Truck rollovers are some of the most severe and hazardous types of accidents on the road. They can cause extensive damage to the truck itself, as well as to any surrounding vehicles and those involved.
The most common causes of rollover accidents include: Tripping Hazards, Quick Turns, Environmental Factors, Driver Error, Cargo Load Issues, Vehicle Type, Speeding, Design Flaws, & Road Conditions.Many people hurt in these accidents count on our skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for help with their claims.
Understanding Rollover Accidents in Louisiana
Understanding the factors that contribute to Louisiana rollover accidents is critical, especially if you’ve been involved in one. This breakdown provides a basic overview of the causes behind these incidents.
Where Are Rollover Accidents Most Common in Louisiana?
Rollover accidents are a serious concern in Louisiana, especially on certain roads and in specific areas. Here’s where they are the most common:
- Rural Highways: These roads look quiet but are tricky. They’re often narrow, have little room on the sides, and are full of bends. Louisiana’s rural roads are some of the worst in the U.S., with lots of uneven ground, big slopes, and sudden drops.
- Risky Road Features: Roads that are just one lane or have lots of curves and hills are extra risky. SUVs and trucks, which are taller, can easily lose control and tip over on these roads.
- High Truck Traffic Areas: Places with many trucks, like big shipping routes or near oil and gas fields (like I-10), have more rollovers. Lots of trucks plus dangerous roads mean a higher chance of accidents.
Which Types of Vehicles are Susceptible to Rollover Crashes?
Taller, narrower vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are especially susceptible to rollovers, but why?
Top-Heavy Design – These vehicles have a higher center of gravity compared to sedans. Imagine a seesaw – the higher the center of gravity, the easier it is to tip. This makes SUVs and trucks less stable during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
What Happens to Your Body in a Rollover Accident?
During a rollover accident, even with seatbelts on, the intense tumbling can violently toss occupants, leading to serious injuries.
From severe head trauma that brings on headaches and memory problems to the more dire risk of seizures, the body’s vital areas are at high risk. The aftermath might involve lengthy rehabilitation or result in permanent physical limitations.
Common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: Headaches, memory issues, seizures.
- Neck and Spine Damage: Whiplash, fractured vertebrae, paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Often caused by the force of the crash or being hit by debris.
- Lacerations: Cuts from flying glass or metal.
- Internal Organ Damage: Leading to long-term pain and potential disabilities.
This is why legal representation is crucial after a rollover accident. A qualified Louisiana personal injury attorney can fight for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and any long-term care required.
Most Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents stem from a mix of driver actions, vehicle design, and the environment. While they can happen to any car, certain conditions dramatically raise the risk.
- Tripping Hazards: Running into curbs, guardrails, or uneven road surfaces can trigger a rollover.
- Quick Turns: Taller vehicles with high centers of gravity are particularly prone to rolling over during fast or abrupt turns.
- Environmental Factors: Challenges like descending steep hills or side collisions can lead to rollovers.
- Driver Errors: Common mistakes include fatigue, distraction, inattention, impairment, aggressive driving, overcorrecting, and inexperience.
- Load Issues: Trucks with improperly secured or excessive cargo can lose balance, increasing rollover risks.
- Vehicle Type: SUVs, pickups, and vans, with their higher and narrower profiles, face greater danger.
- Speeding: High speeds, notably above 55 mph, significantly contribute to the severity of rollovers.
- Mechanical and Design Flaws: Issues due to poor maintenance, faulty repairs, or design errors can cause rollovers.
- Road Conditions: Rollovers can also occur because of adverse weather, ongoing construction, or poorly maintained roads.
Rollover Accident Statistics
A study from the IIHS showed some important facts about rollovers in 2021. Rollover crashes are very dangerous, and the numbers prove that some vehicles are more at risk.
- In these crashes, 21% of car crash deaths happened, 40% of deaths were people in pickups, and 38% were people in SUVs.
This tells us that trucks and big vehicles are more likely to roll over in a crash, making these accidents very deadly.
The Importance of Legal Representation After a Rollover Accident
In the aftermath of a rollover accident, securing legal representation from an experienced attorney can be a game-changer. Their guidance and support are essential as you navigate the complexities of your case.
With an attorney by your side, you can focus on recovery while they ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. This can significantly impact the outcome and help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Several factors contribute to the complexities of rollover accident cases:
- Determining Fault: Figuring out who caused the accident takes a lot of investigating to collect evidence and understand what happened.
- Filing Insurance Claims: A lawyer can make filing insurance claims easier, help you get treated fairly, and try to get you the most money possible.
- Third-Party Liability: If someone not directly involved in the crash did something wrong that led to the accident, a good lawyer can spot this and may get you compensation from them too.
- Product Liability: If a car’s design or a manufacturing mistake caused the accident, your lawyer can look into it and make the car manufacturer pay.
The value of legal representation is particularly important in regions with heavy truck traffic. Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys with local expertise understand the specific laws and regulations applicable to truck accidents, which can be critical to successfully navigating your case.
Contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for Help Today!
Truck rollover accidents can change your life, causing severe injuries and many worries about what comes next. If you’re hurt in one of these accidents, you might get money from the truck driver, their company, or both.
It’s important to have a good lawyer to help you through the complex legal stuff. A skilled
Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer from Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys can look into your case and tell you the best steps to take.
Contacting them quickly means they can start helping you get the compensation you need to get better sooner. Get Gordon today and Get It Done!
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