Truck accidents are among the most severe and catastrophic traffic incidents. This is because of the size, weight, and power of commercial vehicles, as well as the impact they make after collisions. Victims of these accidents often suffer significant injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma.
These things leave them in dire need of fair compensation to recover their losses and damages incurred. To do this, they need to understand the types of truck accidents and the methods to secure rightful compensation.
If you or any of your loved ones have been in a truck accident, read this detailed guide to understand your situation and protect your rights.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents fall into different categories based on the reason and circumstances of the incident. Here are some of the common types:
1: Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of a truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling the shape of a folding knife. This typically happens when the driver brakes suddenly or improperly, causing the trailer to skid. Jackknifing can block multiple lanes of traffic and often leads to devastating multi-vehicle collisions.
Victims of jackknife accidents often face severe injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries. Determining liability in these accidents can be complex, as it may involve the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of the braking system. Seeking expert legal guidance is vital for accurately assessing fault and pursuing fair compensation.
2: Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck crashes. These incidents occur when a truck overturns, often due to excessive speed, uneven loads, or sharp turns. A rollover can cause widespread destruction, as the truck may crush smaller vehicles, scatter cargo, or block highways.
For those injured in a rollover accident, it is critical to investigate contributing factors such as poor maintenance, driver negligence, or improper loading by a third party. Comprehensive evidence collection, including accident reports and expert analysis, is essential to build a strong case for compensation.
3: Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions involving trucks are particularly severe due to the immense force exerted by heavy commercial vehicles. Trucks take significantly longer to stop than passenger cars, making them more prone to rear-ending vehicles during sudden traffic slowdowns.
Injuries from such collisions often include whiplash, internal injuries, and spinal damage. To claim rightful compensation, victims must establish that the truck driver failed to maintain a safe following distance or was distracted at the time of the crash. Evidence like dashcam footage and witness statements can be crucial in proving negligence.
4: Underride Accidents
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck, typically from the rear or side. These crashes are often fatal due to the car’s roof being crushed or sheared off. While federal regulations mandate underride guards on trucks, faulty or missing guards still lead to devastating consequences.
Compensation claims for underride accidents may target multiple parties, including the trucking company for failing to equip or maintain safety features and the truck driver for negligence. Survivors or the families of victims should consult with experienced legal professionals to ensure they receive the maximum compensation allowed by law.
5: Blind Spot Accidents
Blind spot accidents, also known as “no-zone” accidents, occur when a truck driver fails to see another vehicle in their blind spots. Trucks have significantly larger blind spots than smaller vehicles, particularly along the sides, behind the trailer, and directly in front of the cab. If a truck changes lanes or turns without noticing a vehicle in its blind spot, a collision can result.
These accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the difference in size and weight between the vehicles. Inadequate mirror checks, driver fatigue, or poor training frequently cause blind spot accidents.
Victims pursuing compensation may need to demonstrate that the truck driver failed to take necessary precautions or that the trucking company neglected to ensure proper training and safety protocols.
See also: Legal Rights Every Motorcyclist Should Know About Accident Claims
How to Get the Right Amount of Compensation
If you have been in an accident involving a truck, here’s how you can get the right amount of compensation.
Step 1: Document Everything
The foundation of a successful compensation claim lies in thorough documentation. Start by obtaining a copy of the police report and collect photographs of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, and visible injuries. Medical records are crucial for quantifying the extent of injuries, while repair estimates help assess property damage.
Maintaining a detailed account of the aftermath, including lost wages, emotional suffering, and medical expenses, strengthens your claim. Every piece of evidence can play a vital role in proving liability and ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
Step 2: Identify Responsible Parties
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making it essential to identify who is at fault. Depending on the circumstances, liability may rest with the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or even the manufacturer of defective truck components.
For example, if the accident occurred due to driver fatigue, the trucking company might be held responsible for enforcing unsafe schedules. By pinpointing all responsible parties, you can maximize your compensation potential.
Step 3: Work with Experienced Legal Professionals
Truck accident claims process requires legal expertise. Hiring an attorney with a strong track record in truck accident cases ensures you have someone to handle negotiations with insurance companies and opposing lawyers.
Experts recommend hiring local lawyers to handle your claim process in truck accident cases. This means if the accident has occurred in Detroit, you will need to hire a Detroit truck accident lawyer to represent you in court and negotiate with the insurance companies.
Step 4: Leverage Expert Testimonies
In many truck accident cases, expert testimonies can be the deciding factor in proving liability and securing adequate compensation. Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene to determine how the crash occurred, while medical experts can testify about the long-term impact of your injuries.
These testimonies provide objective support to your claims, making it harder for insurance companies to downplay or deny your compensation. Your legal team should have access to a network of reputable experts to strengthen your case.
