Semi-trucks move millions of tons from place to place each year, fulfilling an essential function in our economy. As necessary as these vehicles are, they also expose other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to a significant risk of serious injury. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 100,000 people were injured in rollover accidents in 2012 alone. Due to their high center of gravity, semi-trucks are more prone to rollover accidents than other vehicles. Rollovers occur when a truck rolls over onto its side or roof while moving. When trucks rollover, the damage can often be widespread and serious injuries can occur as a result.
In many cases, people who are injured in semi-truck rollover accidents can recover for their economic and noneconomic losses, including medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, and loss of quality of life. In order to successfully bring a claim, victims must be able to establish that their accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Some of the more common ways that negligence results in a rollover accident include:
- Excessive speed – When truckers speed, they risk the safety of everyone around them. In many cases, taking a sharp turn at too high a rate of speed may cause a truck to tip, resulting in a rollover accident.
- Ignoring adverse weather, especially high winds – As all drivers are aware, poor weather conditions such as ice, snow, rain, or sleet can make driving much more difficult. Whenever a truck is harder to control, it increases the risk of a rollover accident. Additionally, high winds have a particular tendency to destabilize a semi-truck, due to the large surface area of the trailer.
- Overcorrection – When a truck driver suddenly jerks his or her wheel to the side, it can often result in a rollover accident. In certain cases, this overcorrection is the result of a truck driver’s inattention or other error.
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo – When a truck’s cargo is improperly loaded or secured, it can often result in an unbalanced trailer. Unbalanced cargo can often cause rollover accidents in situations when they normally would not occur.
Not all rollover accidents are the result of negligence, and an experienced lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and determine whether and against whom you may have a claim.
Serious Injuries May Result
Semi-truck rollover accidents can cause serious injuries that result in long-term medical complications, including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Disfigurement
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Amputations
- Burns
- Emotional trauma
These and other injuries that people can sustain in rollover accident may result in serious injuries that may entitle victims to significant recovery. An attorney will be able to review your case and advise you as to whether you have a claim.
Call an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
The Atlanta injury lawyers of Goldstein Hayes & Lina, P.C. are dedicated to helping victims obtain justice through the legal system. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call our office today at (404) 869-8600.