What You Need to Know About Truck Rollovers
Commercial trucks are particularly prone to rollover accidents because of their large size and weight. A truck rollover can result in catastrophic injuries and in the worst of cases, even fatalities. If you have been hurt in a truck rollover accident, you may have legal options to obtain compensation. It is important to work with a San Antonio truck accident lawyer who can ensure your legal rights are upheld.
What are Truck Rollovers?
A truck rollover occurs when a commercial truck overturns. A truck may roll over onto its side, or it may completely roll over, depending on the factors involved. Large commercial trucks such as tractor-trailers are much less stable than other vehicles due to their high center of gravity. If a truck driver does not adjust their speed when navigating a bend in the road, the center of gravity can shift, causing the trucker to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in a rollover accident.
All truck accidents pose a danger to others on the road but truck rollovers are particularly dangerous. These accidents can result in multi-car pile ups and cause serious harm to all drivers and passengers on the road.
What Causes Truck Rollover Accidents?
While there are many factors that can cause a truck rollover accident, the most common is driving too fast for weather and road conditions. This is one type of driver negligence that can result in a rollover accident, but there are many others, as well. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that more than 78 percent of rollover accidents are caused by truck driver error. Other examples of mistakes made by truckers that cause rollover accidents include:
- Improperly loaded cargo that shifts during transportation
- Speeding
- Sudden maneuvers such as oversteering or slamming on the brakes
- Driver inattention
Other acts of negligence can also result in a truck rollover accident. These include defective trucks or truck parts, improperly maintained trucks, and dangerous roadway conditions.
Determining Liability for a Truck Rollover Accident
It is not always easy to determine who is to blame for a truck rollover accident. Liability typically lies with one of the following:
- Truck drivers: Again, truck drivers cause the vast majority of rollover accidents.
- Trucking companies: Trucking companies are liable for a rollover if it was caused by improper inspection or maintenance practices. Trucking companies can also be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees.
- Manufacturers: When a tire is defective and causes a rollover accident, the manufacturer can be held responsible.
- Third parties: Sometimes, third parties can be held liable for a rollover accident. For example, if another company loaded the truck or performed improper inspections or maintenance, these parties can be held liable.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Determine Liability
Determining liability after any truck accident is very challenging. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer knows how to overcome the challenges these cases present to help you claim full damages. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2021-07/FMCSA “Cargo Tank Rollover Prevention” Fact Sheet_508c.pdf
