A rollover truck accident is a dangerous situation. Find out how they happen so you can avoid them.
Semi-trucks are a constant presence on Oklahoma freeways and other roadways. They need to get from place to place as they haul produce, cars, clothing, building materials, and other essentials for daily life to various stores across the country. These huge vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Just like passenger vehicles, they can get involved in serious accidents.
The main difference, though, is that a truck accident is more likely to be fatal, given the size of a semi-truck. This is especially true in the event of a rollover accident.
While semi-trucks are very sturdy and hard to overturn, a rollover crash is still likely. These crashes are often deadly, as they tend to happen at high speeds. They occur quite frequently on divided highways and two-way undivided roads. Read on to learn more about how these dangerous truck accidents occur.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYCauses of Semi-Truck Rollovers
Rollover truck accidents happen in various ways, including the following:
- Failing to adjust speed. Most semi-truck rollovers occur when drivers fail to adjust their speed when there are curves in the road. Trucks tend to overturn on on-ramps and off-ramps.
- Distractions. Truck drivers need to be attentive while on the roadway. Falling asleep or distracted driving mean that drivers are not paying full attention while behind the wheel, making rollovers more common. Fatigue and impairment by alcohol or drugs can also lead to a lack of judgment, resulting in a crash.
- Steering issues. When truck drivers fail to steer just the right amount, rollovers can happen. This may include over-steering, not steering enough to stay in the lane, and overcorrecting and then having to counter-steer to avoid going off the road.
- Overloading the trailer. Truck drivers need to be aware of the load they are carrying. They must account for the weight of the truck, as well as make sure that the load is not too high in which it could topple over and cause an accident. The load also needs to be secured onto the truck so it does not shift while in motion. This shifting can cause the load to become unbalanced, resulting in a rollover.
- Vehicle-related issues. Sometimes the issue is not with the driver. There may be issues with the truck itself due to manufacturer issues or a lack of proper maintenance. For example, underinflated tires and brake issues are common problems that can lead to rollovers.
Contact Our Tulsa Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Truck rollovers are scary and dangerous situations. Whether you are a truck driver or motorist that shares the roadways with commercial trucks, knowing how accidents happen can help you be prepared.
Truck accidents can lead to a variety of injuries and even death. If you have been a victim, seek legal help from the Tulsa personal injury attorneys at BDIW Law. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call our office at (580) 765-9660 or fill out the online form.
