Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers
Rollover Accidents
All truck accidents can be potentially devastating, resulting in serious, sometimes fatal, injuries. Rollover accidents are one of the most common types of truck accidents. They are also among the deadliest because when a truck crashes on its side, it can cause a chain reaction of collisions, leaving a trail of devastating car accidents and injuries in its wake. In addition, if the truck happens to be carrying dangerous or flammable chemicals and the contents spill out on to the road, the potential for serious injuries is massive.
In a truck rollover accident, the truck either ends up on its side or flips onto its roof. There are two types of rollover accidents, both of which can be extremely dangerous to the driver and to other drivers in the vicinity. Tripped rollover accidents occur when a truck hits something like a guardrail, curb, or another vehicle, and rolls over. Untripped rollover accidents occur when a truck driver attempts to avoid a collision by swerving or over-steering. These are less common than tripped rollover accidents.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
- Distracted Driving: When a truck driver’s attention is taken off the road, there is a greater chance that an accident can occur. Texting while driving, eating, and checking directions on a GPS are examples of distracted driving.
- Drowsy Driving: The trucking industry has regulations regarding sleep requirements while on the road. Nodding off, even for a few seconds, can cause the driver to jerk the steering wheel, causing the truck to rollover.
- Speeding: Trucks take longer to come to a complete stop than cars, so speeding can be particularly dangerous when driving a truck. A rollover accident can occur when the driver applies too much pressure on the brakes.
- Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: When a truck driver has consumed drugs or alcohol, their ability to react quickly to a situation is impaired, increasing their risk of losing control of the truck.
- High Center of Gravity: Because large trucks have a higher center of gravity, they are more likely to rollover in an accident. Sharp turns onto ramps or curves can cause rollover accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Slick, icy roads and high winds can cause dangerous driving conditions for trucks. Truck drivers should maintain a safe, slower driving speed during inclement weather.
- Improper Loading of Cargo:It is ultimately the responsibility of the truck driver and the trucking company to ensure that the cargo is secure and properly loaded. If the items shift en route, it affects the center of gravity. This is especially true when transporting liquids. The truck becomes less stable when the center of gravity is higher. If the liquid should spill, it could expose the driver and anyone in the vicinity to hazardous material.
Who Can be Held Liable for Rollover Accidents?
The following are examples of parties that can be held liable for rollover truck accidents:
- Truck driver if the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence;
- Manufacturer if a defective, or poorly maintained tire caused the wreck;
- Cargo loaders if the cargo was not properly secured in the truck;
- Another motorist if their driving caused the truck driver to swerve or lose control of the truck;
- Municipality if poor road conditions caused the accident.
Rollover truck accidents are extremely dangerous and often fatal. Some drivers are killed because the roof of the truck collapses on impact. Other drivers are fatally injured when they attempt to jump out of the truck before it rolls over, only to get crushed as it rolls over. If the truck does not seem like it is going to roll onto its top, your best chance of surviving is to get down in the cab if there is room.
Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Rollover Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a rollover trucking accident, the Maryland truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will work hard to seek the maximum financial compensation for your injuries. Our skilled team will recommend the best legal course of action based on the details of your case. For a free case review, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.