Allen Rollover Truck Accident Lawyer

Rollover accidents are a driver’s worst nightmare. These accidents frequently cause severe injuries or death. Although anyone can be involved in a rollover accident, these crashes often occur when a large vehicle like a truck hits a smaller car.

Rollover accident fatalities are sadly common. Rollovers are estimated to cause 35% of all passenger vehicle accident deaths. In 2010, rollover accidents claimed the lives of over 7600 people. This number has more than doubled since 1991.

Many rollover accidents are single-vehicle crashes. The car rolls over after skidding off-road or hitting a stationary object such as a guard rail. However, a second vehicle often causes the accident indirectly. Large vehicles like trucks, vans, and SUVs may drive recklessly and force you to swerve or brake.

If a truck driver caused you to have a rollover accident, you could be eligible for a settlement. Compensation from a rollover accident case can help pay medical bills, cover lost wages, and replace your damaged or totaled vehicle. Rollover accident injuries are often life-altering. You deserve to hold the truck driver responsible.

Call (469) 998-4069 to speak to a rollover accident lawyer in Allen, TX. We will discuss the details of your case, figure out who’s at fault, and determine your eligibility for compensation. All consultations are 100% free. There’s no obligation to you.

What Causes a Rollover Accident?

Rollover accidents can have multiple causes. However, the physics behind these accidents is relatively simple. There are two types of rollover crashes: tripped rollovers and untripped rollovers.

In a tripped rollover, a car or truck rolls over after skidding out of control. The vehicle then slides off-road or collides with a stationary object, such as a guardrail or a curb. This “tripping” action causes the tires to lose traction and interrupts momentum. The vehicle is thrown off balance and tips over. Approximately 95% of all rollover accidents are tripped rollovers.
In an untripped rollover, a car or truck rolls over as a result of a high-speed collision with a larger vehicle. The larger vehicle smashes into the smaller car and flips it over. In other scenarios, the smaller vehicle rolls over when the driver attempts to maneuver out of the way of a crash and loses control of their car.

Some vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents. Tall vehicles with a high center of gravity are more likely to become imbalanced during a collision. SUVs, vans, pickup trucks, and commercial trucks like tractor-trailers are often involved in these accidents.

However, large trucks are also just as likely to cause other cars to rollover. In an accident, truck drivers cannot stop their vehicles immediately. They also have limited ability to turn or swerve to avoid road hazards. The driver’s blind spots also contribute to the high accident rate associated with trucks. Many accidents occur when a truck driver cannot see another car due to improper passing.

Other factors involved in rollover truck accidents include:

Improper Loading

Weight distribution is crucial to truck safety. Whether it’s a pickup truck or a commercial vehicle like a tractor-trailer, a truck’s cargo must be loaded correctly. Loads must be distributed evenly as possible in the truck bed or trailer. Cargo also needs to be carefully secured. Truckers must stop periodically and check on their cargo.

When cargo isn’t loaded correctly, it can come loose during travel. This can affect the truck’s momentum and balance. For example, if the truck begins to slide or skid, loose cargo can cause it to lean to one side. The truck then becomes much more difficult to control.

With tanker trucks hauling liquids, rollover accidents often occur due to a problem known as “sloshing.” Sloshing occurs when there isn’t enough liquid in the driver’s tanks. The liquid has extra room to slosh around while the truck is moving, which can throw it off balance.

Speeding

40% of fatal rollover crashes involved high speeds. Additionally, almost three-quarters of all fatal rollover accidents occurred in areas where the speed limit was 55 mph or higher. Speeding causes rollover accidents because it makes a vehicle much harder to control.

When a truck driver speeds, it’s even more dangerous. A truck requires a much greater stopping distance than a car. When speeding, truck drivers have less time to react. They may be unable to brake in time to avoid causing an accident.

High speeds also increase the impact force. In an accident, force is measured by multiplying the weight of a truck by its speed. A speeding truck inflicts more damage than slower vehicles.

Driving Under the Influence and Drowsy Driving

Illegal drug use and alcohol also increase the risk of a rollover accident involving a truck. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that a majority of drivers involved in rollover accidents had an elevated blood alcohol level. Drugs like marijuana also contribute to rollover accidents.

Truck drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are often severely impaired. They may experience vision problems, loss of coordination, and poor judgment. However, fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.

Studies show that drowsy driving can cause the same level of impairment as driving with a 0.08% blood alcohol level. A truck driver who falls asleep behind the wheel is likely to cause a rollover accident.

Common Rollover Accident Injuries

If you are involved in a rollover accident, you may experience severe injuries such as:

Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Neck and spinal cord injuries
Cuts, burns, and bruises
Internal bleeding
Damage to internal organs
Broken bones
Psychological trauma like PTSD

Often, rollover accident victims require surgery and long-term care like physical rehabilitation. A rollover accident may drastically impact your ability to live normally. Many victims cannot work or engage in their favorite hobbies after a rollover accident involving a truck.

Don’t let a rollover accident destroy your life. Call (469) 998-4069 now for a free consultation with an Allen, TX truck accident lawyer.