Truck rollovers are among the most hazardous incidents on the road. Larger commercial vehicles, such as big rigs and semi-trucks, are more susceptible to these types of accidents, as they have immense weight, size, and high center of gravity. When a truck starts to tip, its tremendous inertia makes it difficult to regain control of the vehicle, resulting in collisions that tend to be catastrophic.
Improper loading, uneven distribution of cargo, speeding, abrupt maneuvers, and improper training cause rollover accidents. In such cases, not only is the trucking company liable, but also potentially the parties responsible for loading and securing the cargo. At award-winning Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, we understand the devastating injuries resulting from these types of accidents. We leave no stone unturned in proving the negligence of one or more parties so you are able to recover the compensation you deserve.
Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates about 78% of rollover accidents are caused by driver error. Despite popular belief, even experienced drivers are susceptible to these types of accidents, as roughly 66% of rollovers involve drivers with over ten years of experience.
Larger trucks are at a greater risk of rollovers due to a high center of gravity and unstable loads. When a truck with a trailer enters a curved road, centrifugal force causes the trailer to tilt away from the direction of the curve. A leaning trailer shifts cargo, resulting in an unbalanced load. In a study conducted by the FMCSA regarding rollover accident causes, the majority of accidents were the result of the following:
- Over 90% of the time, a careless driver “first” event precedes the rollover collision. For example, drowsiness or inattention results in running off the road, drifting over onto a soft shoulder, riding up over a curb, or incorrectly making a turn at an intersection.
- Failing to adjust the speed when approaching a curve in the road, specifically entrance and exit ramps
- Top-heavy, poorly distributed, or unsecured loads
- The inadequate condition of the brakes, suspension, or under-inflated tires
Truck rollover accidents occur anytime, anywhere, and to any driver, no matter how experienced. At Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, we see too often that drivers fail to abide by a duty of care, resulting in catastrophic accidents. If you were harmed due to a truck driver or company’s negligence, you have legal options to pursue compensation.
Most Dangerous Types of Truck Rollover Accidents
Cargo tank rollover accidents are especially dangerous, as they carry hazardous materials across the nation every day, such as gasoline, crude oil, and flammable gasses. According to the FMCSA, over 1,300 cargo tank rollovers are reported annually due to the tank being partially full and resulting “slosh and surge” of the liquid material during transport. The slosh refers to the liquid running up and down the sides of the tanker, and the surge refers to liquid shifting from back to front, then front to back due to sudden braking. When driver error results in a cargo tank rollover accident, it often causes explosions, fires, and the release of toxic fumes.
In a truck rollover accident claim, your highly qualified lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, will pursue compensation for the following damages:
- Pain, suffering, and inconvenience
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Continuing disability and limitations
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages from missed work
- Mental anguish
Working with a truck accident lawyer ensures the insurance company does not diminish or deny your right to compensation. To ensure you recover the full extent of the damages you suffered, speak with Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, today.
Speak With the Award-Winning Truck Accident Lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC
If you suffered physical and emotional injuries in a truck rollover caused by driver negligence, the award-winning lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, will help you build a strong claim, investigate the rollover accident, and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Attorney Avery T. “Sandy” Waterman, Jr., Esq. was named to The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury during 2007-2024 and was voted its “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury by his peers in Southeast Virginia in 2022; and Waterman Law Centers has been listed as a Metropolitan Tier 1 Best Law Firm for Personal Injury in U.S. News & World Report for 2021-2023.
For a free consultation, call our office at (757) 881-9881 or fill out a contact form.
