Common Types of 18 Wheeler Collisions | Kermit Attorneys

Each year, hundreds of thousands of American drivers will be involved in an 18 wheeler accident. Commercial vehicles provide a necessary function in our society, but when these 80,000 pound behemoths aren’t safely operated, they can quickly become instruments of destruction and death. That’s why our expert Kermit 18 wheeler accident lawyers serving Kermit, Texas want you to be aware of some of the most common types of 18 wheeler collisions so you can stay safe on the road. Read on to learn more about common trucking accident types, as well as how to choose the right Kermit semi truck accident attorney in the event of a wreck.

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 the big rig tries to stop too abruptly or when the truck loses control on a slick or icy road.

Anyone who has ever experienced a tire blowout knows just how dangerous this type of accident can be. Tire blowouts are not always the fault of the driver, but they are more likely to happen if tires are improperly installed, if they 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—which is especially dangerous when the vehicle being driven weighs thousands of pounds. Another danger of blowouts is that the flying tire debris can cause other drivers to swerve erratically, increasing the odds of a collision.

Rollovers occur when a truck tips over. And because an 18 wheelers is so tall, its center of gravity is very high, making it more susceptible to a rollover than an ordinary vehicle. Speeding—especially speeding around corners—increases the likelihood of a rollover accident. In fact, one study that looked at large truck rollover accidents found nearly half of rollovers are caused by the truck driver’s failure to adjust their speed to road conditions. These accidents can also be caused by improperly loaded cargo, which can upset the balance of the vehicle.

Commercial vehicle accidents are expensive, traumatic, and disastrous for everyone involved. If you’ve been in a wreck with an 18 wheeler, you’ve likely sustained serious damage—both economic and non-economic. And if the truck driver was in any way responsible for the accident, you may be able to file a claim against the driver or their trucking company (with the help of a lawyer) and receive more compensation than the insurer will voluntarily offer you. That’s why it’s crucial you speak with a qualified attorney before accepting a settlement.

Here at Carabin Shaw, our attorneys have more than two decades of experience handling commercial vehicle wrecks, as well as 200 years of combined legal experience. We’ve recovered more than $500 million in compensation for our satisfied clients, and we can help you maximize the value of your accident claim. We’re passionate about defending the rights of accident victims, and we want to help you get the justice and the settlement you deserve.

To schedule your free consultation with an experienced Kermit 18 wheeler accident lawyer, call our office serving Kermit, Texas at (432) 620-0544. Speak with a lawyer and learn what a Kermit semi truck accident attorney at Carabin Shaw can do for you. Don’t wait—talk to an expert trucking accident lawyer in Kermit, Texas today.