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Truck collisions are often catastrophic incidents that result in dire results. Learn about the various forms of truck accidents and what people can do. This is crucial for enhancing road safety. This article will explore the following subtopics:

• Common truck accident types
  
• Legal and financial aspects
  
• What to do after an accident
  
• Important measures that you can undertake to prevent truck collisions

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Rear-End Collisions

The most common truck accidents are rear-end collisions. They constitute a large portion of truck accidents. Such collisions account for 29% of truck accidents according to the FMCSA.

Rear-end truck collisions occur due to the considerable stopping distance required for large trucks. This especially applies when it’s fully loaded. For example, a loaded truck traveling at 65 mph requires 525 feet on average to come to a complete stop. This is over 15 times the stopping distance of a typical passenger car. 

Contributing factors for rear-end truck collisions include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
  
• Driver distractions or fatigue
  
• Slippery road conditions
  
• Failure to signal properly
  
• Inadequate loading or overcrowding affecting braking.
  
• Mechanical problems like brake failure

Reverse collisions with trucks may cause serious injuries. It may lead to fatalities for occupants of other cars involved because trucks are typically large and heavy. When trucks do crash, they tend to fall on top of the smaller vehicles and cause a lot of damage. 

This is crucial for enhancing road Defensive driving techniques are crucial for preventing accidents caused by rear-end collisions with trucks. Such examples are keeping the larger lag, which requires more time for braking. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is highly advisable to contact experienced Truck Accident Attorneys who can help safeguard your rights. They can manage legal complexities, conduct crash investigations, establish liability, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Jackknife Accidents

Now, jackknife accidents. They can have devastating consequences. According to NHTSA, the following is reported. Jackknife accidents contribute to approximately 5% of all fatal truck crashes. Slippery roads due to rain or snow are common factors in jackknife accidents. This is according to the American Trucking Association  (ATA).

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents are responsible for 20% of fatal truck accidents involving passenger vehicles. Properly designed and maintained underride guards can prevent fatalities in many underride accidents. 

Blind Spot Collisions 

Large trucks have expansive blind spots around them compared to regular automobiles. These are areas where other vehicles disappear from the view of truck drivers. This is according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Roughly 33% of all accidents involving large trucks occur in their blind spots.

Some key truck blind spot factors include:

• Massive No-Zones: Areas in front, behind, and on either side of the truck are completely obscured.
  
• On average, 8-20 feet of blind spots on all sides.
  
• With increasing truck size, the blind spots also increase.
  
• Lanes that are too narrow, intersections with no traffic control, or congested places.

To avoid blind spot collisions:

• Dedicated blind spot mirrors, sensors, and cameras should be used by the truck drivers.
  
• Therefore motorists should never drive in truck blind spots for long periods.
  
• All drivers require increased vigilance and defensive driving.
  
• Give a wide berth to trucks.
  
• Good truck routing to avoid narrow areas.

Be aware of the very wide blind spots around trucks. This is achieved by driver education and technology adoption. This is essential for improved road safety. Defensive driving and concentration are no less important.

Legal and Financial Aspects

Educated on the various kinds of accidents and their figures it is time to shift attention to a different section. It’s important to emphasize the legal and financial issues that emerge after these accidents.

Liability in Truck Accidents

Liability in truck accidents is essential to understand. As is evident, rear-end collisions cause jackknife accidents and other serious outcomes. They might lead to lawsuits. It is essential to establish liability in such cases.

Insurance Coverage

Another important consideration is insurance. Based on the hazards presented by different truck accidents, proper insurance becomes a necessity. It is important to examine the nature of insurance offered. This is even more evident if you look at the statistics of their frequency.

Truck Accident Aftermath

Immediate Actions to Take

What you do in the aftermath of a truck accident can often have a substantial bearing on its outcome. Fast and responsive actions can help lower the magnitude of injuries and damage done to property.

Gathering Evidence

A very important stage is the evidence collection. As the statistics reveal, preserving and gathering information can be very beneficial. It will be required when following up on insurance claims or filing a lawsuit.

Reporting the Accident

When warranted, contact your insurance company and inform the trucking company as well as the authorities. Given the accident, it is imperative. Knowing how to report well can produce good results.

Key Actions You Can Take

The figures on truck accidents highlight the importance of preventive steps. It should be applied by both truck drivers and passenger automobile operators. Here are some key actions you can take:

Follow trucks at a safe distance.

• Know truck blind spots and should not drive in them.
  
• Drive according to weather conditions
  
• Proper truck maintenance and loading practices
  
• Drive defensively and avoid distractions
  
• If you get involved in an accident, seek immediate medical attention.
  
• Seek guidance from a legal professional concerning your rights
  

Staying informed, diligent, and proactive is essential in preventing truck accidents. But if engaged in the other kind, know what to do next and collect proof while protecting your rights. You can work on making your roads safe gradually.

FAQs

What should I do when there is an accident with a truck?

• Seek medical attention immediately
  
• Report to law enforcers
  
• Document the scene through photos/video
  
• Share with the other driver
  
• Notify your insurance company
  
• Reach out to an attorney about your legal rights

Conclusion

Also, knowing the prevalent types of truck accidents and their statistics, legal implications, and proactive measures individuals can take helps people to promote safe roads. Being prepared and informed can prevent accidents, and knowing how to handle them afterward can greatly benefit individuals.

Published by: Aly Cinco