A truck rollover is a common type of truck accident and often involves more than just the truck. When a truck rolls over, it can crash into other vehicles, crushing them and the passengers inside. These accidents cause serious and deadly injuries. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are over 1,300 rollover truck accidents yearly. The FMCSA study also found that:

  • 78 percent of rollover accidents are caused by driver errors
  • 66 percent of rollover accidents involved drivers who had 10 years or more experience
  • 56 percent of rollover accidents occur on straight roads
  • 93 percent of rollover accidents occur on dry surfaces

Five Common Reasons Truck Rollover Accidents Happen

Rollover accidents involving trucks could be prevented if truckers drove more safely and followed the safety guidelines more carefully. Common causes of deadly truck rollover crashes include:

  • Speeding. Failing to adjust the truck’s speed for weather conditions or road conditions such as an upcoming curve in the road or an exit can result in a rollover.
  • Improper loading. Although a shipping company may load the truck, the trucker and the trucking company are ultimately responsible to ensure that the cargo is properly loaded and secured. Rollovers are more likely—especially on curves—if the truck is improperly loaded.
  • Unsafe driving. This can include trucker fatigue and distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or talking on a cell phone while driving.
  • Improper steering. This can include over steering to avoid an obstacle or over correcting when veering out of a lane.
  • Failing to maintain the truck. If a trucker fails to check his truck before going on the road, he can miss maintenance issues that can cause a rollover, such as worn brakes or tires.

Road conditions can also contribute to rollover crashes, and a trucker needs to be more vigilant when driving in these situations. Rollover accidents are more likely on these roadways:

  • Slick roadways
  • Steep hills
  • Winding roads
  • Construction zones
  • Soft road surfaces

Rollover accidents often result in life-threatening and permanent injuries if the victim survives the accident with the truck. Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and internal organ trauma are a few of the serious conditions caused by truck rollover accidents. For these victims, the medical bills and rehabilitation costs can be overwhelming, and the victim and his family could suffer other permanent changes to their lives. But the trucker and his trucking company could be responsible for compensating the victim of a rollover accident for his medical bills, past and future wages, and more.

Were you injured by a big rig that rolled over due to driver carelessness? Was a family member killed? We know it can be overwhelming and we’re here to help. Call us at 800-989-6385 for a free consultation to learn about your legal options. And don’t forget that we also offer free home and hospital consultations.

 

Peter Steinberg
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Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Since 1982