Our firm represents the victims of serious commercial truck accidents nationwide. If you've been injured, we can help. Call now to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
At some point, trucks carry virtually all goods consumed in the U.S. In that way, trucks do much of the dirty work of American business by hauling goods and materials across the country. According to the Department of Transportation, the amount of goods moved by trucks shows no signs of decreasing. In fact, they estimate that by 2015, the volume of goods moved by trucks could increase by nearly 50%. Trucks are a prominent feature on American roadways—and with the increasing volume of truck traffic, they are only going to become more prevalent. However, despite their necessity, trucks pose a serious threat due to their large size and compromised handling abilities. Furthermore, the victims of truck accidents face unique legal challenges.
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There are many types of commercial trucks designed to perform many different tasks.
Below is a list of some of the most common large trucks and the dangers other drivers face from them.
Tractor-Trailers: Commonly referred to as a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or big rig, a tractor-trailer is designed to haul cargo. By some estimates, these vehicles deliver more than three-quarters of all the cargo shipped in the U.S. An 18-wheeler has large blind spots, requires long stopping distances, and a high center of gravity makes it prone to rolling over.
Dump Trucks & Garbage Trucks: A typical dump truck load consists of sand, gravel, or dirt for construction projects, although they can carry many different materials. Both dump trucks and garbage trucks have large blind spots and limited view. These types of commercial trucks can be particularly dangerous because they tend to operate in residential areas where many pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles are present.
Flatbed Trucks: Flatbeds have a flat, open trailer, which is easy for loading and unloading. Many truck accidents caused by flatbeds are due to issues such as improper loading or improperly secured cargo.
Tanker Trucks: A tanker truck is designed to carry liquids or gases, including hazardous materials. They vary in size and some tankers are classified as semi-trucks. A large tanker is prone to rollovers, which can create an extremely dangerous situation if the liquid or gas it carries is flammable. They may also release toxic fumes.
Other types of trucks you may see on the road include the following:
A jackknife occurs when the trailer portion of a truck skids and forms a 90-degree angle to the tractor (imagine a pocketknife closing). A jackknife causes the driver to lose control of the truck and creates a dangerous situation.
Speeding, especially around a corner, may cause rollovers. Rollovers can also occur when a tire goes off the pavement and a driver tries to return to the road. Once a truck begins to roll, it is completely out of control.
If you have ever experienced a tire blowout, you know it can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. This danger is magnified when the vehicle is a large truck that weighs tens of thousands of pounds.
Underride accidents occur when a vehicle behind a truck smashes into the trailer and is carried underneath by its momentum. If there is enough force in the collision, the entire cab of the car can be completely obliterated.
No matter what kind of truck crash you are involved in, the truck accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP can help you in the fight to obtain just compensation that can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We have years of experience and welcome the chance to fight to protect your legal rights. Call now to get started with your case!