Truck accidents are among the most devastating and deadly types of crashes on the road. They can cause severe injury or death to those occupying a smaller vehicle, as well as damage to property and the environment.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 4,000 people died in truck accidents in 2020. But what are the most common and dangerous types of truck accidents?
Here are three truck crashes that injure and kill thousands of Americans every year:
1. Underride crashes
You probably know that tractor-trailer rigs sit higher off the road than passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, this height disparity can lead to tragic results if the smaller vehicle slides underneath the truck or the trailer during an accident. Underride accidents typically result in catastrophic injuries to the upper part of the body and sometimes even death.
2. Truck rollovers
Rollover truck accidents occur when a large commercial vehicle tips onto its side or roof. Two common causes of rollovers are taking turns too quickly and carrying an uneven or unbalanced load. Unfortunately, the biggest danger in a rollover accident is becoming crushed by a heavier and larger commercial vehicle.
3. Head-on collisions
When two moving vehicles collide head-on, someone is sure to get hurt, usually one of those in the smallest involved vehicle. Since most head-on collisions are avoidable, negligence is often a factor in such accidents. For example, the trucker may have been tired, distracted, impaired or in violation of a traffic law and thus responsible for your injuries.
When a motor vehicle accident leaves you severely injured, you need the financial compensation you are due. An unfair injury settlement can make it hard to pay for the medical care you may need to enhance your recovery. Consider learning more about accident and injury laws in Iowa and seek a legal opinion if you have problems with your accident claim.
