Why Truck Rollover Accidents Happen?
One of the most common varieties of truck accidents is a rollover crash. Many truck rollovers involve numerous vehicles. This factor, paired with the sheer quantity of commercial trucks regularly traversing roads and freeways, positions truck rollovers as events that can significantly impact victims’ lives and wellbeing.
Texas saw nearly 1,000 fatal truck crashes in 2017 alone—and that doesn’t account for the hundreds more that occurred without bringing about the loss of human life. Victims who are lucky enough to survive these accidents often suffer physical injuries, mental anguish, and may even find themselves having to pay tens of thousands of dollars to repair or replace their vehicles.
Victims of truck rollover accidents are often left frightened and confused when it comes to what steps they should take to protect their rights. Partnering with an experienced, empathetic attorney is the first step to receiving the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one have experienced a truck rollover, it’s important to consult with a truck accident lawyer to better understand your opportunities for compensation.
Truck Rollovers: What Are They?
Many truck rollovers involve large, commercial trucks and one or more smaller vehicles. Drivers who find themselves in the path of an uncontrolled large truck may experience severe devastation in even the best circumstances. Many rollovers result in passenger vehicles being crushed or otherwise destroyed entirely in a matter of seconds.
Common Causes of Truck Rollovers
Numerous factors may contribute to the occurrence of a truck rollover. In many cases, these accidents take root in truck driver inattentiveness or negligence. Despite these drivers’ responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws, truck rollovers still occur with frequency in Texas. Examples of driver negligence may include:
- Performing abrupt maneuvers
- Driving while fatigued
- Excessive speeding
- Oversteering to avoid obstacles
- Driving while distracted by cell phones or other electronic devices
- Taking curves or turns too quickly
- Loading the truck beyond maximum capacity
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), brake problems are one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Drivers who fail to account for large trucks’ unique braking systems put both themselves and other drivers at risk. A full tractor-trailer may require up to 40 percent more space to stop than a passenger vehicle.
Driver negligence is just one component that contributes to accidents like these. Road and weather conditions also have the potential to impact the likelihood of a rollover occurring. The following conditions have been known to contribute to rollover accidents in some cases:
- Soft roads
- Slick surfaces due to rain, ice, or sprinklers
- Winding roads
- Construction zones
- Steep hills
Common Injuries in Truck Rollovers
Truck rollovers have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. These are some of the most dangerous crashes that occur on American roads. Many victims find themselves medically compromised and suffering from tremendous physical consequences after an accident. Some of the most common injuries that occur as a result of truck rollovers include:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries (such as dislocated discs)
- Brain and head injuries
- Lacerations
- Torso and rib injuries (such as punctured or collapsed lungs)
- Spinal injuries
Determining Liability
Victims seeking compensation for truck rollover accidents often find themselves feeling anxious when it comes time to prove who was at fault for the crash. IWork with a seasoned attorney to collect enough clear evidence that the truck driver was responsible for the accident. Adequate legal representation can play a significant role in improving victims’ likelihood of success in court.
The circumstances of your collision will impact the court’s decision regarding who was at fault for the crash. Courts analyze the factors surrounding a crash and then offer a fault assignment, sometimes expressed as a percentage, to each party.
Damages: What Victims Can Recover
Victims must understand how to recover damages in the event of a truck rollover. Texas courts follow a guideline which dictates that the degree of victims’ fault in their injuries can lead to decreased damages. This is a modified form of comparative negligence and is often referred to as “proportionate responsibility” within the state. The damages awarded to victims in court depend on each case’s unique factors, but may include monetary compensation for:
- Past, present, and future medical treatment
- Emergency transportation
- Lost earnings and wages
- Intangible losses (such as loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering)
Paying for Legal Representation
The price of legal representation for truck rollover victims varies from case to case. Many firms offer potential clients complimentary consultations to determine victims’ eligibility and need for legal representation. The full cost of hiring an attorney for your case depends on numerous factors; generally, most offices only require payment for representation if your case wins or settles.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck rollover, it could be helpful to get in touch with a licensed attorney. Speaking with a legal representative allows victims to obtain further information and assistance and understand their options for compensation. If your claim holds up in court, you could receive monetary compensation to assist in offsetting your losses.
You shouldn’t have to suffer needlessly due to the negligent actions or inactions of a truck driver, company, or manufacturer. The law protects victims of negligence by ensuring they receive adequate compensation for their injuries. If you were in an accident with a truck, or have questions about claims against trucking companies in Texas, a trusted, contacting an experienced truck accident attorney can help you learn more.
