(845) 802-0047Commercial vehicles are specialized vehicles which carry unique risks. This means that they can result in different types of motor vehicle crashes that other vehicles may not. There are many different types of crash types involving commercial vehicles like 18 wheelers, tandem trailers, tractor trailers, and other big rigs which could occur. Each of these types of New York trucking accidents could result in serious personal injuries and the wrongful death of an individual. While different types of crashes bring different types of injuries, all injuries from a trucking accident could result in debilitating, permanent, and catastrophic injuries.
This is particularly true of several types of commercial vehicle crashes. These types of crashes are more likely to result in catastrophic personal injuries or the wrongful death of occupants in any other motor vehicle, particularly in smaller passenger vehicles.
Some of the most devastating crash types in a New York trucking accident include the following:
Accidents at Intersections – This is the most dangerous place on the roadway. Intersections are where multiple lanes of traffic converge together and cross over each other. All motorists must be paying attention to their traffic signals, lines on the roadway, and what other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists may be doing. This is particularly true of large commercial vehicles which could hit other vehicles head-on, t-bone, Sideswipe, or rear end them. Trucks must also use particularly care at intersections with pedestrians and cyclists, as a collision with one of those individuals could easily be fatal.
Carriage Underride – Due to the larger size of a commercial vehicle and the increased height of trucks, it is possible for a smaller passenger vehicle or motorcycle to become trapped under the carriage of the box truck. The smaller vehicle could be dragged, run over, or even split in half by the larger truck. This could result in immense damage to the smaller vehicle due to the crushing weight and force of the truck’s wheels. Carriage underride accidents occur when a big rig makes an improper turn, merge into a lane, or loses control and jackknifes, slides, or otherwise shifts across other lanes of traffic.
Hit and Run – When a commercial vehicle does a hit and run after a trucking accident, it is likely because the truck driver is trying to hide something or completely oblivious to others on or around the roadway. In both instances, it is likely that a victim may be able to establish the negligence of the truck driver and the trucking company. Hit and run accidents add insult to injury and require competent legal counsel to investigate the claim, work with law enforcement, and track down the truck driver and trucking company which caused your injuries.
Jackknifed Truck – A jackknife trucking accident is a crash type unique to semi-tractor trailers, double trailers, 18 wheelers, and other box trucks. It occurs when the cab (where the driver and engine are) come to a hard stop or turn but the trailer (where the cargo is) continues forward. This cases the cab and trailer to fold up like an old jackknife/Swiss army knife at a 90-degree angle. This is particularly dangerous because a jackknifed truck can slide across many lanes and damage multiple vehicles until it comes to rest. It can also block several lanes of the roadway and cause auto accidents with other vehicles that cannot stop in time. Most instances of jackknifed trucks are due to reckless, careless, and negligent operation of a commercial vehicle be a truck driver, including in inclement weather.
Rear End Accidents – Under New York law, a vehicle rear-ending another vehicle is presumed negligence and most come up with a nonnegligent excuse for the crash. This is difficult to do, especially because most rear-end accidents occur due to pure negligence. When a large commercial vehicle rear-ends another vehicle there are many reasons why the truck driver’s actions were negligent, including falling asleep at the wheel, distracted driving, following too closely, speeding, drugged driving or drunk driving, mechanical errors, or driver inexperience. Unfortunately, when a large box truck causes this type of trucking accident it is also likely to cause devastating damage to the occupants in the vehicle being rear-ended.
Rollover Crashes – Given the unique height and size of commercial vehicles, which include a raised center of gravity, they are more likely to be involved in a rollover crash. This crash type is devastating because it could easily crush other vehicles that fall under the truck. A rollover crash could also block a portion of the highway and cause a pileup crash. Additionally, rollover crashes with vehicles carrying hazardous materials may cause a spill which could result in an explosion, fire, or caustic burns due to chemicals.
T-bone Crashes – If a large commercial vehicle like an 18 wheeler or semi tractor-trailer is involved in a T-bone collision, it is likely there are fatalities. This is because a T-bone crash is when the front of one vehicle smashes into the side of another. When a large truck is hitting a smaller passenger vehicle head-on, there is simply not enough protection on a side wall to shield occupants from the devastation of the large commercial vehicle. Occupants that are lucky enough to survive will likely suffer significant and debilitating personal injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.
No Matter the Crash Type, Call our New York Trucking Accident Lawyer for Help
While there is an endless list of the types of crash types that a commercial vehicle such as a big rig, tanker, or other box truck could result in, please call our New York trucking accident lawyer to learn what legal rights you may have to compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, lost future earnings, burial and funeral expenses, property damage, and other damages caused by the negligence of a truck driver and trucking company.