Large commercial trucks carry goods from one place to another; they are essential to our communities’ economy. They also make up approximately 13% of all motor vehicles on our roadways. Accidents happen and, like automobile accidents, large truck accidents are a common type of roadway accident.
Blind Spot accidents. Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots. This is where the driver loses sight of other vehicles, putting these cars in danger of being hit or forced off the road. The blind spots for a large truck are much bigger than in smaller vehicles.
Jackknife accidents. This usually happens when a driver suddenly brakes hard causing the cab to form a 90-degree angle with the truck. The hitch of the truck acts like a hinge enabling the truck to fold in on itself, swiveling where they are linked together.
Rollover accidents. A driver’s loss of control can result in a large commercial truck rolling over on its side. These are one of the deadliest for truck drivers
Tire blowouts. We often see tire pieces on our roadways, shreds of black rubber. These are the remnants of a large commercial truck having a blowout. Tire blowouts can lead to erratic driving or force a truck to go in wayward directions and into the path of other cars.
Underride accidents. This occurs when a vehicle rear-ends a truck and becomes trapped beneath a tractor-trailer from either the sides or the rear of the truck and often happens when a driver gets distracted, brakes suddenly, or is impaired.
Wide turn accidents. Truck drivers often need to swing left to make a right turn, aka, a wide turn. If the driver is not aware of traffic behind or to the right, it can trap other cars and cause an accident.
Head-on collisions, when the driver of a large truck loses control of his vehicle and swerves into oncoming traffic. Loss of control can happen due to unsafe and careless driving behaviors such as distracted driving and driving under the influence.
Rear-end collisions. Just as it sounds, truck drivers may be driving too fast or tailgating the vehicle in front of them and end up rear-ending it. Due to size and weight, it takes more time and distance to stop a large commercial truck. Drivers who do not observe the FMCSA-recommended following distances create hazards when they do not leave enough time or room to stop.
T-bone collisions, which often occur at intersections, are when one vehicle hits another perpendicularly.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published October 14, 2020. It was reviewed on January 26, 2023 and updated for content and accuracy.