Types of 18 Wheeler Accidents | Albuquerque Injury Attorney

Whenever you’re on the road in Albuquerque, you’re likely to encounter 18 wheelers. Although 18 wheelers are vital for the United States economy, they pose a threat to other drivers on the road. 18 wheelers only account for 4% of vehicles on the road, but they are responsible for nearly 10% of all fatal car accidents.

If you or a loved one was injured in an 18 wheeler accident, an Albuquerque 18 wheeler accident lawyer can help you and your family through this difficult time. Working with someone like New Mexico attorney James Shaw can make dealing with the legal process easier for you, as well as give you peace of mind that you’re in good hands. To get justice, you need a trusted lawyer on your side.

Drivers who get into wrecks with 18 wheelers can suffer serious injuries. Below are the different types of 18 wheeler accidents that can cause severe injury or death for those involved:

1. Jackknife - A jackknife happens when the 18 wheeler’s cab and trailer fold in different directions, which endangers everyone else on the road. Once a jackknife begins, the truck driver can do very little to control the vehicle. The cab can skid across other lanes of traffic, and the results can be disastrous. If your accident was caused by a jackknife, be sure to consult an Albuquerque injury attorney.
2. Rear-end collisions - 18 wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 lbs or more. To stop a vehicle of such size requires 20% to 40% more space than a regular car. Rear-ends most often happen when an 18 wheeler drive is speeding, following too closely, or driving distracted. When drivers are rear-ended by 18 wheelers, they can suffer serious neck and back injuries.
3. Rollovers - Improperly maintained brakes, speeding around curves, and improperly loaded cargo are all things that can lead to 18 wheeler rollovers, which are not uncommon because of a big rig’s high center of gravity. Rollovers can be especially dangerous for smaller passenger vehicles nearby that could be crushed under them.
4. Head-on collisions - Although head-on collisions happen less often, they are one of the most dangerous types of wrecks on the road. Usually, head-on collisions happen on two-lane highways when one driver negligently drifts into the other lane because they may be driving under the influence, driving fatigued, or distracted driving. When head-on collisions happen, they can result in serious injury or death. An Albuquerque 18 wheeler accident lawyer can help.
5. T-bones - T-bones happen when a truck collides with the side of another vehicle. Most commonly, these occur because a truck driver runs a red light, runs a stop sign, or fails to yield to oncoming traffic. Occupants of passenger vehicles involved in a t-bone with an 18 wheeler often suffer severe injuries.
6. Underrides - Most passenger vehicles are small enough to fit under the trailer of an 18 wheeler. When an 18 wheeler suddenly stops or changes lanes, a passenger vehicle may slide under the truck. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires trucks to have rear guards, but underrides can still occur if those rearguards are damaged or old. To learn more, talk to an attorney.
7. Tire blowout - Tire blowouts can occur when tires are not properly maintained. A tire blowout can force an 18 wheeler to lose control and drift out of their lane, which can lead to an accident. Federal law requires that tires be routinely inspected and maintained. If they aren’t, the truck driver or trucking company can be found at-fault for an accident.

To get justice, you need an Albuquerque injury attorney on your side. New Mexico attorney James Shaw will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation at 1-800-555-0101.