River Falls Truck Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to a collision involving a large motor vehicle commonly known as a truck. Trucks are substantially larger and heavier than typical passenger cars, which can lead to more severe consequences in the event of an accident. These accidents can result in injuries and even fatalities due to the significant force and impact involved.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck strikes the back of another vehicle. Rear-end collisions can happen due to factors like sudden stops, distracted driving, or reduced braking capabilities of trucks due to their size and weight.
• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab. This can happen when the trailer skids or loses traction, often due to slick road conditions or sudden braking.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollovers involve the truck tipping over onto its side or even rolling completely. These accidents can be caused by sharp turns taken at high speeds, unstable loads, or adverse road conditions.
• Underride Collisions: An underride collision happens when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back or side of a truck and ends up wedged underneath the truck's trailer. These accidents are particularly dangerous for the occupants of the smaller vehicle due to the risk of severe head and neck injuries.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have larger blind spots compared to smaller vehicles. Accidents can occur when a car enters a truck's blind spot, and the truck driver is unaware of their presence while changing lanes or making turns.
• Tire Blowouts: Truck tire blowouts can lead to loss of control and potential accidents. The sudden release of air from a tire can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to collisions with other vehicles or objects.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks need more space to make turns, often requiring multiple lanes. Accidents can happen when a truck swings wide to make a turn and collides with other vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Cargo Spills: If the cargo on a truck is not properly secured, it can spill onto the road, leading to accidents and road hazards. Spilled cargo can obstruct visibility, cause other vehicles to swerve to avoid it, or even create collisions as vehicles try to navigate around the debris.
• Runaway Truck Accidents: These occur when a truck loses its brakes while descending a steep hill. The truck's momentum can make it difficult to control, leading to accidents involving other vehicles or structures at the bottom of the hill.
• Drowsy Driving Accidents: Truck drivers often drive long hours to meet tight delivery schedules. Fatigue can lead to decreased reaction times and impaired decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents.

Many truck accidents can result from a combination of factors, including driver error, mechanical issues, adverse weather conditions, road design, and more. Not only can truck drivers be held liable, but also the trucking company, truck owner, shipper, cargo loader, maintenance provider, or auto part manufacturer, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in River Falls, WI?

Several roads and highways are known to frequently experience truck accidents. Key factors contributing to these incidents include heavy traffic, road conditions, and the presence of commercial and industrial areas. Here are the main roads and highways often associated with truck accidents in River Falls:

• State Highway 29 (WI-29): WI-29 is a major east-west route that passes through River Falls. Due to its high traffic volume, especially of commercial trucks, accidents are common. This highway connects various industrial and agricultural areas, contributing to the frequent presence of large vehicles.
• U.S. Highway 65 (US-65): US-65 runs north-south through River Falls and is another significant route for trucks. The highway's intersection with WI-29 is a known hotspot for accidents due to the convergence of high-speed traffic from both highways.
• State Highway 35 (WI-35): WI-35 is a primary north-south route that sees considerable truck traffic. The areas where it intersects with local roads in River Falls are often sites of truck-related accidents, partly due to the complexity of navigating through these junctions.
• County Roads: Various county roads in the vicinity of River Falls also experience truck accidents. These roads often serve as connectors between major highways and local industrial areas. Their design, which may include sharp turns and narrow lanes, can contribute to the likelihood of accidents.
• Local Roads within Industrial Zones: Roads within industrial zones in River Falls are also prone to truck accidents. These areas have a high density of truck traffic, especially during business hours, leading to increased chances of collisions.