What Are The Most Common Types Of Truck Accidents In Indiana? | Isaacs & Isaacs
The most common types of truck accidents in Indiana include head-on and rear-end collisions, side-impact accidents, and underride, jackknife, and runaway trailer crashes. If you were involved in such a crash, you may have grounds to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit for compensation.
Common Types of Truck Crashes
Truck accidents tend to be more dangerous and cause more severe injuries than other vehicle accidents. Let’s take a look at some common types of truck accidents in Indiana:
Head-On Collisions
This accident usually happens when a truck or regular passenger car drifts into oncoming traffic and collides with other vehicles. Head-on collisions with trucks tend to be more devastating than other vehicle accidents, and they are known to cause severe injury, disability, and even death.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes involving large trucks are usually more severe than rear-end accidents involving smaller vehicles due to the immense weight of the trucks. A truck that loses control and crashes into the back of another vehicle could cause severe property damage and catastrophic injuries.
T-bone Accidents
This type of crash may occur when a truck driver runs a stop sign or red light at an intersection and crashes into the side of another car. T-bone crashes can be just as devastating as head-on collisions, as passengers usually have minimal protection from the side.
Jackknifing Accidents
Jackknifing accidents occur when the car folds in where the tractor unit and the trailer are connected. A jackknifing accident can happen when a truck driver loses control and the trailer swings out toward either side and forms a 90-degree angle with the tractor unit.
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Underride Collisions
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the side or rear of a large truck and gets stuck underneath. These crashes can be extremely severe and tend to be fatal. Victims that survive underride collisions are usually left with life-changing injuries, like amputation or paralysis.
Runaway Trailer Accident
Driving tractor-trailers requires a lot of skill, especially at high speeds. Trailer trucks usually have separate brakes for the tractor unit and the trailer. If the trailer’s brakes are inadequate, defective, or improperly attached, the driver’s ability to control it will be hindered. The trailer’s inertia could cause it to break away from the tractor and crash into other vehicles on the road.
Why Are Accidents Involving Trucks So Dangerous?
Compared to car crashes, truck accidents lead to more severe injuries and loss of lives. This is primarily because of the weight of these vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), on average, trucks can weigh up to 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles. As a result, even a low-speed crash could be devastating if a truck is involved.
Due to the inertia generated by a truck’s immense weight, a truck driver may be unable to stop the vehicle in time to prevent an accident, especially if they were speeding.
Additionally, most trucks have numerous blind spots that prevent drivers from accurately seeing their surroundings. An inattentive truck driver or a truck with defective equipment increases the chances of a crash. Although there are various features and tools to minimize the impact of these blind spots, they aren’t always guaranteed to prevent crashes.
What Injuries Can You Sustain After a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries like:
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal injuries, which can cause temporary or permanent paralysis
- Broken bones
- Cuts, lacerations, and burns
- Internal injuries
- Rib and torso injuries
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Damages You Can Claim After a Truck Accident
In the days, weeks, and even months after a truck accident, your time will be spent recovering. You most likely won’t be able to work either, making it difficult for you to keep up with your daily expenses—let alone pay for your medical bills.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to recover various financial and non-financial damages. These damages are meant to provide you with a financial cushion while you are in recovery. Once they have built you a solid personal injury case, your lawyer will negotiate for some or all of the following damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Wrongful death if the truck accident resulted in a death
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