Types of Tractor Trailer Accidents

New York Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers

Due to the inherent risks of large commercial vehicles, truck drivers are expected to drive with extreme awareness and caution, as even a slight error can result in serious injury or death. When a trucker negligently operates a tractor trailer or fails to follow federal trucking regulations, a truck accident can result. The type of truck accident that develops, and the severity of injuries sustained, often depends on the cause of the crash and how the truck driver responds to the situation. Regardless of the type of truck accident, our New York tractor trailer crash attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle even the most complex truck accident claims.

At Block O’Toole & Murphy, our New York truck accident lawyers handle various types of truck accident claims, including those stemming from the following:

Jackknifing Accidents: Jackknifing occurs when the trailer swings out and forms an acute angle relative to the cab. Large commercial vehicles, particularly 18-wheelers, are susceptible to jackknife accidents, which commonly occur when the driver applies sudden pressure to the brakes. Improperly adjusted brakes, downshifting and taking a turn too quickly are also common causes of jackknifing accidents.

Rollover Accidents: Rollover tractor trailer accidents typically occur when the trucker takes a turn too sharply while speeding. Additionally, if a truck’s center of gravity is altered, due to an unbalanced or excessive load, the truck may tip over. While all vehicles are susceptible to rollovers, trucks have a greater risk of being involved in a rollover accident due to their size and mass.

Underride Accidents: A common type of trucking accident, an underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle travels under the body of a trailer. New York underride accidents commonly result in head injuries, brain injuries or decapitation to those inside the passenger vehicle. Although certain trucking companies are required to equip their vehicles with reflective tape and rear bumpers, many tractor trailers still lack proper underride protections.

Additionally, our truck accident lawyers in New York handle claims stemming from the following types of tractor trailer accidents: head-on collisions, rear-end accidents and drunk driving crashes.

At Block O’Toole & Murphy, our New York truck accident attorneys help motorists who were needlessly injured in trucking accidents involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. With years of experience handling accident and injury claims, our New York tractor trailer accident lawyers have established a proven track record of providing compassion and aggressive representation for clients in various types of truck accident cases. Whether you were injured in a jackknifing accident or lost a loved one in an underride accident, we can help you recover compensation for all your resulting damages. To speak with a truck accident lawyer in New York, fill out our free case review form today.