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Truck accidents can devastate drivers and passengers in traditional cars, due to the massive size and weight difference between commercial trucks and regular vehicles. These accidents often result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and—in the worst cases—fatalities. If you have been in a truck accident, let us guide you through your next steps.
When a large truck’s trailer swings outward at an angle from the cab such that the bird’s eye view resembles a folding pocket knife, forensic experts call this a “jackknife accident.” These hazardous situations usually happen because a truck driver brakes suddenly or improperly, causing a skid. Sometimes, however, the driver did nothing wrong. Weather conditions like rain, ice, or snow can increase the risk of jackknifing. Whatever the cause, when a truck jackknifes, it can block multiple lanes of traffic and potentially strike several vehicles.
Underride accidents are some of the most horrific truck accidents. These occur when a smaller vehicle slides partially or completely underneath a truck’s trailer, and the belly of the truck shears off the top of the passenger car. Despite federal requirements for underride guards on commercial trucks, these protective barriers sometimes fail to protect traditional vehicles from catastrophic and potentially deadly accidents.
Rollovers occur when a commercial vehicle tips onto its side or roof, caused by an improper or abrupt turn, improper load, or liquid cargo that shifts the truck’s center of gravity. When a truck rolls over, it may crush nearby vehicles, spill hazardous materials, or block multiple lanes of traffic.
Commercial trucks require significantly more space to make turns than passenger vehicles do. When executing a right turn, truck drivers initially swing to the left to create the necessary turn radius. Unfortunately, passenger cars that do not know how trucks operate may try to pass on the right during this initial left turn. When cars do try to improperly pass, these “squeeze” accidents can trap vehicles between the turning truck and the curb.
Commercial trucks have significantly larger blind spots—often called “no-zones”—than passenger vehicles do. These blind spots on all four sides of the truck—directly in front, directly behind, and along both sides—can cause collisions when a passenger vehicle lingers in spots where the truck driver cannot see them. Even with technological advances that allow trucks to minimize their blind spots, some truck drivers still cause accidents with cars in their no-zones.
When a loading crew fails to secure a truck’s liquid cargo properly, the liquid can spill onto the roadway during another accident (or even during a routine turn). Some spills are relatively harmless, but others dump out dangerous substances like chemicals, gasoline, or construction materials onto the road.
If a truck driver crashes into you and causes an accident, trust the Macon truck accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. Whether you experienced a jackknife accident, an underride collision, or any other type of truck accident, we will handle everything so you can focus on your recovery. Call our team at 478-254-2007 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.
