Every day in the U.S., an average of 15 people die in large truck crashes. In 2023 alone, that totaled 5,472 deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These aren’t fender-benders. When 80,000 pounds of steel hits a passenger vehicle, the outcome can be life-changing.
In Tennessee, there were 12,530 crashes involving large trucks in 2023, including 163 fatalities. Georgia reported even more: 50,344 large truck crashes and 257 deaths the same year. That’s nearly one fatal truck wreck every day across those two states.
If you’ve been in an 18-Wheeler Accident, the numbers stop being statistics. They become personal.
This guide breaks down the most common types of 18-wheeler accidents, why they happen, and what they mean for your safety and your legal rights. It’s designed to give you information that matters—now.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, folding in like a pocketknife. This typically happens when the driver brakes suddenly, especially on wet, icy, or otherwise slippery roads.
The trailer loses alignment with the cab, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle entirely. Once jackknifed, the truck can block multiple lanes, making it nearly impossible for nearby drivers to avoid a collision.
These crashes are especially dangerous on highways where vehicles are moving at high speeds. Drivers involved in jackknife accidents are at high risk for side-impact injuries or becoming pinned between the cab and trailer.
Rollover Crashes
Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping onto its side or roof, often resulting in catastrophic outcomes for surrounding vehicles. Because semis have a high center of gravity, any imbalance in the load or a sudden maneuver can lead to a rollover.
Common causes include speeding, especially on curves or ramps, taking turns too sharply, and improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo. Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous on highway exits or winding rural roads.
The impact can crush passenger vehicles, block traffic lanes, or scatter debris that causes secondary crashes. Occupants in nearby vehicles face serious risks including blunt force trauma, being trapped, or hitting debris at high speeds.
Underride Collisions
Underride collisions are among the most fatal types of 18-wheeler accidents. They happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath the trailer. This often occurs in low-visibility situations, at intersections, or during sudden stops.
Without properly installed and maintained underride guards, the trailer can shear the top off the smaller vehicle, causing devastating injuries or death. These crashes frequently result in severe head and neck trauma for passengers in the impacted car. Poor lighting, broken or missing safety features, and a lack of space between vehicles are common contributors.
Blind-Spot (No-Zone) Crashes
Big trucks have blind spots—also called no-zones—on all four sides. These are areas where the truck driver’s view is completely obstructed. The largest blind spots are directly behind the trailer, along the passenger side, and just behind the cab on the driver’s side.
If a car stays in these zones too long, especially while the truck is turning or merging, the driver may not see it at all. Blind-spot accidents often occur during lane changes, wide right turns, or when drivers are fatigued and not scanning properly. These collisions can lead to sideswipes, forced run-offs, or a car being trapped between the truck and another vehicle or barrier.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts are sudden and dangerous. When a truck tire fails at highway speeds, it can send large chunks of rubber into surrounding traffic or cause the driver to swerve uncontrollably. Blowouts are commonly caused by poor tire maintenance, underinflated tires, overloading, or heat buildup from extended driving.
When a truck loses control due to a blowout, it may roll over, jackknife, or veer into adjacent lanes, causing a chain-reaction crash. For other motorists, blowouts pose a dual threat: either from direct collision with the truck or from hitting debris at high speeds.
Shifting Cargo
Improperly secured cargo is a hidden threat that can trigger serious truck accidents. When freight shifts during braking, turning, or sudden movements, it can throw off the truck’s balance. This imbalance may lead to rollovers or jackknife crashes.
In severe cases, the cargo can break through the trailer’s walls and spill onto the roadway, endangering other vehicles. Shifting cargo accidents are often the result of poor loading practices, loose straps, or missed safety inspections. Drivers near these trucks may face high-speed collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, or damage from falling or sliding freight.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a major factor in 18-wheeler accidents. Federal laws limit how long truckers can drive without a break, but the demands of tight schedules and long hauls often push drivers to their limits. Fatigue impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of microsleeps—brief moments when the driver nods off without realizing it.
These few seconds can be deadly, especially on busy highways. Fatigue-related crashes often involve rear-end collisions, unintentional lane departures, or head-on impacts. Despite strict regulations, fatigue remains one of the most underreported causes of truck crashes.
Brake Failures
Brake failure in an 18-wheeler can turn a controllable descent into a runaway disaster. Truck brakes endure tremendous strain, especially on steep grades or during emergency stops. Without regular maintenance, they can overheat, lose effectiveness, or fail altogether. This is especially dangerous when trucks are overloaded or traveling at high speeds.
When brakes give out, the driver may have no way to slow down, resulting in collisions with multiple vehicles. Brake failure often leads to high-speed impacts or pileups involving several cars. These wrecks are preventable but continue to happen when inspection routines are skipped or repairs are delayed.
What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident
Accidents involving large trucks are complex. There are multiple parties, federal regulations, and overlapping insurance policies. What you do in the first 24 hours can shape your case.
Take these steps immediately:
- Document the scene: Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and signage.
- Seek medical attention: Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may take hours or days to appear.
- Get key details: Ask for the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance, license plate, and DOT number.
- Find witnesses: Collect their names and contact info before they leave.
- Call law enforcement: File a report and get a copy for your records.
- Don’t talk to insurers first: Say as little as possible. Call an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
Why Contact The Roth Firm
Trucking companies have legal teams on call. You should too.
The Roth Firm helps victims of 18-wheeler accidents across Tennessee and Georgia. We understand the state-specific laws, deadlines, and insurance tactics that can make or break a case.
We handle:
- Crash investigations
- Expert witness coordination
- Settlement negotiations
- Litigation, if needed
You don’t need to take on trucking companies or insurance adjusters alone. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve – medical bills, lost wages, long-term care, and more.
Final Thoughts
18-Wheeler accidents are rarely minor. When a truck hits, the damage is often catastrophic and the legal process that follows can be just as overwhelming.
Knowing the risks is step one. Protecting yourself legally is step two.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it’s not just about recovering physically. It’s about making sure the trucking company is held accountable and that you don’t get buried in bills or legal red tape.
The Roth Firm is here to help. We handle serious truck accident cases across Tennessee and Georgia. We know what it takes to build a strong case and get real results.
Call us now for a free consultation. We’ll take it from there.