7 Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Semi-trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds and dominate Chicago’s highways and expressways. When these massive commercial vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic. Knowing what the most common types of truck crashes are – and how they happen – can help you avoid them and stay safer behind the wheel.

At Cooney & Conway, we have seen firsthand the devastation injuries and life-altering damages truck accidents cause victims and their families. Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Chicago manage complex truck accident cases throughout the state. We are deeply committed to holding at-fault trucking companies and their drivers accountable for harm they cause.

If you were injured in a Chicago truck accident, we strongly recommend seeking the help of a knowledgeable injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the protection of your rights.

Don’t worry about whether or not you have a case. We offer free case evaluations so you can share your story. We are prepared to listen attentively, answer your questions, and determine if you may have a case. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Call Cooney & Conway today to request your FREE case review. We are here to help you. (800) 322-5573

Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Crashes?

The sheer size and weight difference between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles creates an alarmingly unequal match on the road. Just to put it in perspective, a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a typical car, turning even minor collisions into serious incidents.

These physical characteristics make trucks inherently more dangerous when accidents occur:

• Massive Weight and Size: Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while most passenger cars weigh between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds. This extreme weight difference means trucks crush, override, or push smaller vehicles during collisions.
• Extended Stopping Distance: A fully loaded truck traveling at highway speeds needs nearly twice the stopping distance of a car. Truck drivers cannot brake quickly enough to avoid sudden obstacles, drivers who cut them off, or stopped traffic.
• Limited Maneuverability: The length and weight of semi-trucks make them much harder to maneuver. Trucks require wider turns, they cannot change lanes quickly, and struggle to navigate tight spaces without risking contact with other vehicles.
• Large Blind Spots: Commercial trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides, sometimes called “no-zones.” Drivers operating beside or behind trucks may be completely invisible to the truck driver.
• Higher Impact Points: Truck bumpers and trailers sit much higher than passenger car frames. During collisions, trucks often strike cars at door or window level rather than bumper-to-bumper, causing more severe injuries to occupants.
• Cargo Hazards: Improperly secured or hazardous cargo can shift during crashes, spill onto roadways, or create additional dangers like fires or chemical exposures that compound the initial accident damage.

The Seven Most Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents in Chicago

Chicago’s busy highways, including I-90, I-94, and I-290, see thousands of commercial trucks daily. Certain types of truck accidents occur more frequently than others due to the unique challenges of operating these large vehicles in urban and highway settings. Recognizing these common crash types can help drivers stay alert and avoid dangerous situations.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are extremely common. These collisions happen when a semi-truck hits the back of a vehicle in front of them. Rear-end collisions are more likely to happen when truck drivers follow the vehicle in front of them too closely. Truck drivers who fail to maintain safe following distances may be unable to stop in time due to heavy loads, poor brake maintenance, or distracted driving..

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer suddenly swings out at a 90-degree angle to the front of the truck. This movement causes the truck to resemble a pocket knife.

These incidents are especially dangerous because a jackknifing truck blocks multiple lanes of traffic, often sweeping up other smaller vehicles during the crash. Jackknife crashes occur when inexperienced or careless truck drivers brake too hard on slippery roads, take curves too fast, or lose control.

Underride Crashes

Underride accidents, which occur when a smaller car or passenger vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a truck’s trailer, are often deadly.

The force of this type of impact can cause the truck’s trailer to shear off the top of the passenger vehicle, causing catastrophic injuries to those riding inside it. Underride crashes are more likely at intersections, but they can also happen if trucks brake suddenly, but there are no working brake lights or reflectors to warn drivers behind them.

Wide Turn Accidents

Semi-trucks need extra space to complete turns, often swinging wide to the left before turning right. When truck drivers misjudge the turn radius or fail to check their blind spots, they can strike vehicles in nearby lanes. These “squeeze play” accidents are more likely at busier intersections in Chicago, or in areas where streets are tighter or more narrow.

Rollover Crashes

Truck rollovers occur when a semi-truck tips onto its side or roof. These accidents typically result from taking curves or exit ramps at excessive speeds, improper cargo loading that raises the center of gravity, or swerving to avoid road hazards. Rollover crashes often involve multiple vehicles and can shut down entire stretches of highway.

Blind Spot Accidents

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots extending along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and immediately in front of the cab. When truck drivers change lanes or merge without properly checking these zones, they can sideswipe or merge into passenger vehicles they cannot see. These accidents are common on Chicago’s multi-lane expressways during heavy traffic.

Tire Blowout Crashes

When a truck tire fails at highway speeds, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, causing it to swerve across lanes or jackknife. Flying tire debris can also strike nearby vehicles, causing them to crash. Poor tire maintenance, overloaded trailers, and road hazards contribute to blowout accidents on Illinois highways.

