Can I Sue For Injuries From A Truck Rollover Accident?

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Commercial trucks like 18-wheelers are today's biggest and most dangerous motor vehicles traveling on roads. When fully loaded, a semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. A vehicle that large traveling at 65 miles per hour on a freeway is a powerful, moving hazard for other motorists on the road. Large commercial truck accidents are more likely to result in fatalities than other types of vehicle accidents. For example, when a semi-truck takes a turn too quickly or has to stop abruptly, the truck can flip onto its side and then its roof, resulting in serious, even life-threatening injuries for the truck driver and drivers of other nearby vehicles.

Commercial truck rollover accidents are some of the most lethal crashes, as they commonly occur on freeways or other roads with higher speed limits and involve massive vehicles. Rollovers result in about five percent of the country's fatal truck accidents yearly, and it isn't always the truck driver that dies. When other cars are close by, the drivers and passengers are also at risk of injury or death.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Rollover Accidents?

Rollover accidents involving commercial trucks can occur for numerous reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

Driver Error

Many negligent actions by the truck driver can lead to a rollover accident, such as:

  • Speeding
  • Fatigued driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Reckless driving
  • Turning too fast
  • Distracted driving
  • Hitting an object on the road
  • Losing control of the steering
  • Adverse weather conditions

Improper Maintenance And Defective Truck Parts

Truck drivers, or the trucking companies they work for, are responsible for properly maintaining their vehicles. Unfortunately, some vehicle or company owners may cut corners to lower expenses by not performing maintenance tasks as often as they should. The wear and tear on commercial trucks are extensive due to the time they are on the road. Some of the maintenance and defective part issues that could cause a truck rollover accident include:

  • Brake defects
  • Tire or wheel problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Steering system failure
  • Powertrain failure
  • Lack of scheduled, mandated inspections

Improperly Balanced Loads

Semi-trucks that are carrying full loads must be balanced to prevent rollover accidents. If the cargo in the trailer isn’t balanced, it increases the risk of the vehicle becoming top-heavy. If, for any reason, the weight shifts within the trailer, there is a high likelihood that the truck will overturn while making a turn or if there are high winds.

What Injuries Are Commonly Associated With Truck Rollovers?

Any accident that involves a commercial truck can result in catastrophic injuries. Victims of rollover accidents could face months or years of medical treatment, which may mean they have to change careers or stop working altogether because of the crash. Some of the most common types of injuries that result from truck rollover accidents include:

  • Neck and head injuries
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Internal injuries, including organ damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burns
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Broken bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Who Can Be Found Liable For Truck Rollover Accidents?

Experienced truck accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to help determine the underlying cause of the crash and who is liable for the damages it caused. Each case is different, so who is liable depends on the situation. Responsible parties in a truck rollover accident may include:

  • A negligent truck driver and the trucking company for whom the driver works
  • Another motorist who negligently contributed or caused the truck to rollover
  • A retailer, distributor, or manufacturer responsible for defective truck parts or components
  • A third party who is responsible for freight violations or improper vehicle maintenance

Consult With Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys At Ross Feller Casey

At Ross Feller Casey, we know that determining liability in a commercial truck crash is a complicated task that takes the expertise of knowledgeable personal injury attorneys. Our experienced lawyers handle all commercial accident claims, and we have a proven track record of securing large settlements and verdicts for our clients.

If you or your loved one was injured in a rollover commercial truck accident, Ross Feller Casey might be able to help. We represent clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Contact our office today to discuss your case with an attorney. The consultation is free, and you won't pay anything until we win your case.

Disclaimer: Ross Feller Casey, LLP provides legal advice only after an attorney-client relationship is formed. Our website is an introduction to the firm and does not create a relationship between our attorneys and clients. An attorney-client relationship is formed only after a written agreement is signed by the client and the firm. Because every case is unique, the description of awards and summary of cases successfully handled are not intended to imply or guarantee that same success in other cases. Ross Feller Casey, LLP represents catastrophically injured persons and their families in injury and wrongful death cases, providing legal representation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.