It’s impossible not to notice the towering presence of trucks these days bustling down Houston’s busy streets and highways. From eighteen-wheelers to delivery vans, these massive vehicles play an essential role in our economy.

Due to their sheer size and weight, when they’re involved in accidents, the consequences can be devastating. Understanding the different types of truck accidents not only informs the public of potential hazards but also provides insight into legal avenues that victims may pursue. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of truck accidents, their causes, and common injuries.

We’ll also outline how having a Houston car accident lawyer is essential for victims seeking legal recourse in damages resulting from a Houston truck accident.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Houston happen for various reasons, leading to different types of collisions. Key causes include driver fatigue, distractions, and mechanical failures. Understanding these types is crucial for both public awareness and legal action. Rollover accidents can occur due to unbalanced cargo or abrupt maneuvers, while jackknife accidents might result from sudden braking or mechanical issues. Wide-turn crashes often involve miscalculations in turns, and underride accidents occur when smaller vehicles slide under trucks. Each accident type presents unique challenges in determining liability and securing damages.

This complexity highlights the importance of having an experienced commercial truck accident attorney like Johnson Garcia. Our expertise is essential in guiding victims through the legal process, ensuring proper compensation and justice. With Johnson Garcia’s support, navigating the aftermath of a truck accident becomes a more straightforward path to resolution and recovery.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are among the most alarming truck incidents. Picture a massive truck tipping onto its side or even flipping entirely, especially on busy highways — the threat to nearby vehicles and pedestrians is immense. These accidents can be spurred by sharp turns, unbalanced cargo loads, or slippery roads.

When a truck rolls over, those nearby might face intense injuries, from broken limbs to traumatic brain damage. Was it due to improper cargo loading? A sudden swerve to avoid something? The complexities can be intricate. Understanding these incidents can be challenging, but with the Johnson Garcia team on your side, victims can trust in a dedicated journey toward clarity and strong representation.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out, creating a sharp angle with its cab. Often instigated by sudden braking, equipment malfunctions, or slippery conditions, these incidents can lead to grave bodily injuries. Victims might sustain complex injuries such as spinal trauma, brain damage, or internal organ injuries.

Establishing liability in such accidents can be intricate, especially when determining factors like faulty braking systems or improper weight distribution in the trailer. Figuring out how to navigate medical evaluations, trucking regulations, and maintenance records makes having an informed legal expert essential. The seasoned team at Johnson Garcia stands ready to guide victims through these complexities, ensuring they pursue rightful compensation for the physical and emotional challenges they endure following such accidents.

Wide-Turn Crashes

Wide-turn accidents happen when a trucker turns too wide, either colliding with cars next to them or pinning them to the curb. This can be because of a simple mistake, not seeing a car, or not knowing the truck’s size well. When these accidents happen, people in smaller cars can get seriously hurt, from broken bones to neck injuries.

Figuring out who’s at fault can get tricky. Was the driver trained well? Was there a problem with the truck’s equipment? With so many questions, it’s good to have experts helping out. That’s where the team at Johnson Garcia comes in, ready to help victims get through these tough situations and find a way forward.

Underride

Underride accidents are when smaller cars slide under the back or side of a bigger truck. Imagine driving and suddenly finding yourself beneath a massive truck – it’s as scary as it sounds. The height difference between cars and trucks can lead to the car’s roof getting crushed, and those inside can face life-threatening injuries. Why do these happen? Maybe the truck stopped suddenly, or its tail lights weren’t working, making it hard to see in the dark. Sorting out the details and knowing who to blame is a challenge. Thankfully, the Johnson Garcia team knows the ropes. They’re here to guide victims, helping them understand what went wrong and how to move ahead.

T-Bone Collisions

T-Bone accidents occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a ‘T’ shape. With trucks, these impacts can be especially brutal. Picture a car getting hit on its side by the full force of a truck — it’s a frightening scenario. These crashes often happen at intersections, maybe due to a missed stop sign, a traffic light error, or a simple lapse in judgment.

When you’re on the receiving end of a T-bone from a truck, injuries can range from whiplash to more critical conditions. Figuring out how the crash happened and who’s responsible gets complicated. But with the Johnson Garcia team by your side, victims can trust they’re in good hands, working towards clarity and justice.

Blind-Spot Accidents

Blind spot accidents involve those areas around a truck where the driver can’t see other vehicles, typically on the sides or directly behind. Think about a car being “invisible” to a truck driver because it’s in that tricky spot the mirrors don’t cover. Merging, changing lanes, or even just driving straight can suddenly become hazardous if a car is in a truck’s blind spot. This can result in unexpected and dangerous collisions.

Why was the car unseen? Were the mirrors properly adjusted? Was the truck driver properly trained to check all angles? It’s a maze of questions. But don’t worry, the Johnson Garcia team has the expertise to help victims navigate these situations, ensuring they’re supported every step of the way.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts on trucks can be like sudden mini-explosions, sending debris flying and causing the truck to lose control. Picture driving beside a truck and suddenly hearing a loud bang – before you know it, the truck is veering unpredictably. These blowouts can result from worn-out tires, poor maintenance, or even road hazards like sharp objects. When a truck’s tire bursts, especially at high speeds, surrounding vehicles can get caught in its chaotic path, leading to severe accidents.

Determining the cause can be difficult. Was it neglect in checking tire health? A manufacturer’s defect?. The Johnson Garcia team steps in here, bringing their know-how to assist victims, ensuring they’re not left in the lurch and are directed towards a just resolution.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents with trucks aren’t just your typical fender benders. Imagine the force of a heavy truck hitting a smaller vehicle from behind – the results can be catastrophic. Whether it’s due to distracted driving, sudden stops in traffic, or brake failures, when a truck rear-ends a car, the occupants of the car bear the brunt of the impact. They can face everything from whiplash to more severe injuries, all because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Figuring out why the truck didn’t stop in time is essential. Was it driver error, mechanical issues, or something else? Navigating the path to resolution can be overwhelming, but with the Johnson Garcia team by your side, victims are ensured comprehensive support and a strong pursuit of justice.

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

Accidents with trucks can lead to a range of injuries, some of which might not be immediately apparent. At the milder end of the spectrum, victims might face bruises, cuts, or sprains. However, more severe crashes can result in broken bones, internal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Spinal injuries, leading to potential paralysis or chronic pain, are also not uncommon. Burns, disfigurement, or even amputations can result from the most violent collisions.

Given the gravity and variety of these injuries, proper medical attention is paramount.

Understanding the scope and impact of these injuries can play a crucial role in legal claims. With over 35 years of experience, the legal representatives at Johnson Garcia are well-versed in the intricacies of such cases, ensuring victims get a full grasp of their situation and offering guidance at every turn.

How Can the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Johnson Garcia Help?

When you’re grappling with the aftermath of a truck accident, you need seasoned professionals by your side. At Johnson Garcia, our legal team is deeply committed to understanding and advocating for your unique situation. If the other side isn’t playing fair, we don’t hesitate to take decisive action. We’re prepared to file a lawsuit and even take your case to trial if necessary. Our relentless pursuit of justice is backed by our 35+ years of experience.

Call us at 832-844-6700 or reach out to us online and let our dedicated team fight tirelessly on your behalf.