The trucking industry has been the backbone of the US economy for decades. In 2021, trucks moved 10.93 billion tons of freight, up from 10.23 billion tons the previous year. The industry also collected 80.8% of the nation’s freight bill, generating $875.5 billion. And the industry employed 7.99 million people in industry-related jobs.
That said, these large vehicles are also a danger to car drivers and bikers.
Understanding Different Types of Semi-Truck Accidents in Utah
Semi-truck accidents are more common than you think. In 2022, Utah witnessed 273 fatal crashes that resulted in 293 fatalities. They are also responsible for inflicting severe injuries and shattering property damage. As a semi-truck accident lawyer, we come across many cases with devastating injuries.
Let’s dive in.
1. Jackknife Accidents
As a semi-truck accident lawyer, we have come across victims of jackknife truck accidents. This accident happens when a large truck, like a semi-truck, folds in on itself at 90 degrees. Usually, you will see the trailer swinging into the cabin, pushing it to one side.
In most cases, a faulty braking system is responsible for jackknife accidents. This is often due to a lack of regular maintenance. Sometimes, the trucking companies fail to follow through with regular upkeep to cut costs. And when a truck driver breaks hard and too fast, it causes the truck axles to jam. As a result, the trailer will continue to push into the cabin, causing a devastating crash.
2. Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision with a semi-truck is the most violent type of crash. This accident happens when a semi-truck or a large truck collides with a car or other vehicle. It’s often hard to escape a head-on collision, and the injuries sustained are very severe. Fatalities are also high in this type of accident.
More often than not, driver fatigue is the reason behind this type of collision. A fatigued driver may lose control of the truck for a few seconds, causing the semi-truck to swerve into the oncoming traffic. But there could be other reasons, such as brake malfunction or failure to exercise due care when overtaking a vehicle.
Whatever the reason may be, you must get medical attention immediately. And your next call should be to an experienced truck accident attorney in Utah. Only a skilled lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.
3. T-Bone Collisions
As a semi-truck accident lawyer, we have also seen too many T-bone truck accident victims. This type of truck accident happens in the following two situations.
- When a semi-truck or truck runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into another vehicle on its side.
- When other vehicles, such as a car or truck, run a red light or stop sign and crash into a truck on its side.
T-bone collisions can be deadly, especially if one of the vehicles is traveling at high speed. In most cases, texting while driving, drunk driving, or other distractions can lead to this type of accident. You have to be careful when driving at intersections.
4. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are more common than you think. But they are very deadly when a large truck or semi-truck is involved. A rear-end collision happens when a driver fails to stop their vehicle. Truck drivers are particularly at risk of rear-end crashes due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
Most passenger cars can quickly stop when moving at high speed as they are small. However, a speeding semi-truck is more difficult to stop when traveling at high speed. As a result, it can crash into the vehicle/s ahead of them. It can lead to fatal injuries.
If you have suffered injuries in a rear-end collision, speak to a semi-truck lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you recover compensation for your injuries and trauma.
5. Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes are equally prevalent when it comes to large vehicles like semi-trucks. This type of accident happens when a truck driver loses control, causing the truck rolls sideways or forward. When some truck rollovers, its trailer or cabin can crash into nearby vehicles, resulting in fatal injuries.
Usually, rollover accidents happen when the truck brakes suddenly or swerves abruptly. That, in turn, happens when the truck is trying to avoid a head-on crash. If you are a car driver, maintain a safe distance to stay safe from a rollover accident. But should you get injured in an accident like this, get medical help first and then hire a semi-truck accident lawyer immediately.
6. Wide-Turn Collision
As you may already know, semi-trucks often lack maneuverability. As a result, the truck needs to move slightly left before making a right turn and vice versa. Unfortunately, when other drivers, especially passenger vehicle drivers, see this, they think the ruck is going left.
But as the truck is actually going right, other vehicles collide with it, causing wide-turn accidents. These accidents also tend to happen when a semi-truck is taking a U-turn. If you are on the road, maintain a safe distance from a truck as it makes a turn. And if you do get injured in an accident, contact a semi-truck accident lawyer to help you fight for your rights.
7. Blind Spots Accidents
As you may already know, commercial vehicles like semi-trucks have blind spots. Plus, the blind spot of a commercial vehicle is much larger than a car. So, it’s difficult for a truck driver to see your vehicle when you are in a blind spot. This dangerous situation can lead to severe semi-truck crashes.
Always take proper precautions when driving. If you are too close to the semi-truck, your vehicle will be forced off-road or hit by the truck when changing lanes or braking. Always maintain a safe distance between your car and other vehicles, large and small alike. Call a semi-truck accident lawyer if you get injured and want to recover damages.
8. Tire Blowout Accidents
Any vehicle can experience a tire blowout. But the big rig tire failure can lead to grave consequences. A semi-truck tire blowout can cause:
- The cabin and trailer swerve into nearby vehicles.
- Flying debris and loosened cargo hit nearby vehicles.
- Other drivers to panic and hit nearby vehicles or go off the road.
- The truck to roll over and crash into other vehicles.
You can get hurt in a tire blowout accident despite taking precautions. But tire blowout accidents are usually complex because the contributing factors are many. It’s difficult to determine whether a lack of maintenance caused a tire blowout or was the driver at fault. Contact a reliable semi-truck accident lawyer to file a claim.
In Conclusion
Big rigs play a critical role in our nation’s economy. And while truck driving is getting safer, accidents do happen. Unfortunately, accidents involving semi-trucks are more devastating and can result in life-altering injuries. They are also notoriously difficult to prove due to the complexities involved in the contributing factors. If you get injured in a truck accident, contact a semi-truck accident lawyer as early as possible.
Do you need a semi-truck accident attorney in Utah? You’ve come to the right place. At Carlson Injury Law, our expert lawyers will help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.