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Common Types of Fatal Truck Accidents (Part B)

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When a tractor-trailer falls onto its side-or even upside down-during the course of a Clarksburg truck accident, this is known as a rollover crash. These accidents are often caused by a sudden and unexpected shift in the weight of the payload or cargo being carried by the truck. Rollover crashes differ from jackknife accidents in that both the cab and the trailer overturn at the same time.

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slams into the truck and slides underneath the trailer. If the other vehicle rear-ends the truck and winds up under the trailer, the crash is called a rear underride accident. But if the vehicle collides with the side of the truck, the collision is known as a side underride accident.

Conversely, override accidents transpire when the 18-wheeler drives over a smaller vehicle during a Clarksburg truck accident. While underride accidents are usually initiated by another vehicle, override accidents are almost always caused by the tractor-trailer. Tailgating by truck drivers is a common reason why override accidents happen.

Clarksburg Truck Accident Scenarios and Factors

There are a number of situations which might characterize a Clarksburg truck accident. Listed below are the 4 scenarios that result in more than half of all fatal truck crashes nationwide:

head-on collisions occurring in the truck's lane;
trucks plowing into passenger vehicles;
a passenger vehicle sideswiping a truck which is traveling in the opposite direction; and
a passenger vehicle rear-ending a truck.

The NHTSA has also determined that certain factors can increase the odds of various types of truck accidents. These factors are listed below:

The majority of fatal truck crashes occur not on highways or interstates, but on two-lane roads which do not have dividers.
Poor weather, curvy roads, and speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour all raise the chances of a truck driver being involved in rollover or jackknife crashes.
The heavier the payload of a truck, the greater the odds are of a rollover accident.
Jackknife accidents are more likely to happen if the truck's payload is light or if the trailer is empty.

Contacting a Clarksburg Truck Accident Lawyer

When trucks collide with passenger cars, the results will likely be life-changing. Although there will be a lot of questions and important decisions to make during this time, choosing the right legal representation can help you make the most informed decisions possible while you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The Miley Legal Group in Clarksburg, West Virginia will work with you to fight for the compensation you deserve and help you to move on with your life. Contact us today for a FREE consultation - 304-326-1800.