Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents and Their Unique Risks

Overview

Commercial vehicle accidents, particularly those involving large trucks, pose a significant risk on U.S. roadways. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a single fatal truck crash can result in costs exceeding $3 million.

In 2019 alone, 5,005 people lost their lives in crashes involving large trucks, with a staggering 71% of those fatalities being occupants of other vehicles. These alarming statistics highlight the unique dangers of commercial vehicle accidents, underscoring the need for greater awareness and safety measures to protect all road users.

How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Differ from Personal Vehicle accidents

Higher Stakes for Victims: Victims of commercial vehicle accidents often face life-altering consequences. From long-term medical care to potential permanent disability, the personal and financial toll is immense. Insurance claims and lawsuits are often far more complex, involving multiple parties such as the driver, trucking company, manufacturers, and even third-party maintenance providers.

Vehicle Sizes: Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to a typical passenger car, which weighs around 4,000 pounds. This enormous disparity in size and weight means that when a collision occurs, the damage can be catastrophic. The force of impact from such a massive vehicle can easily total smaller cars, and the injuries sustained are often much more severe or even fatal.

More Laws and Regulations: Commercial vehicle drivers and their employers are subject to specific regulations that don’t apply to ordinary drivers. Federal laws, such as those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), dictate hours of service, vehicle maintenance standards, and cargo safety protocols. These regulations can complicate a legal claim, requiring a deep understanding of transportation laws and experience in holding both drivers and trucking companies accountable.

Bigger Impacts: The sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles increase the severity of accidents when it comes to physical damage and the number of vehicles involved. A single truck accident can result in multi-car pileups, road blockages, and hazardous material spills, leading to widespread damage and injury.

Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Jackknife Accidents

• What: This occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an L or V shape with the cab.
• Why it’s risky: A jackknifing truck can block multiple lanes of traffic, potentially causing a multi-vehicle crash. The uncontrolled swing of the trailer also puts other motorists at severe risk of being struck.

Rollover Accidents

• What: A rollover happens when a truck tips over onto its side or roof.
• Why it’s risky: These accidents can crush smaller vehicles or lead to cargo spills, which may include hazardous materials. Rollovers are particularly dangerous on highways or tight curves, where trucks are more likely to lose control due to high speeds or improper loading.

Underride Accidents

• What: In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck’s trailer.
• Why it’s risky: These accidents are often fatal, as the top of the smaller vehicle can be sheared off, causing devastating injuries to the occupants. Despite regulations requiring underride guards, not all trucks are equipped with these safety devices, leaving other drivers vulnerable.

Rear-End Collisions

• What: These occur when a commercial truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle.
• Why it’s risky: The weight and momentum of a fully loaded truck mean that stopping distances are significantly longer than for passenger cars. Even a low-speed rear-end collision with a commercial truck can result in devastating injuries, including whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents

• What: A wide turn accident happens when a truck swings wide to make a turn, colliding with vehicles or pedestrians in adjacent lanes.
• Why it’s risky: These accidents often catch nearby drivers or pedestrians off-guard, leading to severe side-impact collisions or injuries to unsuspecting bystanders.

How Commercial Accidents Cause So Much Harm

Severe Injuries: The size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles often leads to catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations. The recovery process is long, painful, and costly.

Long Recovery Periods: Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may require months, if not years, of medical care, including surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Some may never fully recover and face lifelong disabilities, significantly impacting their quality of life.

Financial Stress: Medical bills for victims can skyrocket, especially for those requiring extended hospital stays or specialized treatments. Lost wages during recovery and expensive medical care can lead to overwhelming financial burdens for families, often resulting in bankruptcy or long-term economic hardship.

Emotional Impact: Beyond physical injuries, the emotional toll of a commercial vehicle accident is substantial. Many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression following a traumatic crash. The fear of driving again, flashbacks, and difficulty resuming daily activities can have lasting effects on mental health.

The Importance of Legal Representation After A commercial Vehicle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, seeking experienced legal representation is essential. These cases involve complex liability issues, including multiple parties such as the truck driver, their employer, and possibly the manufacturer of faulty parts. An attorney well-versed in commercial vehicle accidents can investigate the crash, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Commercial vehicle accidents aren’t just fender benders—they can turn your life upside down. Having the right legal team by your side can significantly impact your recovery and the financial compensation you receive.