Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents on Roads and Highways

Semi-trucks are vehicles consisting of a tractor and one or more pulled trailers, primarily used to carry high-volume cargo loads over long distances. A semi-truck can be up to 70-80 feet long and, when fully loaded, can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Due to their massive size and weight and their limited maneuverability, semi-trucks can cause major damage and bodily injury in collisions with other vehicles. 

When sharing the road with a semi-truck, it’s important to be aware of the types of accidents that can occur. The following are the most common:

• T-bone collisions — These occur when the front of a semi-truck crashes into the side of another vehicle or, alternatively, when another vehicle hits the side of the semi. These accidents frequently occur at intersections and are highly dangerous. The sheer force of a semi-truck hitting the side of a smaller vehicle can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Jackknifing — This occurs where the trailer of the semi-truck swings out and forms an acute angle with the tractor. A jackknife can be triggered by sudden braking, slippery roads or improper handling of the vehicle. Jackknife accidents can involve multiple lanes and vehicles, increasing the risk of a multi-vehicle pile-up.
• Rollovers — These occur when a semi-truck tips over onto its side due to loss of control, high speeds, sharp turns or improperly balanced loads. Rollovers are dangerous as they can block entire roadways and pose risks not only to the truck driver but also to all nearby vehicles.
• Sideswipes — These involve a semi-truck and another vehicle brushing against each other, which can cause either vehicle to veer sideways and possibly crash. Sideswipes can occur when trucks change lanes without noticing smaller vehicles in their blind spots or when vehicles drift out of their lanes.
• Wide turn accidents — These result from the large turning radius required by semi-trucks. During a right turn, the trailer can swing wide to the left, striking vehicles or objects. This type of accident is common in urban areas where space is limited.
• Override and underride collisions — An override accident happens when a semi-truck runs over a smaller vehicle ahead of it, often due to the truck's inability to stop in time. An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle gets trapped under the trailer of a semi-truck, usually from the rear or side, leading to catastrophic outcomes.

To avoid collisions with semi-trucks and other larger vehicles, maintain a safe following distance, be aware of the truck's blind spots and avoid abrupt lane changes. Always be sure that your vehicle is visible to truck drivers and anticipate the wide turns that trucks might make. If you were hurt in a collision, an experienced truck accident attorney can advise you of your right to seek damages. Although fault for an accident may be shared, it is possible to recover damages even if you were partially at fault.

At Pulverman & Pulverman, LLP in Santa Barbara, we are committed to securing fair compensation for victims of California truck accidents. Call us at 805-962-0397  or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.