In Cherry Hill, truck accidents are among the most horrific events on the road. Due to their size, power, and weight, truck crashes can be particularly devastating. In 2022, over 100,000 trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in injuries and fatalities.
Understanding the typical types of truck accidents that occur in Cherry Hill and their underlying causes can enhance your awareness and safety while driving. Let’s examine the most prevalent types and what causes them.
A Cherry Hill truck accident lawyer can assist you in understanding more concerning truck accidents and your legal rights.
Going further:
Common Types of Truck Accidents
- Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when a truck strikes the back of another vehicle. Since trucks are significantly heavier than standard cars, they require a longer distance to come to a stop. If a truck is tailgating, it might not be able to stop in time to prevent an accident.
Common Causes:
- Tailgating or driving too close to other vehicles
- Driver fatigue, which slows reaction time
- The truck’s weight caused delayed braking
- Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out sideways, creating an angle similar to that of a folding knife. This kind of accident can obstruct several lanes of traffic and lead to significant damage.
Common Causes:
- Sudden or hard braking
- Wet or slippery roads
- Poorly loaded cargo that shifts during driving
- Rollover Accidents
In a rollover accident, the truck tips over onto its side or roof. These crashes are very dangerous, especially on highways where vehicles move at high speeds.
Common Causes:
- Taking sharp turns too quickly
- Cargo that is not loaded evenly
- Losing control due to distraction or fatigue
- Underride Accidents
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. These accidents are hazardous and often deadly.
Common Causes:
- Trucks with poorly maintained brake lights or reflectors
- Sudden stops by the truck
- Lack of underride guards on the truck
- Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks need a lot of space to turn, especially when making right turns. Sometimes, they swing left before turning right. This can trap smaller vehicles in the adjacent lanes.
Common Causes:
- Drivers not signaling before turning
- Lack of awareness of nearby vehicles
- Inexperience handling wide turns
- Blind Spot Accidents
Trucks have large blind spots, also called “no-zones,” where smaller vehicles are hard to see. If a truck changes lanes while a car is in its blind spot, it can cause a crash.
Common Causes:
- Drivers failing to check their mirrors or blind spots
- Cars lingering too long in the truck’s no-zones
- Driver distraction
- Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions, which happen when a truck crashes front-first into another vehicle, are some of the most serious types of accidents.
Common Causes:
- Driver fatigue causes trucks to drift into other lanes
- Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
- Losing control of the truck and crossing the median line
- T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone accident happens when a truck hits another vehicle from the side, usually at intersections. These crashes can cause severe injuries because the side of a car is less protected than the front or back.
Common Causes:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Misjudging a truck’s speed at an intersection
- Brake failure
Key Causes of Truck Accidents
Some of the common causes of truck accidents are as follows:
Driver-Related Causes
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, which can lead to mistakes. Fatigue is a big problem because tired drivers react slower. Distractions, such as using a phone or adjusting a GPS, can also cause accidents.
Impaired driving, whether from alcohol, drugs, or certain medications, increases the risk of crashes. In some cases, truck drivers may not have the proper training to handle these large vehicles safely.
Mechanical Failures
A truck is made up of many parts, and if one fails, it can lead to an accident. Common mechanical issues include:
- Brake failures that prevent stopping
- Tire blowouts that cause the truck to lose control
- Steering problems that make turning impossible
Regular maintenance is important to keep trucks safe, but sometimes, it gets overlooked.
Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can make truck driving tricky. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and construction zones often create hazards. Slippery roads caused by oil spills, rain, or ice also make it harder for trucks to stop or turn safely.
Weather Conditions
Bad weather adds another layer of risk. Heavy rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make the roads slippery. Strong winds can push trucks off balance, causing rollovers.
Cargo Issues
The way cargo is loaded plays a big role in truck safety, and overloading a truck or failing to secure cargo properly can cause problems. Shifting loads can throw off the truck’s balance, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
The Role of Safety Regulations
Many truck accidents can be prevented by following safety regulations. Rules from organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) focus on:
- Ensuring trucks get regular maintenance
- Limiting the hours, drivers can work to prevent fatigue
- Providing proper training for new drivers
New technologies also help improve truck safety. Collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) are becoming more common. These tools can reduce accidents and save lives.
The Sum-Up!
Truck accidents can have severe and lasting impacts. Whether they involve a rollover, a jackknife incident, or a rear-end collision, grasping the reasons behind these accidents is crucial. By being mindful of the dangers—such as driver fatigue, mechanical issues, and hazardous road conditions—you can enhance your safety and that of others while driving.
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