What causes big truck rollovers?

Are Big Truck Rollovers Dangerous?

Yes. Big truck rollovers can be very dangerous. Accident involving semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and any large truck exceeding 10,000 pounds have injured and killed thousands on the roadways of America every year. Some of the injuries caused by these types of crashes are caused by big trucks rolling over and hitting or crushing what is in its path.

A truck rollover can happen suddenly and can destroy smaller vehicles in a matter of moments. But what causes a big truck to roll over? Can it be prevented? And what should you do if you were injured after a semi-truck rollover accident?

In The Article

What Causes Big Trucks to Roll Over?

Big trucks can roll over when a truck tries to stop or turn too quickly, especially if they aren’t driving at the correct speed. This can cause the front tires to change direction faster than the cargo or trailer. When the front tires change direction faster than the cargo, the truck can flip on its side or roof. Big trucks tend to have a high center of gravity due to how heavy they can be, and that makes them prone to rollover accidents.

Rollover wrecks can be particularly dangerous, and even deadly, due to the size and weight behind large trucks, especially when you compare it to the size of a typical passenger vehicle.

Although big truck wrecks can be caused by a variety of influences, they’re most commonly caused due to operator error, accounting for over 78% of rollover wrecks. That means many big truck wrecks, including rollover crashes, can likely be attributed to negligence, either by the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, or a combination of the three. While this statistic is staggering, it also provides hope for preventing future rollovers, since measures can be taken to avoid them.

Although there are many people who can be held responsible for big truck rollovers, and many forms of operator error and negligence, there are a few examples that are more common than others.

Speeding

Trucks driving over the speed limit are at risk of rolling over for several reasons. Since they can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, a big truck takes significantly longer to stop, and stopping too fast can cause jackknifing or rolling, especially with tractor trailers, as the trailers have different braking mechanisms. A truck’s size along makes them difficult to maneuver, and adding speed to the equation can spell disaster. As a truck becomes more difficult to control, it can tip, causing a rollover crash.

Curves on the Roadway

If a truck is on a curvy roadway, it’s essential that they drive at a speed that keeps them from tipping. When a roadway curves, most vehicles have no issue navigating the change in direction. However, big trucks must approach curves with much more caution due to their size and weight. When the truck approaches a curve in an unsafe manner, the momentum can shift the weight of the cargo and cause the trailer to tip over.

Improper Loading

Big trucks often carry cargo that can weigh tons. Truck drivers must adjust their driving accordingly to ensure the vehicle doesn’t tip over. The more weight a truck has, the slower they should drive. Cargo carried by big trucks must be secured properly to avoid unwanted movement and prevent their cargo from coming loose on the road. If a semi-truck or box truck is loaded in a way that causes the trailer to shift, either by overloading or not balancing the cargo properly, the entire truck can roll. This can occur on curves when cargo moves and causes weight distribution changes, as described above.

Distracted Drivers

Operating a large truck requires significant focus. Truck drivers who are distracted by phones, passengers, or radios can cause deadly accidents. Truck drivers and trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring they get enough sleep between shifts to operate a vehicle safely. There are strict protocols placed on big truck drivers and companies that limit the hours they can drive in a single shift. When these safety measures are ignored and result in drowsy driving, a driver can quickly lose control of their rig. Additionally, an inattentive driver will often overcorrect or shift direction suddenly once they notice a hazard, such as stopped traffic ahead or an obstacle in the road, which can lead to a rollover.

Mechanical Failure

Mechanical failure rollovers are caused by a malfunction with the truck itself. This could include a tire blowout, brake failure, or the failure of any other part on the truck that causes a rollover. In this case, fault may lie with the truck driver for not maintaining their rig. The truck manufacturer or parts manufacturer may also be held responsible if the wreck was caused by a defect in the manufacturing process. Regardless of who is to blame, any malfunction on the road can cause catastrophic injuries for others surrounding the vehicle.

Overcorrecting when swerving

If a truck driver has to swerve to avoid an obstacle in the road, overcorrecting can cause the truck to tip and ultimately roll over. If you’re driving next to a truck and you see a potential obstacle in the road, be sure to slow down, in case the truck has to swerve, and be prepared to stop, if that truck tips.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions like straight line winds and slippery conditions can contribute to trucks rolling over. In some cases, it can be a bright, sunny day, but excessive wind speeds could lift a trailer off the ground and tip it over. This may be more common for lighter loads, but it’s essential to be very careful when driving next to trucks in heavy wind conditions. Additionally, slippery conditions can lead to trucks overcorrecting on roadways, causing their cargo to slide and cause a rollover.

What to do if You Were Injured in a Big Truck Rollover Crash

The unfortunate truth is that people are injured in big truck rollover crashes, and these injuries can be severe or even fatal. Whether the crash is caused by reckless driving, shifting cargo, a tire blowout, or adverse weather conditions, some big truck rollovers can be attributed to negligence by one or more parties. Big truck crashes in New Mexico may cause lifelong, devasting injuries. When you’re hurt, navigating the complexities of the legal world and insurance industry can be daunting. Big truck insurance companies know they risk losing thousands, sometimes millions of dollars after their negligence harms someone else, and they often have teams of legal professionals in place to ensure injury victims are paid as little as possible.

Don’t accept a lowball offer! The experienced truck accident lawyers at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers is here to help. We’ve been heling those injured in truck accidents in New Mexico for over 45 years. We know how to investigate big truck accidents, collect evidence, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a big truck rollover in New Mexico, ring the bell! Call 898-BELL for your free case evaluation.