The worst type of collision with a truck is obviously a head-on collision. When the driver of a tractor trailer falls asleep, oncoming traffic is in danger. Even a divided highway is not safe, as a speeding semi can easily cross most medians and kill oncoming drivers.
Rear-end collisions are common. In heavy, jockeying traffic on the highway, drivers cannot keep as much following distance. Depending on the weigh and speed, a tractor-trailer cannot stop fast enough when traffic ahead slows or stops. Trucks can even "over-ride" a small vehicle. There is a prescribed method of braking safely, not used by all truckers. And brakes may be poorly maintained or be defective.
Likewise, autos "under-ride" trucks. If an 18-wheeler stops for repair or other reason, in a location with poor visibility, a car can run under it, almost always killing the auto driver.
Jackknife
When brakes are applied suddenly, or are poorly adjusted, or when the rig enters a curve too fast the trailer can go out of control. The direction and movement of tons of cargo is totally unpredictable.
Blind Spots
Trucks have blind spots directly behind them as well as on both sides. Especially in sharper turns, a car can be hit by either side of the truck and knocked off the highway.
When an irresponsible or aggressive semi driver hits a car or runs it off the road, it can seem as if he or she didn't see the driver. But in many cases, he or she didn't look, or dismissed others' safety.
The Pittsburgh truck accident attorneys at Caroselli Beachler McTiernan & Conboy, L.L.C. are here to assist people injured in any kind of truck accident if another party can be held responsible. Since 1972 we have helped maximize the compensation of personal injury victims.
Contact an experienced injury lawyer at Caroselli Beachler McTiernan & Conboy, L.L.C., by calling 412-567-1232 in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania, 215-792-6153 in Philadelphia or Eastern Pennsylvania or toll free at 866-466-5789. You may also complete our online contact form. Initial consultations are free and confidential and cases are reviewed free of charge.
