There are various types of truck accidents but one of the most common types is a truck rollover accident, when a truck turns on its side or turns onto its roof. Not only is the truck driver at risk but also all the occupants in any of the vehicles involved in the accident. Serious injuries and fatalities are associated with these types of truck accidents that occur on many of the highways and roads stretching across Delaware and Pennsylvania including I-95, I-295, I-895 and I-495.
Types of Truck Rollover Accidents
There are two types of rollover accidents. Tripped rollover accidents occur when a truck hits an object or obstacle and rolls over. Examples include hitting a guardrail, curb, soft ground on the shoulder of the road or another vehicle. Untripped rollovers are less common and occur when a truck driver uses specific driving maneuvers to avoid a collision such as swerving and over-steering.
Factors Associated With Rollover Accidents
The leading factors associated with rollover accidents include:
- Driver Negligence: Truck drivers may fail to follow the rules of the road. These reckless and negligent actions can lead to a serious trucking accident. Driver negligence can include speeding to meet a deadline, tailgating and failing to secure a load properly.
- High Center of Gravity: Larger trucks such as 18-wheelers, semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are more likely to flip or rollover in an accident due to their high center of gravity and narrow base. These larger vehicles can become unstable with sharp turns or abrupt driving maneuvers particularly on ramps and curves.
- Distracted Driving: Any type of distraction can take a truck driver’s eyes and attention away from the road. A driver’s ability to recognize and react to potential dangers may be affected. Common examples include texting while driving, eating and using a global positioning system (GPS).
- Speeding: Driving trucks at higher speeds can be dangerous. A driver may not be able to brake in enough time to avoid an obstacle or hazard in the road. Applying too much pressure on the brakes or trying to swerve out of the way too quickly can lead to a rollover accident.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Snow and icy roads can cause a truck to run off the road resulting in a rollover accident. Truck drivers need to adjust their speed in extreme weather conditions to prevent a truck rollover accident from occurring.
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Many truck rollover accidents involve the use of alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence can negatively impact a truck driver’s vision, muscle coordination and ability to make clear decisions putting them at risk for losing control of their vehicle.
- Drowsy Driving: Truck drivers may fail to follow the federal regulations that govern how much sleep is required while on the job. Falling asleep at the wheel could cause a truck to veer off the road leading to a rollover accident. Even a driver who nods off for a few seconds and awakens may jerk the steering wheel causing the truck to flip.
Truck Rollover Accidents Often Result in Catastrophic Injuries
Rollover accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death. Some of the more common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, facial injuries, fractures, burns and internal injuries. These serious injuries may affect a person’s ability to work or even their ability to independently care for themselves. Injured victims or family members of a person killed in a trucking accident may be eligible to recover compensation through a truck accident lawsuit. An experienced Delaware truck accident lawyer from Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP can help explain what legal options are available to you.
Quality Legal Representation at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP: Truck Rollover Accident Lawyers in Delaware
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a truck accident in Delaware or Pennsylvania, call the law offices of Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP to discuss your case with our experienced truck accident lawyers. We will aggressively fight to hold all negligent parties responsible for the injuries suffered and seek to recover the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Our legal team has a history of successfully securing favorable outcomes for truck accident victims in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Call us today at (302)-295-5050 or toll free at (800) 300-0909 to schedule a free consultation with a qualified Delaware truck accident attorney or contact our firm online.