Twin-Trailer Truck Accidents: What You Should Know

June 5, 2024

Twin-trailer truck accidents, also known as double or tandem trailer accidents, are among the most devastating incidents on the road. These accidents involve commercial trucks hauling two trailers instead of one, significantly increasing their size and weight.

According to recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), twin-trailer trucks are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal accidents compared to single-trailer trucks. The aftermath of these accidents can be catastrophic; severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities are common.

Twin-trailer trucks are significantly larger and heavier than single-trailer trucks, making them more challenging to maneuver and control, especially in adverse weather conditions or congested roads. The extended length of twin trailer trucks also increases the risk of blind spots, making it harder for drivers to see other vehicles on the road. That can lead to lane change accidents, sideswipes, and rear-end collisions.

Maneuvering twin trailer trucks requires greater skill and precision, especially when turning or navigating tight spaces. Twin-trailer trucks also require a longer distance to come to a complete stop than single-trailer trucks, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or colliding with obstacles on the road. Inexperienced or fatigued drivers may struggle to control these vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

What Are the Common Causes of Twin Trailer Truck Accidents?

Various factors can cause twin trailer truck accidents:

• Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction times. Fatigued drivers are more prone to making errors that can result in accidents.
• Distractions: Texting, inputting information into a GPS, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the driver’s ability to react to unexpected hazards and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding is a common factor in many twin-trailer truck accidents.
• Maintenance issues: Poorly maintained trucks or faulty components can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which can contribute to accidents.
• Cargo problems: Incorrectly loaded cargo can affect the truck’s stability and balance, increasing the likelihood of rollovers or jackknife accidents.

What Steps Should I Take If I am Involved in a Twin-Trailer Truck Accident?

If you are involved in a twin-trailer truck accident, contact emergency services right away; your health and safety should be the top priority. Remember to ask for an official accident report; this documentation will be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene, including photographs of the vehicles involved, witness statements, and other relevant information. Refrain from admitting fault or making statements to insurance adjusters without consulting a qualified attorney, as anything you say could be used against you in the claims process. Finally, seek legal guidance from an experienced truck accident attorney who can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.

A Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Can Fight to Protect Your Rights

If you were injured in a twin-trailer truck accident, contact a skilled Baltimore truck accident lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton for a free consultation to explore your legal options. Call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.