Dangerous and Deadly Types of Truck Accidents – Jackknifes, Rollovers, Underrides, and Overrides

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, especially when large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and tractor-trailers collide with smaller vehicles. The size and weight of these vehicles mean that even seemingly minor accidents can turn deadly, especially on highways where speeds are higher. While any type of crash can occur between a car and a truck, some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents are unique to the size and shape of 18-wheelers. These often deadly incidents include jackknifes, rollovers, underrides, and overrides. Each of these types of accidents presents unique risks to other drivers, particularly in states like West Virginia, where winding roads and mountainous terrain can amplify the dangers of a rollover, jackknife, or other disastrous truck accident.

Below we describe the nature of these serious truck accidents and the severe injuries and fatalities that can result. If you or a loved one has been injured or worse in a West Virginia truck accident, contact Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson to speak with an experienced and successful Martinsburg truck accident lawyer who can support you in your quest to recover compensation for the harm caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out from behind the cab, forming a 90-degree angle that resembles the shape of a folding pocketknife, or “jackknife.” Jackknifes can happen in a matter of seconds, and they are particularly common on slick or winding roads, which are prevalent throughout West Virginia. This type of accident often results from:

• Sudden braking or swerving
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
• Choosing the wrong braking method

Jackknife accidents pose a high risk to other drivers, as the trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, striking any vehicles in its path. When a jackknife accident occurs, the driver of the truck loses control, which can lead to additional crashes with other vehicles. Due to the unexpected and erratic movement of the truck’s trailer, nearby drivers often have little time to avoid a collision.

Rollover Accidents

Truck rollovers are some of the most catastrophic types of accidents involving large commercial trucks. In a rollover, the entire truck tips onto its side or even (more rarely) flips over completely. Rollovers are often caused by factors like:

• Excessive speed, especially around curves
• Overloaded or unbalanced cargo
• Driver distraction or fatigue
• Tire blowouts

West Virginia’s mountainous terrain and narrow, winding roads increase the risk of rollover accidents, especially for trucks traveling at high speeds. Rollover accidents often result in severe injuries not only for the truck driver but also for other motorists involved in secondary collisions or those who may be struck by the tipping truck. When a truck rolls over, it can block multiple lanes, leading to multi-car pileups, which can have deadly consequences for all involved.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents are some of the deadliest types of truck accidents for passenger vehicle occupants. In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck. This type of accident is particularly dangerous because it often results in the smaller vehicle’s roof being crushed or torn off, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants. Underride accidents are commonly caused by:

• Sudden braking by the truck
• Poor visibility or lack of lighting on the truck’s rear end
• Missing or defective underride guards

While the federal government has mandated underride guards on the backs of many commercial trucks to prevent these types of crashes, not all trucks have these guards, and even when they are present, they may not be sufficient to prevent underrides entirely. Additionally, side underride guards are not yet required in the U.S., though they could save lives. In an underride accident, drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles are at a severe disadvantage, often suffering fatal injuries on impact.

Override Accidents

An override accident is the opposite of an underride, occurring when a large truck drives over the top of a smaller vehicle, typically from behind. Overrides often happen in situations where:

• The truck driver is unable to brake in time due to excessive speed or following too closely
• The truck is traveling in low-visibility conditions
• The driver is distracted or fatigued

The weight and size of a commercial truck mean that when it collides with a smaller car, the truck often rides up and crushes the other vehicle. Override accidents are particularly deadly for occupants of the smaller vehicle, who may have little chance of survival due to the truck’s immense weight and force. Victims who survive an override accident often suffer catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other life-altering conditions.

Liability and Legal Recourse After a Truck Accident in West Virginia

When a serious truck accident occurs, determining liability can be complex. Truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, freight shippers and cargo loaders, and even parts manufacturers could all be partially responsible for the accident. For example:

• Trucking Companies: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their trucks are properly maintained and that their drivers are adequately trained. If a company fails to address maintenance issues or pushes drivers to meet unsafe deadlines, it could be liable for resulting accidents.

• Drivers: Truck drivers must exercise caution and adhere to federal regulations regarding speed, hours of service, and vehicle inspections. When a driver fails to operate the truck safely, they could be held accountable. Their employer will likely be liable as well.

• Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers: Parts manufacturers and maintenance providers can also be liable if faulty equipment, such as defective brakes or worn-out tires, contributed to the accident.

• Freight Shippers: If a third party loaded the trailer in a negligent manner, leading to an improperly balanced or unsecured load, they may be liable for a jackknife or rollover that ensues when the driver loses control due to an imbalanced load.

After a truck accident in West Virginia, victims have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other losses. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help victims pursue fair compensation. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent victims in court.

Contact Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson for Help After a Serious West Virginia Truck Accident

Truck accidents can have lifelong consequences for those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in West Virginia, it’s important to act quickly. At Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson, we understand the devastation caused by these serious crashes, and we are committed to helping victims pursue the compensation they deserve.

Our experienced Martinsburg personal injury attorneys can investigate your case, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us today at 304-263-0900 for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.