A Sayville accident attorney understands that there several types of crashes that involve large trucks. However, one of the most common factors with these truck accidents is they may lead to severe or life-threatening injuries. As a result, you may be eligible to file a claim seeking compensation for damages.
Types of Truck Accidents
It takes a semi longer to stop than it does a car, especially if carrying a heavy load. As a result, a truck may rear-end the vehicle in front of it if it does not have enough room to apply the brakes and come to a stop.
This becomes especially dangerous when on the highway and traveling at a higher rate of speed. Rear-end accidents can lead to the truck jackknifing, when the trailer swings out to the left or right at a 90-degree angle.
Another type of accident is when the truck driver is unable to see a vehicle because of the truck’s blind spot. There are blind spots in both the front and back of the truck. This can lead to the truck driver improperly passing or turning in front of a vehicle, which could have devastating consequences.
Head-on collisions with a truck, as with any vehicle, may be among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The outcome is even worse when either or both vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed.
Underride truck accidents occur when a car slides underneath the truck. Although this generally happens at the back of a truck, a car may also slide underneath at the side. One of the dangers in this situation is that the roof of the car could be crushed or even ripped off.
Unlike an underride accident where the car slides underneath, an override accident is when the truck rides over the car. This could lead to a victim being pinned inside his or her vehicle.
Trucks that are overloaded or not properly secured run the risk of a rollover accident. This can become especially dangerous if the load being carried is hazardous, such as chemicals that could ignite a fire.
Tire blowouts may lead to an accident. These cause the truck driver to lose control, and any vehicle in its path is at risk of being struck.
In some cases, a truck accident can be the result of defective equipment, such as the brakes. If the trailer wasn’t properly inspected and there were repairs needed, it could lead to an accident as well. In cases like this, you may be able to file a claim against a manufacturer or an independent contractor who may be responsible.
Injuries Stemming from a Truck Accident
No matter what type of accident you have been involved in, if it resulted in serious injuries and it can be shown the truck driver was at fault, he or she may be held liable. In some cases, injuries suffered in a truck accident require extensive time in a hospital and missed time from work.
Some injuries that may be sustained in truck accidents include:
- head injuries;
- broken bones;
- limb loss;
- spinal cord injuries;
- damage to neck/back; and
- organ damage.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident and injuries, you could be entitled to compensation that addresses your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Speak with an attorney about your case for a more individualized assessment of your case and the damages to which you may be entitled.
Contacting a Sayville Accident Attorney
Truck companies are regulated by federal law, which makes these types of cases more complicated than your average car accident. This is why it is often helpful to seek legal guidance with a Sayville accident attorney who handles truck accident claims on a regular basis. To learn more about the legal options available, contact an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates at 1-800-246-HURT (4878).
