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, not only to the truck but also to any other vehicles and people involved. Many individuals who have suffered a truck rollover accident count on our experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyers to help them through this stressful process.
Understanding the causes and effects of these 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 Mistakes: This is the biggest culprit. Speeding, distracted driving (phones, fatigue, etc.), being under the influence, and simply losing control are all major causes.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Faulty brakes, steering problems, and tire blowouts can leave drivers with little control in critical moments. Poor maintenance by trucking companies can also play a role here.
- Road Conditions: Wet or icy roads, sharp curves, and steep inclines can all increase the risk of a rollover, especially for improperly loaded trucks.
- Improper Cargo Loading: Overloaded trucks or cargo that shifts during transit can throw off the vehicle’s balance and lead to a rollover. This often happens due to improper loading practices by cargo handlers.
- Defective Truck Parts: Malfunctioning brakes are a danger, and other issues like steering problems, tire blowouts, and faulty suspension systems can all contribute to rollovers. Truck companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and ensuring they’re safe to operate.
If you’ve been injured in a truck rollover accident, having an experienced lawyer on your side can be crucial. They can help identify all the contributing factors and hold all parties responsible accountable for your injuries.
What is the Most Common Cause of a Rollover Accident?
The most common cause of truck rollover accidents is driver error.
Consequences of a Semi-Truck Rollover Accident
Truck rollovers can 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.
How to Reduce Truck Rollover 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.
Taking Action After You’ve Been Hurt
Truck rollover accidents can be life-altering. Severe injuries, lost income, and a long recovery can leave you feeling lost in a financial and emotional whirlwind. But there’s hope. You have options to seek justice and compensation for your suffering.
Filing an insurance claim against the responsible party, whether the truck driver or the trucking company, is a crucial first step. While trucking companies carry substantial insurance, they may be hesitant to admit fault or offer fair compensation.
If negotiations stall, filing a truck accident claim could be your path to full compensation. This could include medical bills, lost wages, and even compensation for your pain and suffering. Truck accident cases are notoriously complex, and trucking companies often have formidable legal teams. That’s why having a skilled truck accident lawyer in your corner is essential.
A good Louisiana personal injury attorney can navigate the legal complexities, fight for your rights, and allow you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for Help Today!
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 Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer as soon as possible, so they can evaluate your claim and advise you on the best path forward for your circumstances.
