Posted on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at 9:00 am
Truck rollover accidents can lead to significant injuries for those involved. In Georgia, as in the rest of the nation, truck rollover crashes may occur for various reasons.
Understanding the cause of the wreck is essential if you’re ever hurt in a truck rollover. When you know the cause of a wreck, you can identify the liable parties. Knowing who is liable is necessary so that you know where to go to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our experienced truck accident lawyers online or call Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. at (770) 205-8827 for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing until we settle or win for you.
What Is a Truck Rollover Accident?
A truck rollover crash occurs when a truck tips onto its side or top. This type of wreck may be most likely to occur when a truck navigates a sharp turn.
When Am I in Danger When a Truck Rolls Over?
Anyone near a large truck when it rolls over may be in danger. If nearby vehicles can’t avoid the crash in time, the truck may land partially or entirely on them. There may be additional danger if the crash has collided with other vehicles, caused debris, and/or caused a hazardous material spill.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
Various factors may cause or contribute to a truck rollover. Examples include:
- Speeding – Exceeding the speed limit, particularly when turning, can increase the odds of a truck rollover. In addition, a rollover may happen even if a trucker is technically obeying the speed limit. For example, a trucker might fail to adjust their speed for inclement weather or hazardous road conditions.
- Improper loading – Loading trucks according to federal regulations is vital. Overloading a truck or not loading it properly can lead to weight distribution issues. A truck rollover may be the result.
- Oversteering – A truck may roll over when its driver oversteers through a turn. Trucking companies must hire qualified drivers to guard against this.
- Fatigue – Operating a commercial truck is more challenging than operating a small vehicle. Fatigue, which can mimic the effects of alcoholic intoxication, may prevent a trucker from driving safely. Federal regulations aim to prevent truck wrecks resulting from fatigue by requiring truckers to take periodic breaks. However, some truckers may skip breaks, feeling pressure from their employers to adhere to tight schedules.
- Impaired driving – Like all types of vehicle wrecks, truck rollovers can occur if a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Distracted driving – Safely operating any vehicle requires attention and focus. Rollovers can occur when truckers are distracted. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), all types of distracted driving wrecks have become more common in the age of mobile digital devices.
- Mechanical error or failure – Many types of truck wrecks can potentially result from part failure or similar mechanical issues.
- Hazardous road conditions may also cause a rollover truck wreck.
What Does a Truck Tipping Over Sign Indicate?
A road sign featuring the image of a truck titled at a 45-degree angle indicates road conditions may increase the risk of rollover accidents. For instance, you may see this type of sign marking a very curvy section of the road.
Truckers must watch for these signs and reduce their speeds accordingly. Other motorists should also be aware of the increased risk of rollover accidents when they see these signs. Keep your distance from any nearby trucks if you spot this type of sign on the road.
Types of Injuries a Truck Rollover Accident May Cause
A large commercial truck can cause major damage and harm when it rolls over on top of other motorists or pedestrians. Injuries that might result from a truck rollover include:
- Spinal cord injuries, which may result in paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Amputation
- Loss of vision
- Hearing loss
- Broken bones
Victims may be eligible for compensation for such injuries if a crash resulted from another party’s negligence. For example, perhaps a rollover occurred because a trucking company didn’t hire a qualified driver. A victim could thus seek compensation by filing a claim with the trucking company’s insurance company. They may file a lawsuit seeking damages in court if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement.
Contact a Georgia Truck Rollover Accident Attorney Today
A truck rollover wreck can dramatically change the course of your life. You deserve compensation if the crash occurred because of someone else’s wrongdoing. However, pursuing compensation on your own may be difficult. It’s intimidating for an individual to stand up to large insurance and trucking companies.
Help is available at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C.. Our personal injury lawyers can handle your case while you prioritize recovering. Learn more about what our legal team can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at (770) 205-8827 for a free case review today.
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