Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers
Rear-End Truck Accidents and Head-On Collisions
Truck accidents tend to be some of the most devastating types of wrecks, causing massive damage and severe injuries. Due to the immense size and weight of tractor-trailers, these types of truck accidents result in a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities when compared to car accidents. Those who do survive the wreck are likely to suffer serious, life-threatening injuries. Two of the most common types of truck accidents include rear-end accidents and head-on collisions.
Rear-End Truck Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), roughly 400,000 commercial vehicles are involved in traffic accidents every year in the United States, 79,000 of which are rear-end truck accidents. If a fully loaded 18-wheeler rear-ends a smaller truck or car, the amount of force it imposes on the smaller vehicle and the occupants inside is immense. As a result, the victims often suffer devastating injuries including spinal cord injuries and traumatic head injuries. Truck drivers who have been properly trained should know that they need to allow more distance to come to a complete stop than a regular car or small truck. In most cases, the truck driver who rear-ends another vehicle is liable for damages.
Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents
The FMCSA has determined that the following are some of the leading causes of rear-end truck accidents:
- Truck’s brakes malfunction
- Poor lighting
- The truck driver or the driver that was hit was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Broken headlight
- Truck turning signal error
Under ride Accidents
Underride collisions are responsible for the highest traffic fatality rate than any other type of accident involving a car and a truck. When a car hits the back of a truck, the only protection offered by the vehicle is the windshield and the roof pillars. Unfortunately, this does not provide enough protection and the car can slide under the truck’s trailer. While most trucks today are equipped with underride guards, they are not always reliable. If the underride guards do not prevent a car from sliding under the truck, the damage will likely be catastrophic, if not fatal.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the worst types of car wrecks, but if a large truck is involved, it is particularly devastating. Considering that the average truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, the impact will often have fatal consequences to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
- Head-on collisions involving large trucks are typically caused by driver negligence, which can include the following:
- Distracted driving: Examples include eating, talking on the phone, texting, looking for something in the truck cab, or checking the truck’s GPS
- Drowsy driving: Truck drivers are known for driving long hours without a break for sleep
- The following are example of common causes of head-on collisions that are not related to driver negligence.
- Poorly placed, or faulty traffic signs and signals
- Poorly lit roads, potholes, debris, broken or missing guardrails, or other road conditions that could cause an accident
Injuries Caused by Head-On Collisions
Injuries from this type of accident tend to be catastrophic for the occupants of smaller vehicles. Common injuries resulting from head-on truck accidents include the following:
- Back and neck injuries
- Decapitation
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
Steps to Take to Avoid a Head-On Collision with a Big Rig
- Avoid any potential distractions while you are driving, including use of a phone to talk or text
- Stay alert and pay attention to the road so that you have enough time to avoid a potential collision
- Turn your headlights on, even during daylight hours, so that you are more visible to other cars and trucks
- Pass with caution and observe all lane markers
- Avoid a truck’s blind spots by keeping at least one of the truck driver’s side mirrors within your sight
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Head-On Collisions Involving Commercial Trucks
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a rear-end accident or a head-on collision, contact the law offices of LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. If we determine that the truck driver was distracted, speeding, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or engaged in some other form of negligent behavior, we will hold him or her liable for your injuries. To arrange a free consultation with one of our seasoned Baltimore truck accident lawyers, call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.