Your Rights If You Are Injured in a Rollover Accident
The size and weight of a large commercial truck make them prone to rollover accidents. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. If you are involved in a truck rollover, you need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine your legal options.
At Truck.Law, we know the devastation that a rollover accident can cause. We represent individuals nationwide who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a rollover accident. It is essential to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages if you are hurt. Contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation to determine if you have a valid claim for damages.
What Is a Truck Rollover?
When a truck overturns, it is called a rollover. Large trucks like 18-wheelers and semi-trailers have a high center of gravity, making them less stable. If a truck operator fails to adjust their speed when entering a curve in the road, it can shift their center of gravity, causing them to lose control of their vehicle and overturn.
Truck rollover accidents are extraordinarily dangerous. They can cause multi-vehicle pileups and result in severe harm to all drivers and passengers on the road. If you are involved in a rollover accident, you need to speak with a lawyer immediately. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
What Is the Most Common Cause of a Truck Rollover Accident?
While there may be one or more contributing factors that can cause a rollover accident, the most common cause is driving too fast for road and weather conditions. However, as reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates the commercial trucking industry, there are several potential hazards that can cause a rollover.
Factors that may contribute to a truck rollover accident:
- Speeding
- The design and performance of the vehicle
- Improperly loaded cargo or shifting cargo
- Sudden maneuvers such as slamming on the brakes and oversteering
- Driver inattention
- The condition of the vehicle, including the brakes and underinflated tires
- Dangerous roadway conditions
According to the FMCSA, over 78% of rollover accidents are the result of driver error. There are several steps that truck operators and their employers can take to help prevent these deadly accidents, including performing a pre-trip maintenance check and avoiding sudden movements.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Rollover Accident?
In order to obtain compensation for your accident-related injuries, you will need to understand who can be held liable or legally responsible for the rollover. In some instances, there may be more than one party that can be held liable.
Parties that may be held liable in a rollover accident:
- The truck operator
- The truck driver’s employer (trucking company)
- Another motorist
- The manufacturer of a dangerous or defective auto part
- A mechanic who failed to properly fix a problem with the truck
- The company that loaded the cargo
Even if you were partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you may still be entitled to compensation. However, you need to speak with a truck accident lawyer today since some jurisdictions prevent an injured party from recovering damages if they contributed to the collision. A lawyer will be able to conduct an in-depth investigation to determine who can be held liable and how to move forward with your claim.
Injured in a Rollover Accident? Contact Our Office Today.
Were you or a loved one injured in a rollover accident? Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. Get the legal help you need and deserve now. Many rollover accidents are preventable. Trucking companies must be held accountable when they or their employees fail to follow proper procedures to avoid these dangerous accidents.
