Truckers are responsible for controlling large and sometimes unstable vehicles. Truck accidents happen in a variety of ways, but one of the worst possible accidents is a rollover. A rollover truck accident can be caused by anything from driver error to improperly loaded cargo. If you are hurt by a rolled over truck, the injuries can be significant, and you may have the right to make a legal recovery
The Dangers of a Truck Rollover Accident
When a truck rollover occurs, it is dangerous for a few reasons. First, a rollover could injure or even kill the driver. Second, the truck could land on a nearby passenger vehicle, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, potentially crushing anything in its way and seriously harming or killing anyone in its path. Finally, a truck rollover can cause a secondary accident if another vehicle suddenly veers out of the way to avoid the falling truck but proceeds to collide with other vehicles on the road.
Causes of Rollover Crashes
Rollover crashes happen for a variety of reasons. Often, rollovers can be prevented if truckers, trucking companies, and others use reasonable care to avoid accidents.
Why Truck Rollovers Happen in Virginia
- The truck driver fails to adjust the trucks speed to a curve in the road, including on-ramps and exit ramps
- The truck driver is tired
- The truck driver is distracted
- The cargo exceeded the maximum weight, was not properly secured, or was imbalanced on the truck
- The truck's brakes, tires, and other parts were not properly maintained
Who Is Responsible for Truck Rollover Accidents?
It can be complicated to determine who is responsible for a truck rollover accident, but your accident attorney can help identify potential defendants by researching your case. For example, a trucker's negligence may have caused your crash. Similarly, a trucking company's failure to maintain the truck, failure to provide appropriate training, or failure to provide sufficient rest periods for drivers may cause a rollover accident. In some cases, a cargo-loading provider's failure to properly load or secure items could also cause a dangerous or deadly rollover wreck.
What to Do Following a Northern Virginia Rollover Accident
If you have been injured in a truck rollover accident, the most important thing you can do is to seek medical attention. However, there are also other things you can do to protect your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Rollover Accident
Call the police.
It is important to file a police report so there is a formal record of the rollover accident.
Gather evidence.
Take photos of your car, the truck, and any other evidence on the road.
Identify witnesses.
If possible, get the names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident happen.
MacDowell Law Group Can Help You Pursue a Fair Recovery
If you are hurt in a truck rollover accident, may be able to recover damages. Your recovery may include compensation for past, present, and future medical costs, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, emotional pain, and physical suffering.
Have You Been Injured In A Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Fairfax, Virginia personal injury law office at 703.277.2811 to schedule your free consultation. We help clients throughout Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia and look forward to helping you.