Nearly three million semi-trucks and over 10 million straight trucks travel U.S. highways today, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). With this many oversized vehicles on the road and drivers under strict delivery deadlines to protect their employers’ bottom lines, it’s no surprise that truck accidents can and do happen. But that does not mean they are an inevitability. Victims deserve compensation for the losses they suffer.
There are many different types of truck accidents ― and they all can have catastrophic consequences. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a collision with a commercial motor vehicle in Florida, let the Tampa truck accident attorneys at Brooks Law Group fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Some of the most common types of truck accidents in Tampa include:
- Jackknife accident – This type of wreck occurs when a trailer pushes the truck that is towing it to one side, causing the vehicle to fold in on itself like the action of a jackknife.
- Rear-end crash – A rear-end collision occurs when a truck follows another vehicle too closely. Trucks take longer to stop. When a negligent truck driver does not leave enough space between the rig and the car in front, they can face liability for a rear-end accident.
- Underride collision – An underride is a horrific type of crash in which a smaller car hits the side or rear of a large truck and slides beneath it. Underride accidents are frequently fatal. More than 200 people die in underride accidents every year.
- Override crash – An override collision is when a large truck runs over and crushes a smaller vehicle. Like an underride crash, these types of truck accidents are particularly deadly.
- Rollover accident – Reckless driving, speeding, or otherwise improper handling can destabilize a truck, causing it to overturn and collide with other vehicles.
- Head-on collision – A head-on collision occurs when a truck crosses the center line and collides with an oncoming vehicle. These crashes often happen because of inattentive, intoxicated, or fatigued drivers.
- T-bone accident – A T-bone accident occurs when a truck collides with the midsection of another vehicle, causing a wreck that resembles the letter “t.” T-bone accidents may happen when a truck driver runs a red light, stop sign, or otherwise disregards another motorist’s right of way.
- Sideswipes – In a sideswipe truck accident, the side of the truck scrapes along the side of a neighboring vehicle. These types of crashes can occur whether the vehicles are traveling in the same direction or opposite ones. Most time, a sideswipe truck accident occurs when the driver makes an unsafe lane change or fails to check their blind spots.
- Defective equipment accident – Many truck accidents occur because of a problem with the truck or one of its components. Vehicle design or improper maintenance may be to blame.
- Load/cargo shifts – When a truck’s cargo is improperly loaded or secured, a weight shift can cause the truck to jackknife or overturn. This can result in a potentially deadly accident.
- Tire blowout accident – A blowout can occur when tires are not adequately maintained or replaced. Blowouts can cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and loss of control.
- Wide turn crashes – Large trucks need a lot of space to turn. Drivers must usually swing wide to make tight corners. If they maneuver into another lane without checking first, they could crush a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist next to them.
- Poor maintenance accidents – Trucks are complex vehicles that consist of many parts. These components may fail if not properly maintained, potentially destabilizing the truck and leading to a collision. Trucking companies and truck drivers are responsible for conducting routine maintenance to reduce the chances of an accident. Failure to comply with state and federal regulations can mean severe penalties if a crash occurs.
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Contact an Experienced Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer
Being hurt in a truck accident can change your life forever. At Brooks Law Group, we will help you seek fair compensation if you’ve been injured in a collision with a truck or other commercial vehicle. Our Tampa truck accident lawyers know what it takes to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
We know that the aftermath of a truck accident can be devastating, leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and no promise of a full recovery. But if someone else is responsible for your losses, you could obtain compensation through a successful personal injury lawsuit.
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Tampa at Brooks Law Group will:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident
- Identify all at-fault parties
- Calculate the full extent of your losses
- File and manage all the paperwork related to your injury claim
- Gather evidence to support your case for full and fair compensation
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the events leading up to the crash
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company
- Take your claim to court if settlement talks fall through
At Brooks Law Group, we are committed to getting our clients the money they need to rebuild their lives after a truck accident. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Tampa truck accident lawyer.
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