4 Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in West Houston, TX

Types of Truck Wrecks

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 2018 CMV Traffic Safety Report, Texas was one of the ten states with the highest average of fatal big truck crashes between 2015 and 2017. Many commercial trucks and 18-wheelers traversing the roads is a sign of a healthy economy. However, these drivers are famous for causing terrible accidents. 

These crashes often lead to crippling injuries to those involved, and in some cases, death. They also cause property damage, with repair costs running into the thousands. 

Here are the four most common types of truck crashes in West Houston, and how you can receive compensation if you’ve been in one of these accidents. 

#1. Rollover Accidents 

Due to the size of large 18-wheelers, it is incredibly easy for them to rollover. The following could lead to a truck crash:

• Over speeding
• Adverse weather conditions
• Driving with overweight cargo
• Changing lanes suddenly

Truck rollovers can be categorized into un-tipped and tipped rollovers: 

• Un-tipped rollovers happen when a driver poorly maneuvers a sharp bend while over speeding
• Tipped rollovers occur due to factors outside the vehicle, such as slippery roads 

#2. Blowout Accidents

Big rig blowouts are dangerous and can lead to untold damage due to the size of the vehicle. Underinflated or overinflated tires often cause these blowouts. 

For example, when a tire is underinflated, its sides touch the ground, which leads to increased friction. Increased friction means more heat, and eventually, a tire blowout. The driver usually has no prior warning before a blowout happens, which is why they lose control of the vehicle most of the time as they struggle to bring it to a stop. 

#3. Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents can be a result of a truck tire blowout. This sort of accident is called a jackknife because of how a commercial truck is built. 

An 18-wheeler consists of a driver’s cab and a trailer. During an accident, these two sections can fold at the joint like a jackknife. The trucker can’t control a big truck’s movement once this happens. 

Jackknife accidents are caused by the following issues:

• Brake failure
• Bad roads
• Loose cargo 
• Locked wheels 

#4. Underride Accidents

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle runs underneath the rear or side of a big truck. Due to the size of a truck, this sort of truck wreck can be fatal. Improper or sudden turns and motorists driving in the right blind spot* of a truck are among the most common causes of underride accidents.

Call an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in West Houston

Sadly, it can be challenging to prevent a truck accident from happening on the busy Texas highways. Due to the numerous parties usually involved when these accidents happen, you must work with one of West Houston’s best auto accident injury lawyers. 

At The Stephens Law Firm, we help clients get the right amount of compensation they are entitled to after a truck crash. If you lost a loved one due to a truck accident, you need a top rated wrongful death law firm in West Houston. We understand this is a traumatic time for you as a victim, and we’ll fight for your case until there’s justice.  

Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve!

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