// CRASH TAXONOMY
Ten ways a truck
causes harm.
Each crash type implicates different federal rules, evidence, and defendants. Identifying the type is step one in building your case.
- 01// TYPE
Jackknife Accidents
Occur when the cab and trailer fold at the coupling point. Common causes: excessive speed on wet roads, improper braking, or brake failure. Liability often targets the driver's road speed decisions and the company's brake maintenance records.
- 02// TYPE
Underride Crashes
A smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. Federal regulations require rear underride guards on most trailers. If the guard was absent, damaged, or non-compliant, the trucking company and trailer manufacturer may both be liable.
- 03// TYPE
Rollover Accidents
Trucks are top-heavy and prone to rolling on curves or in high winds, particularly when overloaded or improperly loaded. Cargo company liability is frequently relevant. FMCSA weight limits and cargo securement rules are key evidence.
- 04// TYPE
Wide-Turn Collisions
Large trucks must swing left to make right turns, creating a crush zone for vehicles alongside. The driver's failure to check mirrors and the company's training records are central to these claims.
- 05// TYPE
Blind-Spot Accidents
Trucks have four large blind spots — directly in front, behind, and on both sides. Drivers are trained to account for these zones. Failure to do so, combined with unsafe lane changes, constitutes negligence.
- 06// TYPE
Brake Failure Accidents
Federal regulations require regular brake inspections. If a truck's brakes fail, liability may extend to the driver, the trucking company's maintenance team, and the brake component manufacturer.
- 07// TYPE
Driver Fatigue Crashes
FMCSA Hours of Service rules limit driving time. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) record violations. Fatigue crashes often produce punitive damages in addition to compensatory awards.
- 08// TYPE
Hazmat Spill Accidents
Trucks carrying hazardous materials are subject to additional FMCSA and DOT regulations. Spill accidents can cause injuries beyond the immediate crash — respiratory damage, burns, and chemical exposure.
- 09// TYPE
Lost Load Accidents
Debris falling from an improperly secured load can cause catastrophic accidents. Cargo securement is governed by 49 CFR Parts 393 and 395. Both the driver and cargo loader may be liable.
- 10// TYPE
Rear-End Collisions
Given their stopping distances, trucks that rear-end smaller vehicles are almost always found negligent. Distraction, tailgating, and brake maintenance failures are common liability theories.