Commercial trucks are large and weigh much more than passenger vehicles. This makes them less stable, increasing their risk of rollover accidents. Truck rollovers can be some of the worst truck accidents on Wisconsin roadways, and those involved can suffer serious to fatal injuries. Even though trucks aren't as easy to maneuver as passenger vehicles, it's important to note that rollover accidents are also caused by the negligence of passenger vehicles. Quick maneuvers and failing to stay out of a truck's blind spots are ways that everyday drivers lend a hand in a rollover accident.
What are the Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents?
There are many potential causes of truck rollovers, including:
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Speeding is one of the contributing factors to rollover accidents, involving more than 35 percent of the accidents. Speed causes a rollover when truck drivers drive too fast, joining or navigating around corners. Traveling too fast on sharp corners or refusing to slow down to adjust the additional height and weight can result in a rollover. Reckless driving can also be a contributing factor. Passenger vehicles' recklessness can cause trucks to try to stop quickly, which isn't always possible. Additionally, cars weaving in and out of traffic quickly can be a large contributor to rollover accidents.
- Losing Control of a Truck: FMCSA research found that a lack of control can lead to a rollover truck accident. Common things that can make a truck lose control include poor steering, improper braking, inadequate reaction to road hazards, or tailgating.
- Distracted Driving: Another reason for truck rollover crashes is the lack of driver attention. This occurs when a driver loses focus on the road because of distractions, exhaustion, or drowsiness. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and sometimes that can cause even the most cautious driver to slip up. Any time a driver takes their mind off the road, they risk a rollover crash.
- Improper Pre-Operative Conditions: Sometimes, failing to check the truck's condition before hitting the road can cause a truck rollover accident, according to the FMSCA study. These conditions include poor cargo securement procedures, failure to complete a pre-trip inspection, and drivers who are not in the right state to drive due to a disease or other reasons.
- Failing to Scan Intersections: Failing to scan the road, especially at intersections, can lead to wrong maneuvers contributing to a truck rollover accident. Passenger vehicles are also to blame for these accidents. Passenger vehicles might think they can make a yellow light or run red lights resulting in collisions.
Truck Rollover Accidents Cause Severe Injuries
While truck drivers have sufficient protection in their trucks, truck crashes can cause serious injuries to bystanders, motorists, passenger vehicles, and other truckers. This is because of their large size and weight, which creates a massive impact during the rollover. The most common truck rollover injuries include:
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Head and brain injuries
- Burns
Get Help from a Wisconsin Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Wisconsin truck rollover crash, you can file a claim against the truck driver or other responsible party to recover compensation for your damages and injuries.
If you need help getting started, reach out to a Wisconsin truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Attorney Natasha Misra is ready to take on your case and help you fight for justice and the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation online or call (414) 210-3834 to discuss your case with our legal team.
