If you’ve ever driven past a truck lying on its side and wondered, “How did that happen?” you’re not alone. The fact is, commercial big-rigs are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, and they have a higher center of gravity. These factors make semi-trucks more prone to rollover accidents.
A crash with an 18 wheeler is likely to end with injuries or fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that an estimated 95,000 people were injured in truck accidents in 2013, and 3,964 lost their lives. Of those fatalities, 71 percent were passenger vehicle occupants.
Rollovers are one of the most common types of truck accidents – and by far the most dangerous. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that more than half of all truck drivers killed on the road in 2014 were involved in a rollover.
If you were injured in a truck crash that another driver caused, contact the Robson Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
An Austin accident lawyer will investigate your case, talk to witnesses, gather evidence and help you pursue the maximum settlement. If your case goes to trial, our legal team has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court.
Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about truck accident injury claims in Texas.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of truck rollovers:
How Do Truck Rollovers Happen – and How Can I Avoid Them?
Trucks are prone to rollovers due to their high center of gravity and heavy loads. The weight and scale of the vehicle can make it difficult for the driver to negotiate tight turns or avoid obstacles when travelling at high speeds.
When the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducted its Large Truck Crash Causation Study, researchers found four primary causes of rollovers:
- Driver errors, such as losing control;
- Driver inattention, including becoming distracted;
- Overcompensation, such as over-steering;
- And incorrect or poor loading.
Truck drivers can help ensure their safety on the road by always following these rules:
- Slow down, especially around corners;
- Stay alert and focused on the road;
- Check and double-check your vehicle before driving;
- Learn as much as you can about the vehicle you are driving and how it handles;
- And secure your load properly before departing.
Were you hurt in a truck crash? Turn to an Austin personal-injury attorney from the Robson Law Firm.
Our lawyers have recovered more than $26 million for our clients, and we have been representing the injured for more than 20 years. Our legal team will help you avoid mistakes such as overlooking certain damages, accepting a low settlement, providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters, unknowingly admitting fault, or signing a general release.
Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free consultation.