulatory breaches that indicate negligence.
  • Evidence Collection: Critical evidence, like black box data and driver logs, can be difficult to access without legal support. A lawyer obtains, preserves, and analyzes this data, building a solid case.
  • Insurance Complications: Trucking companies often have multiple insurers, extensive legal representation, and high policy limits, which can complicate claims. An experienced attorney handles insurer negotiations, protecting you from unfair pressure tactics or unfair settlement offers.
  • Accident Reconstruction: Proving fault in truck accidents often requires experts reconstructing the crash scenes. Your attorney can collaborate with these specialists to recreate your crash scene accurately, using their findings to support your case.

Protect Your Legal Rights After a Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, our skilled attorneys at Tyler Mann Injury Law can help with your claim. We have the experience to successfully negotiate with aggressive trucking companies and their insurers and win you the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We can help you win the financial support you need to rebuild your life.