Rollover Truck Accident Legal Authority
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, 4,761 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2017 alone. Out of these fatalities, 72% were occupants of other vehicles, 13% were occupants of the trucks, and 10% were pedestrians, cyclists, and others. They also noted that the number of people killed in large truck accidents has increased in the past ten years.
Every year, more than a hundred truck rollover accidents occur not just in Goodlettsville, TN, but all over the country. This results in debilitating injuries such as head trauma, concussions, or wrongful deaths. This is a stressful and traumatic experience for the families of everyone involved, not to mention a significant strain on their finances.
Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents
Usually a truck rollover is where a truck has flipped over onto its side or top when the driver is forced to swerve too quickly to avoid a collision with another vehicle. When both vehicles swerve to avoid a collision, the truck can be forced onto its side/top and could even roll a few times before coming to a complete stop. Truck rollovers can also be caused by malfunctioning equipment, heavy or uneven cargo, or driver error.
In a study made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the following are the major factors that contribute to a truck rollover accident:
- Defective or poorly functioning brakes
- Driving excessively fast on a curved road
- Driver tiredness/fatigue
- Heavy/unbalanced cargo
- Distracted driver
- Unsuitable road surface
Due to the massive size of a truck which can be complicated by heavy/uneven cargo, rollover accidents involving these vehicles often result in devastating injuries, or worse, deaths.
Rollover Truck Accidents and Vehicle Stability
Rollover accidents have a higher rate of fatality over other types of vehicle accidents. What makes the situation more dangerous is the fact that other vehicles can also be involved. Truck drivers must be especially aware of their responsibility to other motorists and follow the appropriate road safety and traffic rules.
However, it isn’t always the driver who’s at fault in rollover truck accidents. Studies have shown that some vehicles are more prone to rolling over than others. Large trucks have a higher chance of rollover than most passenger cars, not because of driver behavior but because of vehicle instability.
In 1970, the National Highway Safety Bureau, (previously the NHTSA), proposed an amendment to protect vehicle passengers by issuing a rollover stability compliance standard wherein vehicles would undergo tests by completing rollovers while travelling between 30 to 60 miles per hour. The test is carried out with the vehicle windows open and to pass it, the test dummies must remain inside the vehicle.
Then in 1971, the NHTSA issued its final ruling that all passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks comply with this test requirement, despite protests from manufacturers. Today, newly manufactured commercial trucks are all required to have an electronic stability control (ESC) system installed.
Get in Touch with Our Truck Rollover Accident Attorney
Accidents on the road are preventable. However, they do happen to even the most conscientious driver. Furthermore, even the most advanced technology won’t be able to guarantee accident-free driving.
Most truck rollovers on the road are accidents, but a large number are caused by negligence on the part of the driver. In situations like these, the driver and the insurance company must be held liable for any damages or injuries sustained. If you or your loved one has been involved in this type of situation, get in touch with our rollover accident lawyers.
We will provide you with a free legal consultation to help you determine if damages or injuries can be compensated. We can then help you file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. Some insurance companies have been known to settle for less than you deserve, but we have the expertise and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today for a consultation with our truck rollover accident attorney or personal injury attorney in Goodlettsville, TN.