The Most Common Types of Trucks Involved in Accidents

Accidents Are More Common in Certain Types of Trucks

The Different Types of Trucks and Their Risks

Although truck accidents are often caused by driver or company negligence regardless of truck type, some trucks are more dangerous than others and more likely to be involved in accidents. Here is a list of trucks most often involved in accidents:

Semi-Trucks

Also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, semi-trucks are large commercial trucks that are composed of two or more parts. These trucks haul hundreds of thousands of pounds of loads in North America. Their optimal performance and easy handling make them an ideal choice for long-distance transportation. However, they have some weaknesses, making them prone to accidents.

What percentage of accidents are caused by semi-trucks? Semi-trucks account for the majority of truck crashes, as they are the most common truck type on the road. These trucks are easy to roll over due to their higher center of gravity. A truck rollover accident is more likely to occur when they’re hauling heavy loads or overspeeding. 

Semi-truck rollovers can damage the transported cargo and crash other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. Semi-truck accidents can be disastrous on a large scale if the transported cargo is explosive.

Their weight also gives them a longer stopping distance, making them prone to rear-end truck accidents. Poor wheel and braking system maintenance could increase the braking distance. 

Semi-trucks require regular maintenance and checks to keep them in optimal conditions. 

Box Trucks

Box trucks might be lighter than semi-trucks but are heavier than passenger vehicles. They’re mainly used for local and regional deliveries. Many truck drivers love them as they’re lighter, have shorter stopping distances, and are easier to handle. However, box trucks are also prone to accidents. 

They’re more vulnerable when turning and in intersections. Box truck accidents are often involved in different types of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions, fender-benders, cargo shifts, wide turns, and backing accidents. 

Box trucks are smaller in size and weight compared to semis and wouldn’t cause as much damage. Their shorter stopping distance also reduces the risks of rear-end collisions. Box trucks also have smaller blindspots compared to semis.

Tanker Trucks

Tankers are large trucks that transport liquids and gases, which are primarily hazardous, including gasoline and chemicals. They have cylindrical tanks attached to them and vary in size depending on the type of liquid they are transporting.

Any content spilling could cause catastrophic results. Liquid chemicals, like acids, solvents, or industrial substances, are known to be corrosive and could cause significant damage to people and properties. They could result in severe burns from direct skin contact or respiratory issues from inhaling the fumes. 

When these trucks are involved in accidents, the aftermath can be catastrophic.

Flatbeds

Flatbeds are among the most dangerous trucks on the road. They are known for their roofless and open cargo bed. Flatbeds transport heavy equipment like machinery that could tilt and fall if not secured firmly.

The biggest threat from a flatbed is the load falling over. However, risks such as spillage and debris shouldn’t be underestimated. Some debris might be big enough to block passenger vehicles behind the truck, triggering a chain of accidents.

Projectiles from the load could also become a problem, especially when the truck is braking. These projectiles travel quickly and with a lot of force and could lead to an accident, especially when they hit the windscreens of other vehicles. 

Read more about this in our truck accident FAQ section.

Determining Liability for Truck Accidents