7 of the Most Common Types of 18 Wheeler Crashes | McAllen Lawyer

18 wheeler accidents are a common, yet devastating, occurrence in America. In fact, 500,000 of these kinds of wrecks occur every year. But do you know the most common types of 18 wheeler crashes? Do you know what to do after you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle wreck in McAllen, Texas? And do you know when to enlist the help of an 18 wheeler accident in McAllen?

If not, our experts at Carabin Shaw are here to help. Read on to learn about some of the most common types of 18 wheeler crashes, find out how to contact trucking accident lawyers in McAllen, and more.

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer skids to the side, forming an L or V shape with the truck cab. These accidents usually occur when a big rig tries to stop too abruptly, or when the truck loses control on a slick or icy road.

Tire blowouts can happen at any time. They are more likely to occur if tires are improperly installed, if the tires are not adequately maintained, or if the truck is overloaded. Blowouts are extremely dangerous because they can cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle and crash. The flying tire debris can also pose a serious hazard to other drivers on the road.

Truck drivers work long, grueling hours at a difficult job—and sometimes truckers use substances to alleviate the loneliness and boredom of driving for hours at a time. Some truckers also use drugs to help them stay awake longer in order to meet tight deadlines imposed by trucking companies. Consequently, DUI accidents are an all-too-common occurrence among truck drivers.

Because 18 wheelers are so tall, they have high centers of gravity. This means that they are more likely to roll over than other vehicles. And speeding increases the likelihood of a rollover accident. Rollovers can also be caused by improperly loaded cargo, which can disrupt the balance of the vehicle.

In addition to increasing the likelihood of rollovers and jackknifing, speeding increases the odds of any type of crash.

Truck drivers are legally allowed to drive up to 11 hours in one shift. But even the best drivers may struggle to concentrate on the road during the 11^th hour of their grueling shift. Because truck drivers are so often overworked by trucking companies, distracted driving is a major problem within the industry, and it leads to thousands of crashes each year.

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle crashes into the back of the truck and then goes underneath the truck trailer. These accidents cause severe injuries, and often occur after the truck driver stops too suddenly, meaning that the car behind them does not have enough time to stop.

If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle wreck, you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your next steps and your legal options. Trucking companies employ massive legal teams whose main job is to avoid paying out costly settlements, and their insurance companies will try to give you less money than you truly deserve—so you need to contact a lawyer before accepting any settlements. Our 18 wheeler accident lawyers in McAllen have more than 200 years of combined legal experience, and have recovered more than $500 million in compensation for our satisfied clients. And we want to help you.

To schedule your free initial consultation with one of our trucking accident lawyers in McAllen, call our office serving McAllen, Texas at (956) 664-7255 to speak with an attorney. Don’t wait—find out what an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in McAllen at Carabin Shaw can do for you today.