Truck accidents are unique compared to traditional automobile collisions. Large commercial trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds or more, while the average car weighs just 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. Trucks may also be attached to trailers and carry cargo that may shift in transit. These elements can make for unique types of traffic accidents.
Jackknife
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a large truck swings out away from the cab at an angle, similar to the shape of a jackknife. This can occur with commercial trucks if a driver takes a curve too quickly or slams on the brakes, causing the trailer to swing on its pivot point to create an angle. A jackknife accident is especially dangerous because a truck driver can no longer control the truck. The trailer may skid and strike other vehicles or cause the truck to roll onto its side.
Rollover
A truck rollover accident can describe an 18-wheeler turning onto its side or flipping completely over. Rollovers can occur because tractor-trailers have higher centers of gravity than standard passenger cars. If truck drivers are not careful when turning, braking, making sudden movements or navigating dangerous weather conditions, they may lose control of a truck and cause it to roll over. Improper truck maintenance, resulting in equipment breakdowns such as tire blowouts, can also cause rollover accidents.
Tire Blowout
A tire blowout occurs when a truck tire explodes or suddenly loses its air rather than a slow leak. This can cause an abrupt loss of vehicle control, including the potential for a rollover accident. Tire blowouts may be traced back to improper fleet maintenance, tires that were in a state of disrepair, tires with worn-out tread, tires with defects from the manufacturer, underinflated or overinflated tires, or road defects such as potholes that “tripped” the truck.
Rear-End Collision
Truck rear-end collisions occur when a large truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. The size difference between a commercial truck and a passenger car can result in the latter being crushed upon impact. A truck driver may cause a rear-end collision if he or she is distracted, texting, not paying attention to the road, driving under the influence or driving while fatigued. Large trucks need more time to slow down, which requires truck drivers to maintain a safe speed and distance at all times.
Underride or Override Accident
In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle slides or gets wedged beneath the trailer of a big rig. This can include the side and rear of a trailer, such as in a T-bone accident where a car strikes the side of a trailer. An override accident describes a large truck driving up and over another vehicle, such as in a rear-end collision. This could crush the vehicle and the passengers inside.
Blind Spot Accident
Due to the length of a trailer, commercial trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. If a truck driver is not careful and does not properly check his or her blind spots, he or she could change lanes or merge on top of a smaller car. This could force the driver of the smaller car off the road or cause a sideswipe accident.
Wide Turn Accident
Truck drivers must navigate turns with special caution and care. The size and shape of a tractor-trailer require a large turn radius. Right-hand turns are especially tight and often require a truck driver to swing the cab wide to the left before turning right. This can create a dangerous situation for surrounding cars, which may crash into the truck or get stuck beneath the trailer as it swings left.
If you get injured in any type of truck accident in New Mexico, contact the truck accident attorneys at The Fine Law Firm for a free consultation about your rights.