In 2015, 52% of truck occupant fatalities occurred in rollover accidents. During that year 314 truckers and truck passengers died in rollover crashes, and many more were injured. However, they were not the only ones that were hurt or killed in these accidents.
Drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, and others who are near trucks that rollover are also at risk of being hurt in an accident. The rollover could cause the truck to collide with their vehicles or could force them off of the road.
Why Truck Rollovers Happen
Trucks have a higher center of gravity than smaller vehicles and this makes them more susceptible to rollover truck accidents. Of course, rollovers are not inevitable and they do not happen on every trip. Some factors that could make a rollover more likely to occur include:
- Tight turns. Curves, such as those on many highway exit ramps, can be difficult for large trucks to navigate safely without turning over.
- Speeding. Speeding is the most common reason for rollover crashes, according to a study done by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine. The greater the speed, the larger the difference in speed between the front wheels and the cargo. This causes instability and rollovers.
- Distracted truckers. A distracted trucker may have to brake suddenly or slow down abruptly before a curve. This can lead to rollover crashes.
- Truck maintenance issues. Underinflated tires or brakes that do not work properly can cause rollover crashes.
- Unsecured or uneven cargo loads. Cargo that is not evenly distributed or that is not properly secured can cause the trailer of a large truck to be unstable, and a rollover may occur.
- Slippery roads. Truckers must adjust their speed to road conditions and slow down significantly on slippery roads to avoid rollover accidents.
It only takes one dangerous mistake or one dangerous condition to cause a rollover and for the trucker—and others who are traveling near the trucker—to be hurt.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Rollover Truck Crash
If you have been injured in a rollover wreck then it is important to take action quickly to protect your rights. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to discuss your rights after this type of truck crash and to take action to protect your fair recovery. To schedule your free consultation, please contact us online or call us directly at 800.800.5678.