Tractor-trailer accidents are among some of the most severe crashes that occur on our roads, many of which lead to catastrophic damages. Some of these accidents involve truck rollovers, which is when a driver loses control due to a variety of different factors and their vehicle rolls. This can cause a truck to slam into a passenger vehicle or completely crush one from the top.

The occupants of other vehicles are at risk for serious injuries, which is why it is important to learn why these accidents occur. With over 415,000 people being involved in truck crashes in 2015 alone, it is important to know how we can prevent these serious accidents from happening.

Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents 

Negligence: Many negligent actions lead to truck rollovers every year, including distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, and more. It is particularly dangerous, above all, when a truck driver decides to drive distracted instead of paying close attention to the road before them. Driving distracted takes many forms involving truck drivers including talking on the phone, using drugs, looking at social media, and fiddling with a GPS instead of pulling off the road.

Truck drivers also drive for long distances on our roads, which means that they are more likely to become fatigued on our roads as well. This is especially true when drivers fail to abide by hours of service regulations, sometimes due to the fact that they are pushed by their companies to do so. Trucking companies can be held liable for the acts of their employees as well.

Lack of Proper Maintenance: Drivers are expected to take proper care of their vehicles, which means that they must participate in a safety inspection of their truck before every ride. This means that they must take a close look at the truck’s braking system, tires and wheels, steering, mirrors, wipers, reflectors, and emergency equipment before they set off. Lack of a pre-trip inspection can actually increase the likelihood of a rollover accident taking place, especially when a driver is unable to brake or over-steers their vehicle due to equipment that is not working correctly. 

Excess Load: Many trucks have a high risk of rolling over when their center of gravity is offset. This high center of gravity can cause a truck to roll over when cargo has not been properly loaded and suddenly shifts. These specific rollover accidents can cause many other threats because there could be a potential fire depending on what the truck was carrying and if the materials are flammable.

Bad Road Conditions: Bad highway conditions also lead to truck rollover accidents. These road conditions include a roadway that is steep or downhill, a winding road, a curb, or the shoulder of a road not being properly maintained. Because all of these conditions pose an enormous risk to vehicles, drivers must always be aware of them.

Speaking with a Truck Accident Attorney 

Truck accidents happen for many reasons on Florida roads, making it one of the states with the most accidents. Speaking with a truck accident attorney might be one of the most difficult decisions you will face but one that will lead to many opportunities. Our attorneys at Sheftall & Associates will assist you every step of the way as you work toward reimbursement for your losses. Please contact our law firm at 904-647-2296 for more information in your time of need.