Rollover truck accidents are less common than they once were due to the introduction of electronic stability control technology. But when rollover accidents happen, the consequences can be devastating. Rollover trucks often crush cars and cause severe or fatal injuries. Most rollover accidents are preventable and result from negligent driving, such as speeding, carelessness, inattention, fatigue, or alcohol or drug impairment.
Were you hurt in a rollover truck accident in Las Vegas? The attorneys at Sam & Ash Injury Law can help you pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, the trucking company, or even the vehicle’s manufacturer. From investigating the truck accident to negotiating with insurers to taking the case to court, if necessary, we will stand beside you every step of the way.
You deserve What’s Right. Let Sam & Ash Injury Law help you demand it. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Las Vegas rollover truck accident lawyer. Find out what your case could be worth.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips over on its side or roof. Trucks are more susceptible to rollover accidents because of their high center of gravity.
Most tractor-trailers are top-heavy, even when they are carrying a balanced load. As a result, when the cargo is loaded improperly, or a truck driver oversteers or takes a turn too fast, the driver may lose control, causing the truck to overturn.
Common Causes of Rollover Truck Accidents
Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes make trucks safer on public roads and reduce the possibility of untripped rollovers. But there are some causes of rollover truck accidents that technology can’t prevent. For example, driver error, unbalanced loads, or poor maintenance may contribute to a truck accident. Here’s a further look:
Driver Error
Truck drivers often make driving errors. Common driving mistakes that contribute to rollover accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to maintain control
- Poor judgment of braking distances
- Impaired or fatigued driving
- Reckless driving, including lane weaving or following too close
- Failure to adjust driving to weather or road conditions
Trucking involves meeting tight delivery deadlines. As a result, drivers may feel compelled to skip required rest breaks or disregard the hours-of-service limits to make a deadline. Excessive fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to recognize traffic and react to them quickly to avoid an accident.
Employers and trucking carriers may also fail to assess their drivers for necessary skills. For example, a company that hires a truck driver with an extensive accident record may face liability if that driver causes another wreck.
Unbalanced Loads
Federal and state regulations limit cargo weights and loading methods. Weigh stations allow authorities to check trucks for compliance with these regulations and help ensure highway safety.
If the warehouse workers responsible for loading a tractor-trailer fail to comply with requirements to balance and secure a load properly, the cargo may shift in transit. A sudden shift could cause the trailer to overturn.
Poor Maintenance
Trucks spend significant time in operation and need regular maintenance. For example, commercial trucks need scheduled changes of brake pads, oil, tires, and other components.
Unfortunately, truck owners and companies sometimes cut corners. Pressure to reduce costs and meet deadlines often means maintenance schedules aren’t kept. As a result, a poorly maintained truck may be prone to mechanical failures that can lead to a rollover accident.
These issues may include the following:
- Tire blowout and loss of control
- Brakes out of adjustment
- Steering system failure
- Suspension issues
Companies and owners should inspect trucks regularly to identify safety issues and document the inspections. If an accident occurs and there are no inspection documents, there is a strong likelihood that no one has recently assessed the truck’s mechanical condition. The trucking company may have contributed to a rollover accident by failing to maintain the truck properly.
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