What Are the Different Types of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are some of the most severe collisions on the road, often resulting in life-altering injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and even fatalities. These accidents can happen for various reasons, including driver fatigue, mechanical failures, improper cargo loading, and hazardous road conditions. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a minor mistake can have devastating consequences.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common types of truck accidents, explaining how they occur and why they are so dangerous. We’ll also discuss how a truck accident lawyer can help victims navigate complex legal claims, identify liable parties, and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Sudden braking, poor weather conditions, or improper cargo loading can cause this. Jackknife accidents are especially dangerous on New Jersey’s major highways, such as I-95 and the New Jersey Turnpike, where high speeds make collisions more severe.

Rollover Accidents

Due to their high center of gravity, large trucks can easily tip over—especially on winding roads like Route 22 or I-80. Rollovers may be caused by driver negligence, speeding, or shifting cargo. Victims often suffer life-altering injuries, including spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

Given their size and weight, trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. If a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or following too closely, they may slam into the back of a smaller car, causing catastrophic injuries. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-89) requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance, and violations can support negligence claims.

Underride Accidents

One of the deadliest types of truck crashes occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer. These accidents often result in fatal head and neck injuries. Federal regulations require trucks to have underride guards, but many are poorly maintained or fail in high-speed crashes.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. A truck changing lanes without checking these areas can cause devastating collisions. Interstate routes like I-287 and I-295 are common locations for blind spot accidents due to heavy traffic and frequent lane changes.

Wide-Turn Accidents

Large trucks require extra space to turn, and drivers who fail to check their surroundings can collide with nearby vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. These accidents are common in urban areas like Newark and Jersey City, where tight streets make turns challenging.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes with a fully loaded semi-truck can be fatal. These accidents often result from driver fatigue, distraction, or intoxication. In New Jersey, trucking companies must comply with federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit driving hours to prevent fatigue-related crashes.

T-Bone Accidents (Side-Impact Collisions)

When truck drivers speed through intersections, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield, they can broadside smaller vehicles. High-risk intersections in New Jersey, such as Route 1 & 9 in Elizabeth and Route 70 in Cherry Hill, see frequent truck-related collisions.

Lost Load Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the roadway, causing multi-vehicle crashes. Trucking companies and cargo loaders ensure loads are properly secured according to FMCSA cargo securement regulations and New Jersey’s trucking laws.

Tire Blowout Accidents

A tire blowout can cause a truck driver to lose control, leading to dangerous swerving or rollovers. Poor maintenance, overloaded trucks, and road hazards contribute to these accidents.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Navigating a truck accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with serious injuries. A skilled truck accident lawyer can assist you by:

Investigating Your Accident

We gather critical evidence, such as:

• Accident reports from the New Jersey State Police
• Traffic camera footage from intersections or highways
• The truck’s “black box” data
• Logbooks detailing the driver’s hours and rest breaks
• Inspection and maintenance records of the truck

Identifying Liable Parties

Truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• A cargo loading company
• The truck’s manufacturer
• A government entity responsible for road maintenance

Calculating Your Compensation

Our legal team will assess your damages, which may include:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost income and reduced future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages in fatal accidents

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Trucking companies and insurers will try to minimize payouts. Rosengard Law Group aggressively negotiates on your behalf, ensuring you receive the settlement you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help from a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in New Jersey, don’t face the legal battle alone. Rosengard Law Group is here to fight for you. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.