Different Trucks, Different Hazards

There are many different types of commercial motor vehicles, which are also commonly called CMVs, trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs, and semi-trucks. Each type of truck poses a different set of hazards and risks to other drivers on the road.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C., our tractor-trailer accident litigation team has more than 50 years of experience investigating the hazards unique to each type of truck. We know how those hazards contribute to accidents. Our expertise has helped us to secure numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for tractor-trailer accident victims and their families throughout the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-318-LAW1 or use our convenient online form. We do not charge for our services unless we obtain the financial compensation that you and your family deserve.

Risks Posed by Commercial Trucks

Different types of trucks and risks commonly seen on streets, highways, and interstates include the following:

• Dump truck: A truck used for transporting loose material (such as sand, gravel, or dirt) for construction. A typical dump truck is equipped with a hydraulically operated open-box bed hinged at the rear, the front of which can be lifted to allow the contents to be deposited on the ground behind the truck at the delivery site. Motorists trailing dump trucks are at risk of being hit by loose material flying from the bed.
• 18-wheeler: A semi-truck (or semi-trailer) commonly found delivering cargo in interstate commerce. An 18-wheeler consists of two front wheels, twin wheels on each end of the axles and dual wheels on the two axles at the rear of the trailer. These types of trucks have a wider turning radius, can be difficult to control, and require longer stopping distances. They also contain many parts that must be adequately maintained.
• Flatbed truck: A type of truck with an entirely flat, level body with no sides or roof. This design allows for quick and easy loading of goods, which means flatbed trucks are often used to transport heavy loads such as construction equipment as well as for abnormal loads that require more space than available on a closed body. Flatbed truck cargo can easily become loose or dislodged, striking motorists to the rear and sides.
• Garbage truck: A waste collection vehicle that is specially designed to pick up small quantities of waste and haul it to landfills and other recycling facilities. They are common in urban areas. Because these trucks stop and back up frequently, their drivers must be attentive to surrounding cars, objects, and pedestrians.
• Heavy truck: This type is the largest truck allowed on the road and is generally used for long-haul trips. It is often found in semi-trailer or B-double configuration, which is why this truck is commonly called a big rig, semi-truck, or 18-wheeler. It needs a wide turning radius and a  longer stopping distance, and it can be difficult to control, especially in poor weather conditions. A wreck with this type of truck can lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Panel truck: This type of vehicle is a windowless cargo van built on a truck chassis. Its smaller cousin, the sedan delivery, is a station wagon with no backseat and or side windows. Both types of vehicles are frequently used for delivery of flowers, retail bakery products, diapers, laundry, and other consumer conveniences. The blind spots on these vehicles can present dangers in heavy traffic.
• Semi-trailer truck: A semi-trailer truck or tractor-trailer (often called a transfer truck, 18-wheeler, semi, or big-rig) consists of a towing engine (tractor) and a semi-trailer (plus possible additional trailers) that carries the freight. Even highly trained and qualified drivers have difficulty maneuvering, stopping, and turning with these vehicles. Mechanical defects can also occur without proper inspection and maintenance.
• Tanker truck: A motor vehicle designed to carry liquids, dry bulk cargo, gases, or hazardous materials. This truck usually is large, insulated, pressurized, and designed for single or multiple loads (often by means of internal divisions in the tank). This vehicle can trigger massive explosions and spills if involved in an accident, endangering not only other motorists but also residents in the surrounding area.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today!

For more than 50 years, the tractor-trailer accident attorneys of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C. have protected the rights and interests of truck accident victims, gaining expertise that has earned national recognition from Martindale-Hubbell®, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, among others.

Based in Pennsylvania, we handle New England truck wreck cases throughout the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. You do not pay any fee unless we win money damages for you. That means you can get the most experienced legal help, and it won’t cost one dime more than you would pay any other firm – and we get RESULTS!

For a free consultation, call us today at 1-800-318-LAW1 or use our convenient online form.