Huge trucks are ubiquitous on Texas roadways. Although most pass through the state without incident, many of them increase the risk of a truck accident. These are the most common.
Rollovers
Because of their massive size and weight, trucks can get into rollover accidents, one of the deadliest. They’re caused by cargo that exceeds the federal weight limit or improperly-loaded cargo.
Rear-end accidents
A rear-end collision involving a truck is devastating regardless of whether the truck is the front or rear vehicle. A car or even a larger vehicle can be crushed and people can be killed. These collisions often occur when drivers are distracted or speeding.
Head-on collisions
Fatalities can easily occur in head-on collisions involving trucks. These accidents happen when a driver is distracted, falls asleep at the wheel or is intoxicated. They can also occur if the trucker is ill.
Jackknife accidents
A jackknife is a common type of big rig accident. It occurs when the truck’s cab and trailer end up at a 90-degree angle of one another. Malfunctioning brakes are the most common cause of this type of truck accident.
T-bones
T-bone truck accidents are often deadly because passenger vehicles lack the level of protection needed to absorb the impact when a truck hits it in the side. If a car hits a truck from the side, it can result in an underride crash. Both scenarios can kill occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Sideswipes
Sideswipes involving a truck can force smaller vehicles off-road. They usually happen because of blind spots, distraction or intoxication.
Wide-turn accidents
Trucks need plenty of extra room to make turns; right turns are tighter, but smaller vehicles can be struck if the truck driver doesn’t account for the extra space necessary to safely turn.