What Is Off-Tracking in a Large Truck?
Large commercial trucks do not move the same way as smaller passenger vehicles. When they turn, their back wheels do not follow the exact path of the front wheels. This phenomenon is known as off-tracking, and it is a leading cause of truck accidents in Houston. If a truck driver miscalculates a turn, the trailer may swing too wide or cut too sharply, putting nearby cars, cyclists, and pedestrians at serious risk.
How Does Off-Tracking Occur?
Tractor-trailers and other large trucks have multiple axles and long trailers that do not pivot in the same manner as smaller vehicles. When a truck makes a turn, its rear wheels take a shorter path than the front wheels. The sharper the turn, the more extreme the off-tracking. As a result, the trailer may:
- Encroach into adjacent lanes, sideswiping other vehicles.
- Swing over curbs, striking street signs, pedestrians, or parked cars.
- Enter opposing traffic lanes, creating a risk for head-on collisions.
- Collide with vehicles stopped at intersections when making tight turns.
Houston’s busy streets and congested intersections make off-tracking a frequent hazard, especially in areas with heavy truck traffic, such as I-45, I-10, and the 610 Loop.
Types of Truck Accidents Caused by Off-Tracking
Off-tracking can result in several types of truck accidents, including:
- Sideswipe Accidents – A truck may unintentionally drift into an adjacent lane, striking nearby vehicles.
- Runover Accidents – Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists may be hit if the truck’s wheels encroach onto a sidewalk or bike lane.
- Head-On Collisions – If a truck off-tracks into oncoming traffic, the results can be catastrophic.
- Jackknife Accidents – Overcorrection after an off-tracking incident can cause the trailer to swing uncontrollably, leading to a jackknife crash.
- Intersection Crashes – Misjudged turns at busy intersections can result in collisions with stopped vehicles or infrastructure.
Common Injuries in Off-Tracking Truck Accidents
Houston truck accidents involving off-tracking can cause severe and life-changing injuries, including:
- Broken bones and fractures due to impact forces.
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or chronic pain.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head trauma in a collision.
- Internal organ damage caused by crushing injuries.
- Lacerations, burns, and soft tissue damage from secondary impacts or fires.
Victims of truck accidents often face extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and lost income. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Houston, it’s essential to understand your legal options.
Who Is Liable in an Off-Tracking Truck Accident?
If you were hurt in an off-tracking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Potentially liable parties include:
- The Truck Driver – If they failed to properly navigate a turn, check blind spots, or follow traffic laws, they could be held accountable.
- The Trucking Company – Companies may be responsible if they failed to train drivers properly, enforced unsafe schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
- Third-Party Contractors – If a defective truck part or improper cargo loading contributed to the accident, other entities may share liability.
Contact Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to an off-tracking truck accident in Houston, the legal team at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is here to help. Our firm has a proven track record of securing multimillion-dollar settlements for truck accident victims. With over 50 years of experience, Founding Partner Tommy Fibich and our Board Certified trial attorneys have the expertise needed to take on trucking companies and insurance providers.
We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Don’t wait—contact us today to learn how we can help you seek justice and financial compensation for your injuries.
