Any motor vehicle crash that results in a vehicle rolling over is dangerous, but these accidents are especially serious when the vehicle that overturns is a commercial truck.
In this blog, we review rollover truck accidents, including why they happen, how negligence is often involved and liability for damages.
Victims of these devastating collisions should review what happened with an experienced lawyer. Greg Monforton and Partners has recovered millions for those injured in motor vehicle collisions caused by negligence. If you have questions after a crash, call our Windsor car accident lawyers to schedule a free legal consultation.
Zero upfront costs or legal obligations. Call for legal assistance: (866) 320-4770.
What Happens During a Rollover Collision?
A rollover truck accident occurs when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. While any type of motor vehicle can rollover, commercial trucks have a higher risk because they have a higher centre of gravity than passenger vehicles. They are also carrying heavy cargo. These factors can greatly increase the risk of the cab and trailer flipping over, especially when combined with driver negligence.
In most rollover crashes, the longitudinal axis of the truck starts to roll. For example, this could happen if the driver turns too fast, which can raise up one side of the vehicle.
These are some of the other factors that often contribute to rollover truck accidents:
- Speeding
- Sudden maneuvers
- Mechanical failure, such as a tire blowout or brake failure
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavement
- Inclement weather, such as rain, snow or ice
The truck can flip onto its side or even completely overturn. Trucks could crash into other vehicles when they overturn. They may also slide uncontrollably and collide with other vehicles, objects or even pedestrians.
Drivers and others in passenger vehicles are at high risk for severe or even fatal injuries in a rollover truck collision, including:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
- And more
In addition to the physical injuries, rollover accidents can also cause significant emotional and psychological trauma.
Causes of Rollover Truck Accidents
These are some of the most common reasons why rollover truck crashes occur. Many of the items on this list have to do with driver negligence or the negligence of other parties:
- Improperly loaded cargo: When drivers or cargo-loading companies to not properly distribute or secure cargo, it can shift during transit. This can shift the truck’s center of gravity and cause the truck to become unbalanced. An unbalanced truck is much more likely to rollover, particularly when it is turning or traveling at high speeds.
- Tire blowouts: When a commercial truck tire blows out, the truck could veer over to one side. This can make it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions: Speeding is always dangerous, but it is especially so if the truck encounters a sudden change in road conditions, such as a pothole or a patch of ice. Speeding during a turn is particularly dangerous.
- Driver fatigue or inattention: Fatigued or inattentive drivers are more likely to make mistakes or react too slowly, raising the risk of an accident. For example, a driver who is fatigued may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a hazard. Tired drivers may drift out of their lanes and hit other vehicles.
- Roadway hazards: If a truck encounters a pothole or a patch of ice, it can cause the truck to lose traction and roll over.
- Lack of maintenance: Failing to maintain the truck’s brakes, tires and suspension systems can make trucks harder to handle. This increases the chances of drivers losing control.
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers are not going to notice some of the potential hazards ahead of them. Even if they do notice, they may react too slowly.
Some of the other potential causes of rollover collisions include:
- Failing to control the truck
- Reckless maneuvering
- Problems with braking or downshifting
- Failure to leave enough room to come to a stop
- Lack of steering control, including oversteering or understeering
- Overcorrection
- Failure to check blind spots
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Rollover Truck Accident?
If you were injured in a truck rollover crash, chances are someone else may be liable. Often, one or more of the following parties bear fault for commercial truck crashes:
- Truck driver: Most truck accidents are caused by the negligence of the driver. Examples of negligent actions that often lead to truck crashes include speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, failing to maintain a lane, following other vehicles too closely, failing to check blind spots, disregarding traffic laws and more.
- Trucking company: The trucking company that employs the driver may also be held responsible for the accident. For instance, the company may have failed to properly maintain the truck, hired an unqualified driver, failed to properly train the driver, violated safety regulations or encouraged the driver to violate hours of service rules.
- Cargo-loading company: Improperly loaded cargo can significantly increase the risk of a rollover accident. If the cargo was not secured correctly or exceeded the recommended weight limit, the party responsible for loading the cargo could be held liable for damages from the crash.
- Vehicle manufacturer: In some cases, a defective truck component or design flaw may contribute to a rollover accident.
- Government entities: Government entities responsible for maintaining the road could be held liable if road conditions contributed to the crash. Examples of road conditions that could contribute to a rollover collision include potholes, inadequate signage or malfunctioning traffic signals.
Determining who could be held liable for a commercial truck rollover can be complicated. Your lawyer will need to conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence. Your lawyer must also take steps to preserve evidence, so it does not get lost or altered.
If you find yourself or a loved one in this situation, you need an experienced lawyer to help you build a strong case. At Greg Monforton and Partners, we have extensive legal knowledge and experience. We also have the staff and legal resources to take quick action to help protect your best interests.
Contact Greg Monforton and Partners After a Truck Crash Injury
Many commercial truck accidents could have been avoided. Truck drivers often engage in various forms of negligent or reckless driving. Trucking companies may also have engaged in negligence that contributed to the crash.
Given these strong possibilities, seeking out an experienced lawyer can be a vital step following a collision. Greg Monforton and Partners has a proven record of success in motor vehicle crash claims and our legal services are provided at no upfront cost.
Call to set up your free legal consultation. Phone: (866) 320-4770.