18-wheelers are huge and whenever there is a battle between a passenger car and an 18-wheeler, the latter always wins. Trucks and passenger cars never stand a chance against the weight and size of a tractor-trailer, and neither do the passengers of the vehicle. Walking away without any injuries from an 18-wheeler crash is almost unheard of.
If you ask an 18-wheeler accident lawyer about the most common causes of crashes, he will tell you that they mostly occur due to the sheer size of the truck. Here are a few common types of 18-wheeler accidents.
1. Truck Rollover Accidents
18-wheelers have a high center of gravity and hence it is a common phenomenon for them to roll over once the driver loses control of the vehicle. An 18-wheeler is 40-times heavier than a passenger vehicle and hence the passengers of smaller cars or SUVs are most likely to sustain critical injuries if the huge vehicle rolls onto their vehicle. Not being able to adjust speed during curves in the road is one of the most common reasons behind so many accidents.
2. 18-wheeler Jackknife Accidents
You might not have heard about this kind of accident but the jackknife accident occurs when the cab and trailer skid in opposite directions. The huge trailer folds on a hinge and gets back to rest position at an angle to the cab, just as a jackknife works. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis reveals that jackknife accidents account for 10% of truck accident deaths.
3. Tire Blowouts
A tire blowout can even force a big rig or a tractor-trailer to move out of its lane and take the path of other vehicles. Such accidents due to tire blowouts usually occur when the trucking company failed to inspect the tires and repair them before the commencement of the journey. Innocent motorists and passenger vehicle drivers can get killed in these crashes. Federal regulations have made it mandatory for trucking companies to inspect before the 18-wheeler moves out.
4. T-Bone Accidents
T-Bone accidents happen when a tractor-trailer runs past a red light or a Stop sign and crashes with the side of another car. Such accidents occur when the trucker fails to understand the right of way or when the driver is impaired, or when he is unable to ensure that it is safe while turning.
Therefore, if you’re the driver of an 18-wheeler, you have to be double cautious while driving on road. A short moment of distraction or carelessness can cost you your life.