Recognize the Unique Threat That Big Truck Accidents Pose to Commuters

It is not unusual to witness dozens of large trucks traveling along nearby highways and interstates each day as you travel your regular commute. These trucks are a critical part of the North American supply chain, transporting common goods and household items to local businesses to serve the demands of consumers.

But these trucks can also present significant, if not deadly, threats to commuters who share the road if they are not properly operated. If truck drivers are negligent if they fail to properly maintain their vehicles or if they transport goods for companies that disregard safety precautions and regulations, these trucks can be deadly on the highway.

The volume of big trucks that travel the roads continues to grow, with Canada reporting a total of 324,200 truck drivers in 2021, up from 300,000 the previous year, according to Injured.ca. The massive size of these big trucks that transport goods on the highways make them an even bigger threat, as do the typically large hauls that these big trucks carry that can surpass tens of thousands of pounds. These big trucks and the big hauls they carry are no match for commuter vehicles if they cause an accident, which will likely result in significant damage and massive injuries, if not death.

Commuters must be vigilant on the road, checking all around them and particularly watching out for potential problems with these large transport trucks and their big hauls. If you are involved in an accident involving one of these big transport vehicles, make sure to contact a lawyer you can trust who has experience handling these unique types of accidents. One benefit in immediately contacting a reputable lawyer after an incident is that experienced truck accident lawyers will collect evidence by visiting the accident scene.

Here are some of the most common accidents these large trucks are involved in while traveling North American highways and interstates.

Jacknife

This accident happens when a truck driver hits the brakes hard and suddenly. This can lead to the truck’s cab sliding into a 90-degree angle with the heavily-loaded trailer, which is slammed against the cab as the weight of the haul being carried shifts inside the trailer.

Rollover

The height of big trucks, in addition to their heavy loads, can result in a rollover when the driver loses control of the vehicle. The truck will slide, lean over on its side, and roll, sometimes colliding with nearby vehicles. These types of accidents can occur during stormy weather.

Blowout

Big trucks have numerous wheels, in many cases 18. When those tires blow out, it can be difficult to maneuver the truck. Some truck drivers lose control, while others may navigate to a shoulder. Even if the blowouts do not result in a loss of control, the tires or remnants can fly off and hit other vehicles or cause accidents.

Lost Load

This accident occurs when a big truck’s load shifts or is lost. The truck’s load can hit other vehicles on the road or an improperly secured load can cause an imbalance on the truck that may make it difficult for the driver to maneuver.

Wide Turn

Some truck drivers may swing their big rig through a wide turn, at times hitting nearby vehicles or even pedestrians, or even trap them.

Under Ride

A sudden and complete stop of a big truck can leave little time for the driver in the vehicle behind the truck to react. In some cases, smaller vehicles traveling behind the truck can become lodged under the truck’s trailer.