While commercial trucks play a significant role in the economy, they are also some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road because they are significantly larger than the typical passenger car. This size disparity can lead to serious injuries in the event of a collision.
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a legal claim and recover compensation from the responsible person or entity. Our College Park truck accident lawyers are here to help you fight for justice.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in College Park
No two commercial vehicle collisions are alike. Some of the most common types of crashes include underride accidents, jackknife collisions, wide turn accidents, and rollovers.
Underride Accidents
An underride accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle is trapped beneath the trailer of a commercial vehicle. Often, this happens when a commercial truck attempts to change lanes without noticing a car in its blind spot.
Jackknife Crashes
A jackknife accident occurs when the cab of the truck and the trailer travel in opposite directions. This type of accident earns its name from the way the truck folds in on itself like a folding knife.
Wide Turns
Commercial trucks require a wide berth when turning due to the length of the trailer(s). If the tractor-trailer operator does not turn wide enough, the trailer can collide with nearby traffic. To avoid a collision, the tractor-trailer operator must turn wide enough to allow enough space for the trailer.
Truck Rollovers
One of the most dangerous types of truck accidents is a rollover accident. This type of crash occurs when a commercial truck flips over on its side and rolls. Due to the size of the vehicle, a rollover could strike numerous other cars, trucks, or pedestrians in its path.
Regardless of the specific nature of the crash, a College Park trucking accident attorney can offer crucial guidance in a truck collision case.
Possible Defendants in Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawsuits
It is easy to point the blame for a truck accident directly at the operator of the commercial vehicle, and while truck driver error is a common cause of these collisions, it is crucial to understand that other parties could also be liable.
Truck Drivers
Most truck collisions occur due to human error. The same mistakes that lead to most motor vehicle collisions are especially dangerous when a commercial truck is involved. A negligent truck operator could cause a crash by driving too fast, changing lanes without signaling, driving while fatigued, or driving under the influence.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies are also a common target of trucking accident lawsuits. If the truck driver was acting within the scope of their employment, it is possible to hold their employer accountable.
Truck Manufacturers
Commercial trucks or auto parts manufacturers can also face liability if a defective part causes an accident. A skilled lawyer can hold all the negligent parties accountable in a truck tractor-trailer collision claim.
Call a College Park Truck Accident Attorney
There are many steps to take following a trucking accident, including seeking medical care and arranging for temporary transportation. However, few things are as important as hiring legal counsel. College Park truck accident lawyers can lead the way through every stage of your case. Contact CSS for a free consultation.
