Have You Been Injured In An Overturned Trucking Accident?
Overturned and roll-over truck accidents can be among the most dangerous. When you consider the size and weight of semi-trucks in comparison to standard passenger vehicles, it’s not hard to understand why. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while most standard passenger vehicles weigh under 6,000 pounds. A collision between vehicles of such disparate weights and sizes is, in most cases, catastrophic. Due to busy highways, accidents between such vehicles are common. Cars often don’t give trucks enough space to stop or react when switching lanes, which can cause jack-knifing of the cab’s trailer, or even run-over accidents where the car ends up beneath the semi-truck because the truck was unable to come to a stop in time. On the other hand, trucks often speed to make tight deadlines and can overload their cabs to maximize profits. Both of these actions can significantly increase the risk of roll-over accidents.
The Dangers of Roll-Over Trucking Accidents
Roll-over trucking accidents can be the most deadly because in addition to the risk of collision, the trailer and its contents also become risks to everyone on the road. A rolled over truck can block several lanes of traffic, and cars do not always have sufficient time to stop or avoid the trailer. This can dramatically increase the number of individuals impacted by increasing the number of collisions. Additionally, it is common for the contents of the truck’s trailers to spill out onto the highway when a semi-truck is overturned. Depending on the contents of the truck, this can also significantly increase risk and harm. Commercial semi-trucks carry everything from biohazard chemicals, explosives, and lumber to honeybees and livestock, all of which can pose different but serious risks to other drivers on the road ranging from chemical burns and fiery crashes to collisions due to swarms of bees obstructing drivers’ view.
Who is Liable?
The party responsible for an overturned trucking accident varies depending on the specifics of the case. In some cases, a truck overturns due to negligent conduct of another driver, such as a driver cutting off a trucker, causing them to slam on the brakes, destabilize, and overturn. However, in other instances, the truck driver will be liable for driving distracted, not checking their blindspots, speeding, driving drowsy or under the influence, or with overloaded cargo. In some cases, third-parties can also be held liable. For instance, if the truck driver was falling asleep behind the wheel because their employer was giving them unreasonably tight deadlines and wasn’t permitting them to take breaks, their employer can also be held liable as a party. Likewise, if the truck was overloaded by a supplier, the supplier can be held liable for contributing to the collision.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer can assess the unique facts and circumstances of your case and help you determine which parties are liable for the harm you have suffered. A successful personal injury lawsuit can allow you to recover compensation for all costs related to your injuries and property damage, as well as for the physical and emotional trauma suffered as a result of the accident. In some cases, such as where the conduct was particularly negligent or reckless, punitive damages may also be available.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been injured in a trucking accident that was not your fault, Lyons and Snyder Trial Attorneys are ready to advocate on your behalf to get you the compensation that you are entitled to. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Plantation truck accident attorney.
Resource:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/809438
