Truck rollover accidents are responsible for some of the most devastating and life-threatening injuries each year. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck rollover accident, you need the dedicated assistance of an Albuquerque 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
Caruso Law Offices can investigate your case, determine how the accident occurred, and identify all parties responsible for your injuries. They can then walk you through your legal options for securing meaningful compensation. Contact us today for a free case review to learn more.
What Is a Rollover Truck Accident?
Truck rollovers are some of the most serious accidents involving commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. They are responsible for many traffic fatalities and permanent disabilities. A rollover truck accident occurs when the truck turns onto its side or top. Even if the truck ultimately returns to its original position, it is still considered a rollover if the truck performed a rotation.
Common Causes of Rollover Truck Accidents
To secure compensation for your truck accident for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, you must be able to show how the accident happened and that the truck driver or trucking company was responsible for it. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
Driver Error
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 78% of truck rollover accidents involve driver error. Most of these accidents occur when the truck is driving on a curve or suddenly changes direction. The truck may turn onto its side or roll over when the load continues in its original direction.
These crashes often occur because of steering issues. The driver may fail to steer in a way to maintain their lane, or they may overcorrect when they turn too much in a single direction and then overcompensate by steering in the other direction. These driver errors can jeopardize the truck’s stability.
Speeding
Speeding is involved in nearly half of all rollover truck accidents. Truck drivers may misjudge the speed necessary to drive safely around a curve. Truck drivers typically drive at higher speeds to get their cargo to destinations faster. Truck drivers may fail to brake earlier or downshift, resulting in these severe crashes.
Distractions
Another leading cause of these dangerous crashes is distractions. Truck drivers may be distracted by dispatch systems, cell phones, GPS units, or other devices. They might not pay attention to the road because they are tired or daydreaming. They may not notice an upcoming curve or hazard in the road. Truck drivers can often prevent rollovers by recognizing and appropriately reacting to the road ahead.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers may travel many hours with few breaks and little sleep. Tired drivers are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel, have slower reaction times, and misjudge time and speed.
Unsafe Loading
Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to tip over. Loads can be improperly fastened, mounted too high, or loaded beyond acceptable weights. Cargo loading companies may fail to follow proper protocols, or truck drivers could fail to adjust their driving for the load.
Get Help from an Experienced Albuquerque Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a truck rollover accident, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Caruso Law Offices can investigate your case to determine how the truck rolled over and who should be accountable for your injuries. Learn more when you contact us for a free case review.