May 1, 2024 | Truck Accidents, Uncategorized
Eighteen-wheelers are massive. A fully loaded tractor-trailer in Oklahoma is approximately 72 feet long and can weigh up to 40 tons. When crashes happen, the consequences can be truly catastrophic. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that more than 160,000 people are hurt in semi-truck accidents nationwide each year. Large truck accidents take many different forms. At McGuire Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling these claims. Truckers and truck companies must be held accountable for negligence that contributes to crashes. Here, our Oklahoma City semi-truck accident attorney discusses the different types of collisions.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it. These accidents are particularly dangerous due to the massive weight of a large commercial truck. Notably, as tractor-trailers require additional stopping distance, there is a serious risk of rear-end collisions. The most common reasons why these accidents happen are trucker speed, trucker distracted driving, trucker, failure to maintain safe braking distances, and truck company failure to maintain brakes.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings around to form an acute angle with the cab—thereby somewhat resembling a folding knife. Most often, these types of accidents occur during sudden braking or when a driver loses control due to slippery road conditions. One of the worst aspects of these types of wrecks is that the jackknifed trailer can collide with multiple vehicles. It can result in a multi-car pile-up.
Wide-Turn Crashes
When a 72-foot-long truck makes a turn, it is absolutely crucial that it does so in a manner that allows it to retain lane integrity. Wide-turn crashes typically involve tractor-trailers making right turns. Trucks often need to swing left to maneuver a right turn. When they do so, they create inherent safety risks for other vehicles that may be squeezed between the truck and the curb. The truck driver has the responsibility to ensure that turns are made safely.
Blind Spot Accidents
Blind spot accidents are a serious safety hazard because of the size of the blind spots—often referred to as “no zones” around large commercial trucks. Of course, all vehicles have blind spots. Yet, these problematic zones are much larger for commercial trucks than they are for passenger vehicles. A trucker in Oklahoma must manage his or her blind spots. If a truck strikes a vehicle in its blind spot, the trucker and truck company may be held legally responsible.
Tire Failure Crashes
Large commercial trucks need safe tires. After all, the tire is the only part of the vehicle that actually makes contact with the roadway. A lot of weight is put on a truck’s tires. For this reason, trucking companies must proactively inspect a vehicle’s tires and, when needed, conduct maintenance. Tire failures are catastrophic in trucking accidents. A blown tire can cause the driver to lose control, leading to severe crashes. Notably, tire failures are largely preventable. The most common causes of tire failure include improper maintenance, wear and tear, and manufacturing defects.
Semi-Truck Rollovers
Commercial truck rollover crashes are disproportionately likely to be catastrophic accidents. Tractor-trailer rollovers occur when the truck tips over onto its side or roof. High speeds, sudden turns, and shifting loads are all relatively common triggers of semi-truck rollover collisions. Notably, rollovers can be catastrophic or even deadly. If you or your loved one was involved in an eighteen-wheeler rollover, contact an experienced Oklahoma truck accident attorney for immediate help.
Truck Underride Accidents
Truck underride accidents are among the most horrific collisions involving eighteen-wheelers. These crashes happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer during a collision. Notably, truck underride crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the crushing damage to the passenger compartment. Underride guards can help you reduce the risk. Involved in a truck underride crash in Oklahoma? Our law firm is here to protect your rights and interests.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At McGuire Law Firm, our Oklahoma City semi-truck accident attorney is standing by, ready to take action. We hold large truck companies accountable. It is our mission to help injured victims secure the maximum compensation for their damages. If you were hurt in a tractor-trailer collision, please do not hesitate to contact us online for a free, fully confidential initial consultation. We handle truck accident claims in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Tulsa, and throughout all of Oklahoma.