How Can Chicago Drivers Avoid Semi-Truck Accidents and Share the Road Safely?

Defensive driving is critical when sharing the road with commercial trucks. While you cannot control how truck drivers operate their vehicles, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of being involved in a truck accident.

• Stay Out of Blind Spots/No Zones: Avoid driving directly beside trucks or lingering in their blind spots. If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they cannot see you. Pass trucks quickly and safely, then move ahead.
• Give Trucks Extra Space: Maintain a safe following distance of at least four to six seconds behind trucks. Never tailgate a semi-truck, as you will not have adequate time to react if the truck stops suddenly or debris falls from the trailer. Similarly, never cut off a truck, as they will not be able to stop fast enough to avoid hitting your vehicle.
• Use Caution at Intersections: Watch for trucks making wide turns at Chicago intersections. Never try to squeeze past a turning truck on the right side, even if space appears available. Wait for the truck to complete its turn before proceeding.
• Pass on the Left Side: When passing a truck on the highway, always use the left lane. Truck drivers cannot see you at all on their right.
• Be Patient in Traffic: Trucks accelerate slowly and need more time to build speed after stops.
• Watch for Turn Signals: Pay attention to truck turn signals and brake lights. Trucks need more time and space to execute maneuvers, so their signals provide early warning of their intended actions.
• Avoid Distractions: Keep your full attention on the road when driving near commercial trucks. Put away your phone, limit conversations, watch for fatigued drivers drifting out of their lanes, and stay alert to changing traffic conditions around large vehicles.
• Adjust for Weather: Give trucks even more space during rain, snow, or ice. Trucks much take longer to stop on slippery roads and are more prone to jackknifing in adverse weather conditions common to Chicago winters.

Illinois Law Sets a Deadline to File Your Truck Accident Claim

Illinois law has strict filing deadlines for victims wishing to file a personal injury lawsuit after being injured in a Chicago truck accident. Under the Illinois statute of limitations, those deadlines give you two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in court.

If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case and bar you from seeking any compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are or who was at fault.

Critical Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Chicago

The actions you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact your health and your legal rights. Focus on safety first, get professional help to the scene, and let trained investigators handle the documentation while you protect yourself and any passengers.

• Remain calm and check yourself and others in your vehicle for injuries.
• Call 911 to get police and emergency medical services to the scene as quickly as possible.
• Stay in your vehicle, unless it is dangerous because it is smoking or on fire.
• If your vehicle is drivable and you can do so safely, move it as far away from passing traffic as possible.
• Let police and investigators manage the crash scene documentation.
• Do not admit fault, say you are sorry, or anything similar to anyone except your attorney.
• Do not refuse transportation to a hospital if EMS recommends or offers it – the liable party’s insurance pays for this.
• Seek medical attention right after the crash – It is a good idea to rule out internal injuries as they may have no immediate symptoms but can quickly become life-threatening.
• Call an attorney to begin protecting your legal rights from day one.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney to Manage Your Injury Claim

Truck accident cases involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies with deep pockets. An experienced attorney handles these and other legal complexities while you focus on recovery.

• Preserve Critical Evidence: Attorneys will take immediate action to send spoliation letters requiring trucking companies to preserve evidence, including driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and video footage before they disappear.
• Identify All Liable Parties: Experienced attorneys identify every responsible party, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers, maximizing available insurance coverage.
• Navigate Federal Regulations: Truck accident attorneys understand Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and use violations to strengthen your claim.
• Handle Aggressive Insurers: Your attorney manages all insurance communications and prevents you from making statements that could harm your claim.
• Calculate Full Damages: Attorneys work with professionals to value your claim accurately, including future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Fight for Fair Compensation: Experienced negotiators refuse lowball offers and prepare to take your case to trial if necessary.

Contact Our Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys Today

Truck accidents change lives in an instant, leaving a lot of harm and serious consequences behind. Victims injured in the crash who survive often face a lengthy and painful recovery. Some may be unable to work again, while others will need to change their careers. Truck accident victims may also be permanently disfigured or paralyzed as a result of their injuries. In addition to the physical aspect, those injured in the crash also have to deal with a significant financial burden while being unable to work. Many truck accident victims suffer for years with chronic pain, secondary complications, and emotional injuries, such as PTSD.

If you are the victim of a truck accident, you do not have to face this challenging time alone.

At Cooney & Conway, our Chicago truck accident attorneys are ready to work tirelessly on your behalf to recover the full and fair you need and deserve. We take these and other injury cases on contingency, so there are also no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees to worry about. We only get paid if you do. Don’t wait to begin moving forward. Let us protect your rights.

Call Cooney & Conway today for your free, no-risk consultation today. (800) 322-5573