Truck Accident Injury FAQs

There are many different types of truck accidents, and many are preventable. Most truck accidents are caused by one or more people's negligence or recklessness. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include the following:

• Rollover truck accidents occur when a vehicle, usually a top-heavy or high vehicle, collides with another object on the road. The collision can cause a truck to turn over quickly and roll.
• Jackknife truck accidents occur when the cab of a semi-truck swings toward the truck's trailer. When a jackknife accident begins, a truck driver can do little to control the vehicle and avoid a crash.
• Rear-end and head-on collisions.
• When smaller vehicles become lodged underneath a truck, underride and undercarriage truck accidents occur.
• Vehicle malfunction, such as a tire blowout or failed brakes, can cause accidents. Accidents can occur when cargo comes loose while the truck is in motion on the road.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), most truck accidents are caused by driver negligence. Common types of negligence include drinking and driving, distracted driving, speeding, drowsy driving, and driver inexperience. Other factors may include poor lighting, inclement weather, inadvertent truck driving mistakes, slick or slippery roads, vehicle malfunctions, and missing or damaged traffic control devices and/or signals.

Being injured in a dangerous truck accident can be a jarring and shocking experience. However, it is important that you take specific steps to protect yourself and your claim for compensation. Call 911 as soon as possible if you or someone else has been injured. Request that the dispatcher sends a police officer to the truck accident scene. If you can, gather the truck driver's name, contact information, and vehicle registration information. This will allow you to identify parties that may be liable for your damages. Collect the insurance information from anyone involved in the accident. If it is safe and possible, photograph the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles involved.

Photograph any injuries you may have suffered. If the paramedic recommends that you go to the hospital, take their advice and undergo a complete evaluation. Otherwise, we recommend going to your doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment, as aches and pains associated with the accident may appear shortly after. Please make sure you tell your doctor about all your symptoms and follow their advice, take your prescription(s), and go to all your follow-up appointments. We recommend discussing your case with an attorney who can begin protecting your rights and negotiating with the insurance company as soon as possible.

Once you begin working with an attorney, your attorney will start investigating your truck accident case. Your attorney will begin gathering evidence to prove which person or people caused the truck accident. Every truck accident is unique, but in most cases, one or more of the following parties may be liable for your truck accident:

• The truck driver
• The trucking or transportation company
• The owner or operator of a truck or fleet of trucks
• A truck manufacturer
• Government or municipal offices responsible for road maintenance and upkeep