Vancouver Truck Accident Lawyers

Kinds of truck accident claims our Vancouver attorneys handle

Many types of truck accidents are common to cars, too. Trucks drivers are in danger of head-on collisions, broadsides, rear-end accidents, sideswipes, and single-truck accidents.

Some of the types of truck accidents that are unique to trucks are:

• Blindspot accidents. Let’s be honest. The sight-lines for trucks are terrible. Many drivers can’t see to their right side. They can’t see vehicles in their rear. Many truck drivers can’t even see vehicles right in front of them because of the height of the truck and the smallness of the car. Truck drivers need to use extra caution to make sure they drive and turn only where they can fully see the traffic around them.
• Rollovers. Trucks are especially prone to rolling over because their center of gravity is different than other vehicles. Truck rollovers often occur when drivers take turns too fast. Shifting cargo can also make it more likely for a truck to roll over. When rollovers occur, many other vehicles nearby may crash into the truck or into each other while they try to avoid the truck. Rollovers are often deadly.
• Jackknife accidents. These crashes may be deadly. Essentially, the trailer of the truck tries to speed past the cab/front when the truck makes a quick stop. This causes the trailer and cab to rest at 90 degree angles from each other. Jackknife accidents are more likely on wet roads, around curves, and when the shipment moves. Empty trucks create an additional risk factor of a jackknife.
• Wide turn crashes. It’s fairly common knowledge for truck drivers that their trucks need extra room to turn. They often need to shift into another lane to make a right turn. That’s why many trucks have signs on the rear of the truck to warn nearby passengers. Truck drivers need to use extra caution when turning to ensure they don’t veer into oncoming traffic, and that they see or warn drivers to their right and in their rear.
• Underride crashes. Small cars who are too close to a truck can slide under the truck if the truck makes a quick stop. Trucks should be equipped with underride protectors, so the occupants of the smaller cars don’t get crushed. Many trucks also have side guards due to the same concerns.
• Shifting and improperly loaded cargo. A major cause of truck accidents is cargo that moves causing the driver to lose control – or, worse, cargo that falls off the truck. Truck drivers must follow federal and industry rules for how to properly load and secure their cargo. Drivers should get off the road if their cargo feels like it’s moving. If cargo spills, any cars near the spill can veer off the road into other cars – as they try to avoid the cargo. Alternatively, the cars may crash into the cargo or truck.
• Blowouts. Trucks have many more tires than cars. They carry much heavier loads. Just one tire blowout can cause the truck driver to lose control.