Types of Truck Accidents in Texas

Understanding your accident type helps determine liability and potential settlement value. Learn about common truck accidents and your legal options.

Common Accident Types

$1M+

Typical Insurance Coverage

2 Years

Texas Statute of Limitations

Common Truck Accident Types

Jackknife Truck Accident

A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings outward and folds against the cab, forming a shape similar to a folding pocket knife. These accidents are extremely dangerous because the truck often crosses multiple lanes of traffic, striking other vehicles.

Avg. Settlement:$100,000 - $1,500,000

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Underride Collision

An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a large truck, often shearing off the top of the car. These are among the deadliest types of truck accidents, frequently resulting in fatalities or catastrophic injuries.

Avg. Settlement:$250,000 - $3,000,000

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Rollover Truck Accident

Rollover accidents occur when a large truck tips onto its side or completely overturns. Due to their high center of gravity and heavy loads, semi-trucks are particularly susceptible to rollovers, especially on curves, exit ramps, and during sudden maneuvers.

Avg. Settlement:$150,000 - $2,000,000

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Brake Failure Accident

Brake failure accidents occur when a truck driver loses partial or complete control of their braking system. Given that fully loaded semi-trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds and require significant stopping distance even with functioning brakes, brake failures often result in catastrophic collisions.

Avg. Settlement:$200,000 - $2,500,000

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Blind Spot Accident

Blind spot accidents occur when truck drivers change lanes or merge without seeing vehicles in their blind spots, also known as "No-Zones." Large trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles.

Avg. Settlement:$75,000 - $1,000,000

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Tired Driver Accident

Fatigued driving accidents occur when truck drivers operate vehicles while tired, sleepy, or exhausted. Federal regulations limit driving hours specifically because fatigue is as dangerous as drunk driving, yet many trucking companies push drivers to exceed these limits.

Avg. Settlement:$150,000 - $2,000,000

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Rear-End Truck Collision

Rear-end truck collisions occur when a large truck strikes the back of a passenger vehicle. Due to the massive weight difference, these accidents often result in severe injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle, even at relatively low speeds.

Avg. Settlement:$100,000 - $1,500,000

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Wide Turn Accident

Wide turn accidents occur when large trucks swing left before making a right turn, often squeezing or crushing vehicles on their right side. Trucks require extra space to complete turns, and drivers may not see smaller vehicles in their blind spots during the maneuver.

Avg. Settlement:$100,000 - $1,200,000

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Overloaded Truck Accident

Overloaded truck accidents occur when trucks carry more weight than legally allowed or when cargo is improperly distributed. Excess weight affects braking distance, steering control, and structural integrity, making these trucks extremely dangerous on the road.

Avg. Settlement:$125,000 - $1,800,000

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Head-On Truck Collision

Head-on collisions with commercial trucks are among the deadliest traffic accidents. When a truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds strikes a passenger vehicle head-on, the results are almost always catastrophic, often resulting in fatalities.

Avg. Settlement:$300,000 - $5,000,000

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Why Accident Type Matters for Your Claim

Determines Liability

Different accident types point to specific causes and responsible parties, from driver negligence to equipment failures.

Impacts Settlement Value

Certain accident types consistently cause more severe injuries, leading to higher settlements and verdicts.

Guides Investigation

Knowing the accident type helps attorneys know what evidence to preserve, such as black box data or maintenance records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most dangerous type of truck accident?▼

Underride accidents are among the most dangerous, often resulting in fatalities or catastrophic injuries. These occur when a smaller vehicle slides under a trailer. Jackknife and rollover accidents also have high fatality rates due to the massive forces involved.

Which truck accidents have the highest settlement values?▼

Accidents involving catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord injuries, amputations) typically result in the highest settlements regardless of type. However, underride collisions, rollover accidents, and head-on collisions often cause the most severe injuries and thus higher settlements.

How do I know what type of truck accident I was in?▼

The police report typically describes the accident type. Common indicators include: jackknife (trailer swung to the side), rollover (truck tipped over), rear-end (truck hit from behind or struck another vehicle), and underride (your vehicle went under the trailer). An attorney can review your case and identify all applicable accident types.

Does the type of truck accident affect who is liable?▼

Yes, accident type often indicates specific causes and liable parties. For example, brake failure accidents may implicate the trucking company for poor maintenance, while fatigue-related accidents may involve hours-of-service violations. Multiple parties can be liable including the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or equipment manufacturer.