Types of Truck Accidents | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

A Virginia car accident attorney knows the devastation car accidents can have on victims and their families, but truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size of these vehicles. Although truck drivers are required to have special training and hold a commercial driver’s license, these crashes do happen and far too often than they should.

Truck driver negligence is one of the main reasons why commercial truck accidents happen, however, there are also other factors that can cause a crash. If a victim is injured in a truck crash that is caused by the negligence of the truck driver, then they are entitled to file for damages for the losses they have suffered because of their injuries. If the truck driver was employed by a trucking company, then the claim or lawsuit will be filed against that company, not the truck driver.

 

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In order to file a claim or a lawsuit, the victim’s Virginia truck accident attorney must show that:

  1. The truck driver owed the victim a duty of care;
  2. The truck driver breached that duty by engaging in actions or behaviors that did not meet the standard of that duty of care;
  3. The truck driver’s breach of duty was the cause of the victim’s injuries; and
  4. The victim suffered actual harm.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Jackknifing: Jackknifing occurs when the two separate parts of the truck – the cab and the trailer – fold in upon themselves at the point where the two parts connect. This causes the truck’s trailer to swerve away from the cab, hitting anything in its path.

Rollovers: Because tractor-trailers have a higher sense of gravity than other types of vehicles, they are more susceptible to rollover accidents, particularly when they are turning. This is exasperated when a truck is transporting a heavy load or take curves too quickly or take too sharp a turn. When trucks do rollover, any vehicle they land is crushed and the outcome is often a tragic one.

Turning: Since these vehicles are so large and require more room to turn than other types of vehicles, particularly when making right-hand turns. In some areas, trucks often need two-lanes and this puts other vehicles at high risk, especially when the other lane has oncoming traffic.

No-Zones: Tractor-trailers have multiple blind spots. This is why they have multiple mirrors. It is critical for truck drivers to utilize those mirrors to ensure there are no other vehicles around them. Unfortunately, when a vehicle is in one of the truck’s blind spots, the truck driver may not see it and drive the truck right into the vehicle.

Contact a Virginia Injury Attorney for Assistance

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you are no doubt facing exorbitant medical bills, loss of income, and multiple other losses. A Virginia truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and determine how much financial compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.

The legal team at Shapiro & Appleton have been successfully advocating for accident victims for more than three decades and will use all available resources to get you the compensation you deserve.