Trucking is crucial to Virginia Beach’s growth as the largest city in Virginia and the 43rd biggest in the U.S., with a population of around +460,000. Consequently, there is a constant movement of goods and products via large trucks, massive semi-tractor trailers, and other substantial transport vehicles, which heightens the chances of accidents involving trucks.
Some common forms of truck accidents in Virginia Beach are:
1. Rear-end collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle hits the back of another. Typical rear-end crashes are caused by speeding, distracted driving, or following too closely. Depending on the speed at the time of impact and the size and weight of the truck, vehicle passengers can experience significant injuries if rear-ended by a truck.
2. Jackknife accidents
When a truck trailer swings at a severe angle and folds against the driver’s cab, it is called jackknifing. Additionally, truck jackknifes may tip over, obstructing traffic lanes and possibly crushing other vehicles.
3. Rollovers
Trucks are at risk of overturning if they make sudden turns. The risk of a rollover accident is increased when the truckloads are not balanced or adequately secured. In addition, an overturned semi-truck can involve several vehicles, leading to multiple crashes.
4. Blind spots
Trucks have many blind spots that drivers are unable to see. For example, a driver checking the vehicle’s blind spot in preparing to change lanes to pass a slow-moving lead vehicle may fail to notice when the lead vehicle suddenly decelerates.
5. Tire blowouts
Truck blowouts can lead to crashes due to factors like inadequate maintenance, overloading, and manufacturing defects. A sudden truck tire blowout at high speeds scatters rubber debris across the highway, posing a hazard to other motorists who must swerve or brake abruptly to avoid collisions.
6. Wide turn accidents
Trucks need additional turning space, and collisions can happen when they swing too far into adjacent lanes or overlook nearby vehicles.
7. Underride and Override accidents
When a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, it is called an underride accident. Similarly, an override accident occurs when a truck or car drives over another vehicle. Both types of accidents can be lethal.
8. Lost load accidents
When goods and cargo are not correctly secured, they may fall on the road or in the path of another vehicle, leading to serious vehicle accidents. In some cases, the items falling from a truck may strike or impact another car.
9. T-bone collisions (Side impact accidents)
A T-bone collision often occurs at an intersection when a truck collides with another vehicle’s side due to running a red light or stop sign.
10. Head-on collisions
Head-on crashes highlight the dangers associated with big commercial trucks on Virginia Beach’s roads. These crashes are often caused by tiredness, lack of attention, or driving under the influence.
What are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Virginia Beach?
Some of the reasons for truck accidents in Virginia Beach include the following:
1. Driver fatigue
Long-haul truck drivers spend many long hours on the road without getting the proper rest. This extended time spent driving results in tiredness and slower response times, heightening the likelihood of a collision.
2. Speeding
Large, heavy trucks require longer stopping distances, which speeding can increase. Therefore, speeding can increase the likelihood of a crash, especially when having to come to an abrupt stop.
3. Improper vehicle maintenance
Truck owners are responsible for inspecting and maintaining their trucks. Improper truck maintenance can result in equipment failures, such as brake issues or tire blowouts, leading to potential accidents.
4. Improper loading of cargo
Overloading or improperly secured cargo can move or shift. A sudden shifting of weight can cause the truck driver to lose control.
5. Not being familiar with Virginia Beach roadways
Truckers may misread turns, bridge heights, or road conditions on unfamiliar routes, even with GPS guidance, which raises the likelihood of accidents.
6. Impaired driving
Drivers who use drugs or alcohol are more dangerous because they react slowly and cannot judge situations well, which can lead to serious accidents.
7. Blind spots
Large trucks have many large blind spots. Similarly, buses also have safety issues like blind spots, wide turns, and longer stopping distances. When truck drivers fail to look at these areas before changing lanes or making a turn, accidents can happen.
8. Inclement weather
Virginia Beach sometimes experiences heavy rain or fog, which can obscure visibility and make roads slippery. Even if a driver is able to overcome slick roadway conditions, crash risk is still heightened when visibility is reduced.
9. Road construction and poor road conditions
Construction zones and damaged roads increase truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), almost 30% of all work zone accidents involve large trucks.
10. Truck driver behavior and experience
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that prior crashes significantly increase the likelihood of future crashes, with a 113% higher probability for drivers with previous incidents. Reckless driving, improper signaling, and failure to yield are consistent predictors of crash risk.
How do blind spots contribute to truck accidents in Virginia Beach?
Blind spots play a crucial role in truck accidents in Virginia Beach because of the specific issues of commercial trucks’ size and structure. Here are some ways that blind spots cause accidents:
1. Large “No-Zones” around trucks
Tractor-trailer trucks have large “no-zones” behind, in front, and on both sides below the driver’s window, increasing the chance of collisions during lane changes or turns.
2. Unsafe lane changes and lane merging
Serious crashes occur when a truck driver fails to check no-zones before changing lanes. Otherwise known as “blind spot accidents,” they are especially likely to happen in busy cities like Virginia Beach.
3. Driver negligence or inadequate training
Truck drivers use mirrors to check for blind spots. However, neglect, distractions, inexperience, or driver fatigue can lead to catastrophic errors.
4. Understanding passenger vehicle behavior
Small automobiles often unintentionally drive in a truck’s blind spot, increasing their chance of an accident. Following too close or passing in an unsafe manner can also result in an accident.
5. High-speed interstate collisions
Automobile and truck crashes on high-speed highways, such as I-264 or I-64, can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
What if I get hurt in a Truck Accident?
Being involved in a truck accident can lead to severe and life-altering injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
In Virginia Beach, VA, as well as other areas, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes victims make after an accident. Therefore, take steps following such an incident to protect your health and rights.
First, move to a secure location, if possible, to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Turn on hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares to alert oncoming traffic. Next, call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance for anyone injured.
After ensuring that emergency services are en route, gather as much information as possible at the scene. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any witnesses who may have seen the accident unfold.
Once you have collected the necessary information, seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and could worsen over time if untreated. Keep detailed records of all medical evaluations and treatments received.
Finally, please consult with our personal injury attorneys who are experienced in truck accidents. We can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Schedule a Consultation with Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC
At Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC, our experienced team ensures that you receive the support and compensation you deserve. Give us a call and let our experience work for you. We have been helping the people of Virginia since 1955 and are ready to help you. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
If you need a Personal Injury Attorney in Virginia Beach, call (757) 486-2700.
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