What Are Types of Commercial Trucking Collisions?

Commercial trucking collisions are among the most serious and complex motor vehicle incidents on Illinois roadways. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, these collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and complicated legal investigations.

Understanding the different types of trucking collisions can help injured individuals recognize how these incidents occur and when negligence may have played a role.

What Is a Commercial Trucking Collision?

A commercial trucking collision involves a large commercial vehicle—such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or tanker truck—and another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist.

These collisions may result from:

• Driver fatigue

• Distracted driving

• Speeding

• Improper loading

• Mechanical failures

• Violations of federal trucking regulations

Because commercial vehicles are subject to additional state and federal safety requirements, trucking cases often involve more parties and more evidence than typical car collisions.

Common Types of Commercial Trucking Collisions

Commercial trucking collisions can occur in many different ways, each with unique causes and legal considerations.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end trucking collisions occur when a commercial truck strikes the vehicle in front of it.

These collisions are often caused by:

• Following too closely

• Distracted driving

• Driver fatigue

• Failure to account for longer stopping distances

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause severe injuries.

Jackknife Collisions

A jackknife collision occurs when the trailer swings outward from the cab, creating an angle similar to a folding pocket knife.

Common causes include:

• Sudden braking

• Slippery roads

• Speeding

• Improper braking techniques

Jackknife incidents can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-vehicle collisions.

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a commercial truck.

These collisions often happen because of:

• Sudden stops

• Poor visibility

• Missing or defective underride guards

Underride collisions are among the deadliest types of trucking crashes.

Override Collisions

Override collisions occur when a commercial truck drives over the rear of a smaller vehicle.

These incidents are commonly caused by:

• Distracted driving

• Driver fatigue

• Excessive speed

• Failure to maintain a safe following distance

The significant weight of commercial trucks often leads to devastating injuries.

Rollover Collisions

Truck rollovers occur when a commercial vehicle tips onto its side or roof.

Common causes include:

• Taking curves too quickly

• Improperly secured cargo

• Uneven weight distribution

• Sudden steering maneuvers

Rollover collisions frequently affect multiple vehicles nearby.

Wide Turn Collisions

Commercial trucks require additional space to make turns.

Wide turn collisions can occur when:

• A truck swings left before turning right

• Other drivers attempt to pass turning trucks

• The truck driver fails to check blind spots

These collisions often involve vehicles traveling alongside the truck.

Blind Spot Collisions

Commercial trucks have substantial blind spots, sometimes called "no-zones."

These collisions may occur when:

• A truck changes lanes without seeing another vehicle

• Drivers remain alongside the truck for extended periods

• Mirrors are improperly adjusted

Blind spot collisions are especially common on highways and interstates.

Cargo-Related Collisions

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can create serious hazards.

Examples include:

• Falling cargo

• Cargo shifts causing rollovers

• Overloaded trailers

• Hazardous material spills

Liability may extend beyond the driver to loading companies or maintenance providers.

Tire Blowout and Mechanical Failure Collisions

Mechanical failures can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Examples include:

• Tire failures

• Brake malfunctions

• Steering system failures

• Equipment maintenance issues

These cases often require investigation into maintenance records and inspection history.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Because of their size and momentum, commercial trucks are often involved in chain-reaction collisions involving multiple vehicles.

These incidents commonly occur due to:

• Poor weather conditions

• Reduced visibility

• Sudden traffic slowdowns

• Driver fatigue

Determining liability in these cases can be especially complex.

Do I Have a Commercial Trucking Collision Case?

You may have a legal claim if your injuries resulted from the negligence of:

• A truck driver

• A trucking company

• A cargo loading company

• A maintenance provider

• A vehicle or parts manufacturer

Commercial trucking cases often involve multiple insurance policies and potentially responsible parties.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Commercial Trucking Collisions

Commercial trucking injury claims in Illinois are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

However, certain circumstances may affect this deadline, including:

• Wrongful death claims

• Government-owned vehicles

• Multiple liable parties

Because trucking companies often move quickly to preserve evidence for their defense, it is important to act promptly.

Why Choose Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C.?

Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. represents individuals and families injured in serious trucking collisions throughout Illinois.

We are known for:

• Investigating complex commercial vehicle cases

• Working with accident reconstruction and trucking experts

• Reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and company policies

• Pursuing claims against all responsible parties

• Taking cases to trial when necessary

We understand the devastating impact trucking collisions can have on families and are committed to pursuing full compensation for our clients.

Speak With a Chicago Truck Collision Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial trucking collision, you may have legal options.

At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we help clients navigate complex trucking litigation and pursue accountability against negligent drivers and companies.

Contact our Chicago truck collision lawyers today for a confidential consultation and guidance on your legal rights.