Most tractor-trailer accidents happen without warning. Tractor-trailers are much larger and weigh more than the average passenger vehicle; therefore, these differences alone are what contribute to the seriousness of injuries inflicted on those in an accident with a semi-truck.

It is rare for a person to suffer an accident with a tractor-trailerĀ and not be injured. In fact, the most common types of injuries associated with these accidents include traumatic brain injuries, decapitation, paralysis, or death.

After an accident with a semi-truck, it is important that a victim or their loved ones contact a personal injury attorney in Poughkeepsie to explore their options. Sometimes these accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the driver or the owner of the semi-truck; therefore, the victim could receive compensation from them for their actions.

Common Reasons Semi-Truck Accidents Occur

There are a few reasons that semi-trucks are more dangerous, and there are common causes associated with these accidents. A personal injury attorney in Poughkeepsie will review the evidence and see what may have caused the incident, too.

Some common reasons an accident occurs with these vehicles include:

  • The size: The size of the semi-truck, which averages up to 80,000 pounds, makes it impossible for a semi-truck driver to stop quickly. Therefore, if they are speeding or following another vehicle too closely, they could strike that vehicle. The impact with this size of car is often catastrophic.
  • Inadequate brakes: The average truck needs more than 350 feet to stop when it is traveling at 60 miles per hour. It is unlikely that the driver gives him or her enough space to do that. Therefore, a driver is more likely to rear-end a vehicle or object.
  • Maneuverability issues: Because of their size, these trucks cannot avoid hazards in the road, such as debris. Therefore, they are more likely to make an impact with that object.
  • Poorly loaded cargo: Another common cause of dangerous semi-truck accidents is how the cargo was loaded or the nature of the shipment. Some commercial trucks carry flammable materials, which can then ignite upon impact.

Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents

Knowing the risk factors for an accident, a personal injury attorney in Poughkeepsie will easily be able to identify what caused that accident. Some common types of semi-truck accidents include:

  • Cargo shifting: When the cargo is loaded improperly, or the trailer is too full, it can cause the truck to flip over.
  • Maneuvering issues: The driver may not have remained in their lane or come to a complete stop at a light, causing an incident.
  • Rear-end collisions: Larger trucks need adequate space to stop; therefore, if a driver does not provide themselves with enough space, they could rear-end a vehicle.
  • Underrides: This is when the passenger car goes under the semi-truck. This often occurs because the driver in the passenger car was not paying attention, or the truck veered over into their lane without looking for a vehicle in their blind spot.