Morgantown is like a busy city street, full of cars and trucks going in every direction. West Virginia University is there too, so even more people are on the roads, especially during rush hour. You’ll see truck drivers going to and fro, just like everyone else.
Some places in Morgantown can get really crowded, like where University Avenue meets 705 or near the shopping centers. This is where accidents are more likely to happen, especially when a truck is involved, in which case you would need the assistance of attorneys handling truck accident claims in Morgantown.
It would be to your benefit to be fully aware of the different types of truck accidents that can happen in Morgantown. This article helps in this regard. It talks about five types of truck accidents that are common in Morgantown.
Jackknifing
This is when the front of the truck turns one way, but the back swings the other way, making it look like a jackknife. It often happens when the driver turns too sharply or brakes too hard.
Jackknifing often happens on slippery roads, especially during the winter months when ice can be a problem in Morgantown. These accidents can be super dangerous because they often block multiple lanes of traffic, and there are increased chances of cargo spilling onto the road.
If you’re driving on Route 19 or the I-68 interchange, keep an eye out because those sharp turns are hotspots for jackknife accidents.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are pretty common, especially on roads where traffic stops suddenly, like near the University Avenue and Willey Street intersection. Truck drivers often have a longer stopping distance due to their size, and if they aren’t paying attention, it can lead to serious accidents. Rear-end collisions have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Head-On Collisions
These can happen anywhere, but they seem to occur more often during busy times, like when people are rushing home after a long day.
Head-on collisions are some of the scariest accidents out there. They usually happen when a driver drifts into oncoming traffic, and with larger trucks involved, the damage can be severe.
Morgantown’s winding roads can sometimes cause drivers to lose focus, especially in bad weather. In fact, head-on collisions involving trucks make up about 8% of truck accidents.
Hazmat Spills
Morgantown has a lot of local businesses that depend on truck deliveries, and if one of those trucks spills chemicals, it can cause major safety issues. While Morgantown is a bit quieter, we aren’t completely immune. Hazmat spills can be disastrous, not just to the people involved but to the local wildlife as well.
Underride Accidents
This happens when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck during a collision, and it’s really dangerous. Many people don’t realize that these accidents can be deadly.
Morgantown has a lot of trucks driving through neighborhoods and commercial areas, especially near the West Virginia University campus. In case you don’t know, around 200 people die each year in underride accidents. So give those trucks some space.
