Unfortunately, many situations may lead to trucks rolling over on Philadelphia roads. Factors like speed, curves, and improper loading can all contribute to these accidents. In the best scenarios, these incidents merely cause traffic delays, with the driver and others walking away unharmed. However, in the worst cases, truck rollover accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Here, we’ll explore truck crashes, why and how they occur, what measures can be taken to prevent them, and who is liable for compensating those affected by these accidents. If you have been involved in a truck rollover accident, contact a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer today to discuss your case.
Driver Error
Truck rollover accidents often occur due to failure to adjust speed on curves, such as highway on- and off-ramps. The cause might be misjudging safe speeds, impatience, or failed attempts to pass slower vehicles. Truck driver inattention is another major factor, where distraction, fatigue, or daydreaming leads to oversteering accidents. Additionally, unsafe steering, either by failing to stay within lanes or overcorrecting, can jeopardize the truck’s stability, increasing the risk of rollovers.
Of course, driver error may refer not to the truck driver but to the mistakes of another driver on the road.
Collisions with Other Vehicles
Other motorists’ actions can also create unsafe circumstances, leading to truck rollover accidents. For instance, if a driver suddenly cuts off a truck, forcing it to swerve to avoid a collision, the truck’s stability can be compromised, potentially leading to a rollover.
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or sudden lane changes, can similarly startle truck drivers, increasing the risk of rollovers, especially on roads with challenging elevation changes or poor road design. Additionally, distracted driving can cause motorists to encroach into a truck’s lane or misjudge distances. To help prevent rollover accidents, all drivers should practice defensive driving.
Lack of Proper Truck Maintenance
Mechanical issues with the vehicle, exacerbated by inadequate maintenance, can also increase the likelihood of rollovers and truck crashes. Here are a few potential problems with trucks that may lead to a rollover.
Brake system failure: Neglected maintenance can lead to brake deterioration, such as worn pads and malfunctioning brake lines. This can make stopping difficult, resulting in collisions or rollovers.
Tire blowouts: Poor tire maintenance, including insufficient inspections and improper inflation, can cause blowouts, leading to loss of control and serious accidents.
Faulty lighting and signaling: Poor maintenance can result in malfunctioning headlights, taillights, and signals, reducing visibility and increasing accident risk during lane changes, turns, or sudden stops.
Engine and transmission failure: Poor maintenance can cause engine or transmission breakdowns, leading to unexpected stops or difficulty changing gears. These can create hazardous situations, particularly during sudden movements or deceleration.
Steering issues: Lack of maintenance can lead to worn steering components, reduce responsiveness, and cause the truck to veer off course, potentially resulting in collisions. Improper load distribution can further affect maneuvering and control.
Improper Cargo Loading
Improper cargo loading is a significant contributor to truck rollover accidents. At times, trucks exceed lawful weight limits set by Federal Trucking Regulations. Additionally, cargo handlers may improperly secure a load, causing instability.
Even seemingly safe speeds can trigger rollovers if cargo shifts. It falls upon trucking companies to educate cargo handlers on the critical role proper loading plays in maintaining vehicle stability. Ensuring that drivers are well-versed in the intricacies of load distribution, the center of gravity, and the impact of overloading on braking and suspension systems can further enhance road safety.
Bad Road Conditions
Adverse weather and unfavorable road and highway conditions can significantly complicate driving, potentially leading to rollover accidents. Here are some road scenarios that pose a heightened risk of rollovers:
- Uneven road surfaces or potholes
- Poorly designed roads with sharp bends or unexpected elevation changes
- Roads that require sudden acceleration, deceleration, or swerving maneuvers to navigate hazardous road conditions can amplify the risk of skidding or losing control
Drivers, particularly those with limited experience, may struggle to navigate challenging road conditions effectively and must exercise caution. When confronted with precarious road conditions, averting collisions or rollovers means slowing down and being alert.
Who Is Liable In Truck Rollover Cases?
Accidents involving commercial vehicles often entail a heightened risk of harm to others on the road. Here are some key points to consider:
- Responsibility for the truck wreck can fall on multiple parties
- You might still be eligible for compensation even if you played a part in the accident
- It’s possible to recover from multiple liable parties
A thorough investigation is crucial to determine liability, as the cause of the accident may not be immediately clear. In a truck accident, potential parties at fault may include:
- The truck driver
- The commercial truck’s manufacturer or owner
- Other motorists
- The trucking company
- The shipping broker company
Factors such as road conditions, driver experience, mechanical issues, and road design should all be examined to determine the cause of the accident and identify liable parties.
In serious cases, the question might not just be liability for damages, as there could be criminal charges. For instance, in this tragic case, ”Truck Driver Charged In Fatal Crash,” where the driver violated the law, resulting in the death of a cyclist.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyer Today!
Dealing with an insurance company after a truck accident can be tricky. No one wants to admit fault, and insurance companies aren’t eager to pay out fair compensation. Whether you are a truck driver who was injured, a person injured in a crash with a truck, or a pedestrian hit by a delivery truck, our compassionate attorneys are here to help. Schedule a consultation with the Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin today.