Rollover
A tractor-trailer’s weight and high center of gravity makes it prone to a rollover. When the truck rolls over, it creates the risk of harming those in other vehicles who are in the truck’s path. There is also the danger created by cargo spilling.
If you have been harmed in a rollover truck accident, the law firm of Frank M. Eidson, P.A., can make sure your rights are protected. If the negligence of the truck driver, trucking company or any other party caused the rollover and your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
To receive a free consultation, contact us today. Attorney Frank M. Eidson helps truck accident victims and their families throughout Orlando, Winter Park and the state of Florida. He can put his extensive experience with handling truck accident cases to work for you right away.
What is a Rollover Accident?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that a rollover is the “first harmful event” in five percent of all fatal large truck and bus crashes.
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, three kinds of rollovers can occur:
- Tripped rollover – A truck driver loses control of the vehicle. As it skids and hits a curb, guardrail or soft or uneven shoulder, it can “trip” the truck.
- Untripped rollover – A driver turns too sharply or while moving too fast. The truck loses stability and topples over. These are also called “frictional rollovers” due to the friction that holds the truck’s tires to the road as its weight shifts.
- Impact rollover – The truck hits a guardrail, bridge abutment, embankment or another large vehicle. Because of the force of impact, the truck gets knocked over onto its side or roof.
What Causes Truck Rollovers?
According to the FMCSA, rollover truck accidents typically are caused by:
- Truck design and maintenance – A truck’s high center of gravity causes it to lean in a curve. If it is moving too fast, its cargo will shift toward the outside of the curve, particularly if it is liquid cargo. This shift can cause the truck to tip and roll over. Hitting brakes suddenly can also cause cargo to shift. Poor brakes, damaged suspension, and under- or over-inflated tires also contribute to rollovers.
- Highway factors – Sharp curves, steep downhill grades, soft shoulders, narrow driveways and limited visibility areas can reduce the time a trucker has to see and prepare for areas with a high risk for rollover hazards.
- Unsafe driving behavior – The FMCSA warns drivers to avoid speeding, distracted driving (talking or texting on cell phones), fatigued driving, driving under the influence and falling into poor physical and mental conditions lead to driver error and rollovers.
Because there are several factors that may contribute to a truck rollover accident, it is necessary to have an independent investigation in order to determine who should be held accountable, including the:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company (carrier)
- Manufacturer or distributor (due to a design or manufacturing defect)
- Government agency (if a defective road condition triggered the rollover).
Contact an Orlando Rollover Accident Attorney
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a rollover semi-truck accident, you may be eligible to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
Attorney Frank M. Eidson has years of experience investigating truck accidents in Florida. He can use his knowledge of truck mechanics, state and federal regulations and commercial insurance to seek just compensation for you.
Get started by contacting us today. We will provide a free consultation, and we won’t charge you for our legal services unless you recover.
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