Truck Rollover: Why You Need a Trucking Accident Attorney
It might not be surprising to learn that large commercial trucks are highly prone to accidents while on the road. Trucks can pose significant dangers to other drivers on the road due to their substantial size, weight, and unique characteristics. Their larger dimensions and greater mass mean that collisions involving trucks often result in more severe accidents, and that’s without mentioning the limited visibility, extensive blind spots, and the challenge of maneuvering such large vehicles.
However, besides rear-end collisions, one of the most common accidents involving trucks is the rollover. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, rollovers caused 4% of all fatal crashes involving large commercial trucks in 2020, and a further 2% where catastrophic injuries and property damages were reported. These numbers show that around 4,800 fatal accidents occurred in a single year. Knowing what to do after a truck collision, and why you might need a trucking accident attorney to deal with insurance companies, becomes apparent.
In this blog,we will discuss truck rollovers, their most common causes and injuries, and everything you need to know to get the best legal team to protect you and your loved ones after a truck wreck. In specific, we will:
- Define what is a rollover and what causes them
- Common injuries after a truck rollover accident
- Why a truck accident lawyer is a must after a rollover incident
Got injured due to a trucking accident?
What is a Truck Rollover?
To put it simply, a truck rollover is a traffic accident in which a large commercial vehicle like a truck, semi truck, tractor or trailer overturns onto its side or even its roof. This type of accident can be very dangerous and often results in significant property damage, injuries, and even wrongful death. Truck rollovers can occur for various reasons, including:
Speeding
Driving at excessive speeds, especially when taking curves or corners, can easily lead to the loss of control of a big vehicle, so giving them enough space when maneuvering is critical.
Overloading
Carrying a load that exceeds the truck’s weight limits or the federal regulations can affect stability and increase the risk of rollovers, no matter the size of the vehicle.
Imbalanced Cargo
On that same topic, if the load is improperly distributed or unsecured to begin with, cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and tip over.
Driver Error
Mistakes such as distracted driving, sudden swerving, oversteering, or sharp maneuvers can contribute to rollovers, so keeping your eyes on any truck on the road is essential to avoid accidents.
Road Conditions
Poor road conditions, like wet or icy surfaces, uneven terrain, or debris on the road, can reduce traction and stability, so give large vehicles ample space to maneuver if you are nearby.
Mechanical Failures
Severe damages and mechanical issues, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems, can lead to rollovers if the driver can’t maintain control.
Inadequate Training or Fatigue
Inexperienced or fatigued drivers may struggle to respond effectively to changing conditions or emergencies, especially if pushed into these situations by the trucking companies employing them.
Truck rollovers can have serious consequences, including injuries to the truck driver, occupants of other passenger vehicles, and pedestrians, as well as damage to property and environmental hazards if the cargo spills.
It’s crucial for trucking companies to adhere to safety regulations, provide proper training to drivers, and maintain their vehicles in good working condition. And drivers should exercise caution and drive responsibly, especially when handling large and heavy vehicles.
Common Injuries After a Truck Rollover Accident
Truck rollover accidents can result in a wide range of severe injuries, which can vary depending on several factors, including the speed of the accident, the type of vehicles involved, the use of seatbelts, and the presence of safety features. Some of the most common injuries that accident victims suffer after a truck rollover accident include:
Cuts and Abrasions
Broken glass, sharp metal, and other debris from the accident can cause cuts, scrapes, and abrasions for everyone involved, both truck drivers and pedestrians.
Fractures & Soft Tissue Injuries
Broken bones are common in truck crashes. Commonly fractured bones include the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, not to mention injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur if the head strikes an object inside the vehicle or if there’s a sudden hit to the skull after a rollover hits a car. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries
For any smaller vehicle involved, rollover accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other neurological issues in the driver. These injuries are often severe and life-changing.
Internal Injuries
The force of a rollover can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and other serious health problems. The impact of the accident especially affects the chest and abdomen, including injuries to the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen.
Psychological Trauma
Rollover accidents tend to be sudden and dramatic. Being involved in a rollover accident then often leads to psychological trauma and mental anguish, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety.
It’s important to note that the severity of these injuries can vary widely. Some individuals may only sustain minor injuries or even be unharmed, while others may suffer life-threatening injuries or long-term disabilities.
Prompt medical attention is crucial after a truck rollover accident to assess and treat injuries, as well as to ensure the best recovery for those involved. Additionally, it’s essential to contact insurance carriers to report the accident and begin a truck accident lawsuit if necessary to access the medical care you need.
Why is a Personal Injury Attorney Critical After a Rollover?
A trucking accident lawyer plays a crucial role following a rollover if you decide to file a claim due to injuries, property damage or death. They possess insights into industry practices and standards, which can be instrumental in demonstrating negligence or misconduct on the part of the trucking company or driver, essential for determining liability and making a compelling case.
Identifying the responsible parties in the accident can be complex. Liability may extend to various parties, such as the truck driver, his commercial vehicle, the truck company, cargo loaders, or even equipment and truck manufacturers. An experienced attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and pursue the appropriate claims against them.
Moreover, truck rollover accidents often result in substantial damage and the potential loss of critical evidence. A truck accident attorney’s job is to conduct comprehensive investigations, gather evidence, check driving records, and collaborate with experts to ascertain the causes of the rollover. These accidents usually involve medical expenses, physical therapy, lost income, pain, suffering and insurance policies, and an attorney will accurately assess and document your damages to ensure you receive an appropriate compensation.
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. They often work to minimize the liability of their truck drivers, in some cases attempting to pressure accident victims into accepting inadequate settlements or signing documents that limit their responsibility. An attorney safeguards your rights, offering the best course of action, and preventing you from making statements or decisions that could harm your case.
An attorney is your advocate, negotiating on your behalf, and ensuring that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses like wrongful deaths. In the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may file a lawsuit against the truck company and other parties, representing you in court. Seasoned trucking accident attorneys are adept at litigation strategies and can effectively present your case before a judge and jury.
Having a trucking accident attorney on your side provides peace of mind during these challenging times. Dealing with the aftermath of a truck rollover accident is emotionally and physically taxing. But knowing that you have a dedicated legal team working diligently during a personal injury lawsuit, protecting your interests and securing the compensation you deserve from the negligent parties can alleviate some of the stress and mental anguish.
Need a Trucking Accident Attorney? Ayuda California is Here
Don’t let a road mishap change your life permanently. If you or your family have been injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have a right to file a claim and seek fair compensation. Having a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the support you deserve is the most important aspect of the whole process.
At Ayuda California, our legal team of experienced trucking accident lawyers, medical professionals, and case managers will help you recover the maximum compensation available for your losses. Not only will we handle all the complex paperwork, but we will also ensure that you receive the medical care you need and deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case.
Contact us at (844) 865-0721 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7!
