The Types of Truck Accidents and Their Causes

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Trucks in Fort Lauderdale are deeply ingrained in the local economy. Unfortunately, due to their massive size and heavy loads, truck accidents can be devastating.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that large trucks and buses make up 13.2% of fatal accidents in the U.S. each year. This is no small number, especially in a city like Fort Lauderdale, where traffic congestion, tourism, and reckless driving all play a role.

When something goes wrong, victims are encouraged to reach out to a truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale for help in seeking compensation.

Types of Truck Accidents

Below are the most common types of truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale:

1.     Rollover Crashes

A rollover crash happens when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. This usually occurs when a truck driver swerves abruptly to avoid an obstacle, takes a turn too quickly, or loses control due to shifting cargo. Rollovers are particularly dangerous as they can crush smaller vehicles, block multiple lanes of traffic, and cause secondary accidents.

2.     Underride Accidents

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath it. These accidents are among the deadliest because the top of the smaller vehicle can be crushed, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

3.     Override Accidents

Unlike underride accidents, override accidents occur when a truck literally drives over a smaller vehicle, motorcyclist, or pedestrian. This can happen in situations where the truck driver is unable to stop in time due to speeding, brake failure, or distracted driving.

4.     Pileup Accidents

A pileup accident, also known as a chain-reaction crash, occurs when a truck collides with a car, pushing it into other vehicles. These accidents often take place on highways, particularly during heavy traffic conditions. One truck can trigger a massive multi-vehicle accident, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities.

5.     Head-On Collisions

One of the deadliest types of truck accidents, a head-on collision happens when a truck veers into oncoming traffic and crashes into another vehicle. These accidents usually result in severe or fatal injuries due to the immense force of impact. Driver fatigue, intoxication, or distraction are common causes.

6.     Rear-End Collisions

When a truck is unable to stop in time and crashes into the back of a smaller vehicle, a rear-end accident occurs. Given the weight of commercial trucks, even low-speed rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries like whiplash, spinal damage, and head trauma.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Many factors contribute to truck accidents, but some causes are more common than others. The following are the primary reasons truck accidents occur in Fort Lauderdale:

• Truck Driver Negligence: Truck drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely, but many accidents occur due to reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, running red lights, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some truckers even drive while drowsy, increasing their chances of falling asleep at the wheel.
• Trucking Company Negligence: Trucking companies are required to hire qualified drivers, maintain vehicles, and enforce safety protocols. However, some companies cut corners by hiring unfit drivers, neglecting vehicle maintenance, or pushing employees to work longer hours than allowed by federal regulations.
• Vehicle Defects: When a truck’s parts are defective, an accident can happen even if the driver follows all traffic laws. Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, steering issues, and engine malfunctions can lead to dangerous crashes. In such cases, the truck manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held liable.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, defective traffic signals, and unsafe construction zones can contribute to truck accidents. The City of Fort Lauderdale has a duty to maintain safe road conditions, and failure to do so could make the city liable for accidents caused by road hazards.
• Improper Lane Changes: Trucks have large blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see surrounding vehicles. When a trucker makes an improper lane change, it can result in sideswipe collisions, forcing smaller vehicles off the road or into other cars.