Truck Accidents Lawyers in Fresno

Truck crashes in Fresno take many forms, but nearly all have one thing in common — the potential for severe damage and injury. The type of accident often determines how the crash unfolds, what caused it, and who may be legally responsible. Understanding these distinctions is key to protecting your rights after a collision.

• Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, folding toward the cab in an “L” shape. This usually occurs when the driver brakes too hard or loses traction on a slick surface. The trailer’s weight pushes forward uncontrollably, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Jackknife crashes can easily cause chain-reaction pileups, especially on highways like CA-99 where trucks travel close together at high speeds.

• Rear-End Collisions

These are common in stop-and-go traffic, construction zones, or busy intersections. Because large trucks require more distance to stop, even a brief distraction can lead to a catastrophic impact. A fully loaded semi-truck can take up to 40% longer to stop than a car. Victims in smaller vehicles often suffer whiplash, spinal injuries, or worse when struck from behind by a heavy truck.

• Rollover Accidents

Rollover crashes often result from sharp turns taken too fast, improperly balanced cargo, or sudden swerves to avoid obstacles. Once a truck begins to tip, it’s nearly impossible to regain control. Rollover incidents are especially dangerous on ramps, rural roads, and uneven highway shoulders, where debris and soft ground can worsen the outcome.

• Underride Accidents

Among the most deadly types of truck crashes, underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. The upper portion of the car is crushed on impact, often causing fatal head or neck injuries. These tragedies are preventable through better use of underride guards, reflective markings, and proper lighting — yet many trucks still operate without these safety measures.

• Blind-Spot Accidents

Every truck has large blind spots — or “no-zones” — along both sides, directly behind, and in front of the cab. When a truck changes lanes or turns without spotting nearby vehicles, collisions can occur instantly. Drivers merging near trucks on Highway 41 or I-5 face particular danger if they linger in these hidden zones.

• Tire Blowouts and Mechanical Failures

A blown tire at highway speed can send a truck veering across lanes, shedding debris that strikes nearby cars. Poor maintenance, defective parts, or overinflated tires are common culprits. Brake failures also pose a major threat, especially on steep grades or when hauling heavy loads. These incidents often point to negligence in upkeep or inspection practices.

• Multi-Vehicle Freeway Pileups

When a truck loses control on a crowded freeway, the results can be devastating. Chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles are common on Fresno’s high-speed corridors like CA-99 and I-5. Low visibility, tailgating, and sudden traffic slowdowns make it nearly impossible for following drivers to stop in time. Such pileups often require extensive investigation to determine fault among several parties.