In 2018, approximately 4, 136 people died in large truck-car accidents. 15 percent of the deaths were motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians, 67 percent were passengers of other cars and 16 percent were truck drivers and/ or passengers. Without a doubt, trucking accidents in Fall River, MA, are one of the most dangerous types of accidents. Large trucks are bigger and heavier thus making them dangerous objects that can kill and destroy property in its path should anything go wrong. If you or a loved one have been involved in a trucking accident, you should contact a trucking accident lawyer in Fall River as soon as possible to find out how much you deserve in compensation.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, the deferral size for commercial motor vehicles is a width of 102 inches for commercial trucks. As for the height, most states limit it to 13 feet, 6 inches.
Types of Fall River, MA Trucking Accidents
Rollover Accident
A truck may have a huge load such that it loses control and rolls over. The results of a truck rolling over can lead to serious accidents and widespread destruction. Due to their heavy weight and bulk, something as simple as an incorrect turn may cause the trailer to topple over causing the rest of the truck to topple over too. If this happens when there are other cars sharing the same lane, they can be crushed underneath the truck or other vehicles can crash into the truck.
Underride Accidents
Most trucks have an underbelly that is big enough to fit a car. This can present a dangerous situation especially if the road is wide enough to fit a car underneath it. This can happen when the truck is trying to switch lanes and it accidentally wedges a car beneath it. The car can be dragged, crushed, or run over.
Tire Blowouts
When a tire blows out, the driver can lose control of the car, creating one disastrous effect. A truck has eight tires and all of them play a very important role; which is to support the vehicle’s weight. With an ordinary car, the jerking motion is in the direction of the blown-out tire. Due to the massive weight and size of the truck, the jerking motion is intensified. Additionally, the debris from the tire can be disastrous.
Jackknife Accident
Ajackknniffe accident happens when a large truck folds and the trailer swings outwards. A major cause of jackknife accidents is problems with braking. When a driver makes a sudden stop, the truck can skid causing the trailer to swing outward. Faulty brakes or brake failure can also lead to a jackknife accident.
A jackknife accident can also occur when the driver makes a sharp turn. They might lose control of the car.
Sometimes the truck tires might lose traction, especially under conditions such as wet/icy pavement or the driver is over speeding. An unbalanced or unsecured load could also be a contributing factor to these accidents.
Jackknife accidents are mostly preventable but the negligence of the drivers may cause some serious injuries. When the truck’s trailer swings outwards, it ends up striking cars or people near it. It gets worse if the trailer swings outwards on a busy highway across several lanes resulting in a multi-car accident.
If you’ve lost anyone or you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident in Fall River, MA, you are entitled to compensation. A Fall River truck accident lawyer can help you determine who was at fault for the accident.
Head on Truck Collisions
The weight and size of a truck intensify the impact of a head-on collision during an accident. The truck might collide with another car or a stationary object.
Lost Load Accidents
This type of accident happens when the cargo is not securely attached to the truck and it ends up on the highway and this can result in a serious accident. A recent report found that cargo shifting and securing were responsible for 7 percent of all trucking accidents across the United States.
The truck driver is responsible for ensuring that the cargo is appropriately secured and evenly distributed.
Speak with an Experienced Commercial Trucking Accident Lawyer in Fall River Today
The process of seeking compensation for a truck accident is more complex than a traditional car accident. This is why you should consider choosing a qualified truck accident lawyer near you who has a proven track record of handling trucking accident claims in Fall River, MA.
You can easily reach our trucking accident lawyer in Fall River by calling 508-676-0001 to book your free consultation.
