Common Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents
Truck rollover accidents can be some of the most devastating and dangerous incidents on the road. These accidents can cause significant damage to not only the truck but also any other vehicles and people involved. Many individuals who have suffered a truck rollover accident count on our experience Louisiana truck accident lawyers to help them through this stressful process.
Understanding the causes and effects of truck rollover accidents can help drivers, trucking companies, and authorities take preventative measures to reduce the number of these unfortunate incidents.
Louisiana Truck Rollover Accidents: What You Need to Know
In 2008, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a large truck crash causation study, which analyzed over 200 truck rollover accidents. The study found that the immediate cause of a rollover is typically due to an event that increases the roll moment about the longitudinal axis of a truck, such as turning too quickly or allowing one side of the truck to rise or drop suddenly.
While it’s possible for another vehicle or a truck’s condition to cause a truck rollover, the FMCSA reported that truck driver error is the primary cause of these events.
Some other common causes of truck rollover accidents include:
- Driver Error: The most common cause of truck rollover accidents is driver error. This can include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and fatigue.
- Vehicle Malfunction: Another cause of truck rollover accidents is vehicle malfunction. This can include tire blowouts, brake failure, and steering problems.
- Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions such as wet or icy roads, sharp curves, and steep inclines can also contribute to truck rollover accidents.
Consequences of a Semi-Truck Rollover Accident:
Truck rollovers can really slow down traffic for everyone on the road, but usually, they don’t involve any other vehicles. However, when other drivers get caught up in a truck rollover, it can be really dangerous, and people are more likely to die compared to other types of traffic accidents.
It’s crazy to think that even small trucks like garbage, cement, and dump trucks weigh way more than the average car! All that extra weight means a much stronger impact during a rollover, which can cause a ton of damage to other vehicles and result in:
- Injuries: Truck rollover accidents can cause serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Fatalities: In some cases, these types of accidents can result in fatalities. This is especially true when the accident involves a passenger vehicle.
Prevention of Truck Roll Over Accidents:
- Driver Training: Proper driver training can help prevent truck rollover accidents. This includes training on defensive driving, fatigue management, and load securement.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent truck rollover accidents. This includes checking tire pressure, brake pads, and steering components.
- Route Planning: Proper route planning can also help prevent truck rollover accidents. This includes avoiding routes with steep inclines or sharp curves.
Contact an Experienced Louisiana Rollover Truck Accident Attorney at Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys
If you have suffered injuries after involvement in a truck rollover accident, you could have a claim against the truck driver and/or trucking company to recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible, so they can evaluate your claim and advise you on the best path forward for your circumstances.
