Semi-trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, are large commercial vehicles that are essential for transporting goods across long distances. Due to their massive size, heavy weight, and limited maneuverability, semi-trucks can cause significant damage and bodily injury in collisions with other vehicles. Understanding the unique causes of semi-truck accidents is crucial for improving road safety and reducing the risk of these often devastating incidents.

These are the most common types of semi-truck accidents:

1. T-bone collisions — These occur when the front of a semi-truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, or vice versa. Common at intersections, the impact of a semi-truck colliding with the side of a smaller vehicle can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities due to the substantial force involved.

2. Jackknifing — This type of accident happens when the trailer of the semi-truck swings out and forms a sharp angle with the tractor. Jackknifing can be triggered by sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or improper handling of the vehicle. These accidents can affect multiple lanes and involve several vehicles, significantly increasing the risk of a multi-vehicle pile-up.

3. Rollovers — Rollover accidents occur when a semi-truck tips over onto its side. This can happen due to loss of control, high speeds, sharp turns, or improperly balanced loads. Rollovers are particularly dangerous as they can block entire roadways and pose risks not only to the truck driver but also to all nearby vehicles.

4. Sideswipes — In these incidents, a semi-truck and another vehicle brush against each other, which can cause either vehicle to veer off course and potentially lead to further collisions. Sideswipes often occur when trucks change lanes without noticing smaller vehicles in their blind spots or when vehicles drift out of their lanes.

5. Wide turn accidents — Due to their large turning radius, semi-trucks can cause accidents during wide turns. For instance, during a right turn, the trailer might swing wide to the left, striking vehicles or objects. This type of accident is particularly common in urban areas where space is constrained.

6. Override and underride collisions — Override accidents occur when a semi-truck runs over a smaller vehicle ahead of it, often because the truck cannot stop quickly enough. Underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle gets trapped under the trailer of a semi-truck, typically from the rear or side. These collisions often result in catastrophic outcomes.

To avoid collisions with semi-trucks, drivers of smaller vehicles should maintain a safe following distance, be aware of the truck’s blind spots, and avoid abrupt lane changes. It is vital to ensure that your vehicle is visible to truck drivers and to anticipate the wide turns that trucks might make.

In the event of a collision, consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney is advisable to understand your rights and potential for seeking damages. Even if fault for an accident is shared, it may still be possible to recover damages if you were partially at fault. This legal guidance can be crucial in navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident.

At Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC in Vallejo, our lawyers provide truck accident victims with the representation they need to gain the compensation they deserve. We represent clients in Solano, Contra Costa and Napa counties in Northern California. Call us at 707-674-6057 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation.