Rollover Truck Accidents
Rollover truck accidents in Georgia are among the most severe and deadly crashes because they endanger not only the driver and passengers in the flipped vehicle, but also nearby pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists in the area.
Unfortunately, the more top-heavy a vehicle is, the greater chance the vehicle will roll over.
Common Causes of Rollover Truck AccidentsTractor-trailers and large semi trucks are arguably some of the most top-heavy vehicles on the road, making them particularly prone to tipping over. Rollover truck accidents in Georgia may occur for a number of reasons, but there are a few specific behaviors that can significantly increase the risk of a crash:
- Failing to properly balance a load: When a driver or trucking company fails to adequately balance the cargo, the lack of balance may increase the risk of a rollover accident as the driver travels, particularly if the highway or roadway is full of sharp curves or quick turns.
- Speeding: If a driver is under pressure from his or her employer to reach a destination by a certain time, the driver may feel more inclined to speed in an attempt to stay on schedule. However, if the driver takes a curve too quickly, the top-heavy semi truck may roll over onto other cars on either side of the roadway as it flips upside down.
- Failing to pay attention: Drivers who fail to keep their attention on the road may be more likely to cause a rollover truck accident in Georgia. For instance, if a driver is using a mobile device or adjusting the volume control on the radio, he or she may not see an obstacle ahead. Should he or she attempt to quickly brake or swerve to avoid the obstacle, the truck may tip and rollover as the driver loses control.
Rollover truck accidents in Georgia can cause severe, life-threatening injuries and fatalities. Not only is the driver at risk of danger, but others who may be on the roadway are also likely to be affected. Crushing injuries may lead to internal organ damage, amputations, broken bones, a severed spinal cord, traumatic brain injury, or even death.
While no amount of compensation can reverse time and prevent the accident from occurring in the first place, victims may be entitled to hold one or more parties liable for their injuries. An experienced Georgia roll-over truck crash lawyer can review the situation, examine evidence, discuss the wreck with witnesses, and investigate the condition of the truck to determine who is accountable. For instance, any one or more of the following parties may be required to pay compensation to the victims:
- Driver of the truck due to negligence
- Manufacturer of the truck’s parts if it is determined that a defective design feature caused the accident
- Owner of the cargo or goods
- Owner of the semi truck
- Trucking company due to unrealistic expectations or responsibility for the driver’s actions
- Government entities responsible for road conditions
- Mechanic responsible for maintainingand inspecting the vehicle
When a semi truck rolls over, both passengers and drivers in nearby vehicles can be severely injured or killed. Those who are victims of a trucking rollover accident or those whose loved ones have been killed in a crash have legal rights and may be entitled to seek compensation from those responsible. What to do next?
Contact UsIf you or someone you love was hurt in a trucking accident, contact the experienced truck accident injury attorneys at Van Sant Law,as soon as possible. We can provide you with a free consultation and help determine if you have a valid case. Fill out our free, no obligation online contact form, or call us today at 404-991-5950 to learn more about filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress.