When it comes to road safety, understanding the various types of trucking accidents is crucial. Commercial trucks, due to their size and weight, can cause significant damage in collisions. The resulting expenses related to medical costs and lost wages can be overwhelming. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
At Hoy Law, we specialize in representing accident victims like you, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Our experienced team of Sioux Falls truck accident lawyers will do everything in our power to ensure you recover the money you need from the liable party. Contact us today to set up a free case review with a member of our team.
Different Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in a variety of ways and often result in serious injuries and death. Some of the most common types of truck accident cases handled by our experienced team of Sioux Falls personal injury lawyers include:
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Wide-turn accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone collisions
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents are some of the most common truck accidents for tractor-trailers. These accidents occur when the trailer swings in one direction or the other, folding in toward the cab like a jackknife. These accidents pose a severe hazard to other drivers on the road as the driver of the truck has no control over the movement of the trailer.
The most common cause of jackknife accidents is a combination of poor weather conditions and improper braking. Breaking too hard on a wet or icy road can result in the tractor stopping at a quicker rate than the trailer. The momentum of the trailer whips it to one side or the other and can be incredibly dangerous.
Rollover Accidents
Because the center of gravity in commercial trucks tends to be high, the risk of rollover is always a concern. The resulting damage from this type of accident can be devastating, especially when multiple vehicles are involved.
Rollover accidents typically occur when trucks are turning or changing lanes, and improperly loaded cargo often plays a role in these wrecks.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions often result in death even when both vehicles involved are standard passenger cars. When one of these vehicles collides head-on with a large commercial truck, severe injuries or death are almost guaranteed. The size and weight of these trucks, coupled with the speeds often involved in these accidents are a recipe for destruction.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions involving two passenger vehicles often result in minor fender benders. However, even these typically minor accidents can result in massive damage when a large truck is involved. Commercial trucks require more time and distance to come to a full stop. If you were rear-ended by a large truck, they may have been following too closely.
Wide-Turn Accidents
Large trucks must take wider turns than typical passenger vehicles. Because of this, vehicles in neighboring lanes can be in danger. It is critical that the truck driver and any nearby vehicles use caution around any turn to avoid an accident.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents occur when a truck and another vehicle are driving side by side, and the two vehicles come into contact. The most common cause of sideswipe accidents involves a failure to check blind spots when changing lanes. Truck drivers must be incredibly careful to double-check their blind spots.
The direct damage from sideswipe accidents is not usually as severe as with other types of collisions. However, if a truck sideswipes your vehicle, you may be forced into another lane, which can result in more vehicles becoming involved, and the damages can increase significantly.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions occur when the front of a truck collides with the side of your vehicle. T-bone collisions are most common at intersections and can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Broken signals
- Uncontrolled intersections
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Poor weather conditions
Drivers and passengers on the side of the vehicle that was hit by the truck often suffer severe injuries or death.
In any type of truck accident, if the truck driver engaged in negligent behavior such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, an experienced truck accident lawyer from Hoy Law can help with your case and give you the best chance of a positive case result.
For a free legal consultation, call 605-334-8900
Take Action Soon After Your Truck Accident
Regardless of the truck accident type you were involved in, you must act quickly when pursuing compensation. The South Dakota personal injury statute of limitations gives accident victims in Sioux Falls three years to file a lawsuit in most cases. If you don’t file on time, you will likely be out of options for recovering compensation.
In addition, hiring a truck accident lawyer soon after your accident will increase their chances of collecting evidence proving the fault of the other party before it can be lost or corrupted. Furthermore, they will be able to recover witness testimony while the incident is still fresh.
Reach Out to an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Sioux Falls Today
If you or a loved one were involved in any of the above trucking accidents, you should not attempt to navigate the complex legal landscape alone. At Hoy Law, we understand the challenges you face. Our team of dedicated truck accident attorneys in Sioux Falls is here to support you every step of the way.
Give us a call or complete our online contact form to set up a free case consultation with a member of our legal staff today.
Call or text 605-334-8900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
