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Big rigs are a vital part of the transportation industry. However, when large semi trucks are involved in a crash, the massive size and weight often mean severe or fatal brain injuries in San Jose to anyone involved. Three types of accidents are most common to big rigs: rollover, jackknife, and underride crashes. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Rollover accidents are hazardous for large trucks, which are more likely to roll over than smaller vehicles due to a high center of gravity. These accidents often occur when the truck travels around a curve or over bumpy terrain. If the truck is carrying a heavy load, it can be even more prone to rollover accidents. Several factors can contribute to a rollover crash, including speeding, sharp turns, and uneven roads.
One of the most dangerous things about rollover crashes is that they can often lead to secondary accidents. For example, if a truck rolls over on the highway, it may block traffic and cause other vehicles to crash. A truck carrying hazardous materials could pose a severe environmental hazard.
Related Article: Why Rollover Crashes Are The Most Deadly
A Jackknifed truck can be identified when its trailer is placed at a 90-degree angle from its cab. In addition to the dangers that Jackknife accidents pose to the driver, it can pose devastating injuries to other motorists if the trailer swings into oncoming traffic. Jackknife accidents often occur if a driver is speeding, brakes too hard, or the road is slippery or icy. Overloaded trucks are also a large cause of jackknife accidents.
An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with the side or rear of a tractor-trailer and becomes wedged underneath. Underrides can be the result of a few factors such as the truck making a wide turn, suddenly braking, or if the truck driver does not signal when changing lanes. Underride accidents are often fatal for the smaller vehicle’s occupants as the heavy weight of the truck can crush the smaller vehicle.
Read more about how legislators want to protect motorists through the Stop Underrides Act on our blog.
Being involved in a truck crash often results in catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck crash, know that legal help is available to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys, our San Jose truck accident lawyers are ready to assist you throughout the legal process and protect your rights.
As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, we have proven our ability to negotiate and litigate on behalf of our clients successfully. Retain us to put our tactical strategies to work for you. These skills are what make our legal team such a formidable opponent in any courtroom or negotiation setting.