Common Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents

Truck rollover accidents are incredibly dangerous, especially when they involve large vehicles like delivery trucks and tractor-trailers. Their weight makes them far more likely to damage other automobiles and people on the road. 

When rollover accidents occur, they place nearby vehicles and their occupants in grave danger. Let’s discuss some of the most common causes of rollover accidents that all drivers should understand. 

What is The Most Common Cause of a Rollover Accident Caused By Driver-Related Factors

A rollover car accident is often due to reckless driver behavior or driver error. Operating the vehicle at an excessive speed, especially on turns and curves, usually results in a rollover car accident. Distracted driving can also lead to rollover crashes, primarily if the driver uses their cell phone, eats, or looks at a GPS device. 

Driver fatigue is a big problem for truck drivers who have worked long hours and lack rest. Impaired driving can also lead to rollover accidents if drugs or alcohol are involved. Finally, a simple lack of experience may cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and flip over if they have not been trained enough or do not know the route. 

Aggressive Driving Behaviors

Aggressive driving causes many car and truck accidents every year. Examples include tailgating other drivers, weaving through traffic quickly, and making unsafe lane changes. 

Overcorrection and Panic Reactions

If a dangerous situation arises on the road, some drivers panic and overcorrect to avoid it. Jerking the steering wheel suddenly or slamming on the brakes can lead to a loss of control and a rollover accident. 

Improper Turning Techniques

Turns are often the cause of a rollover car accident. Usually, rollover crashes happen in these areas because the driver is either taking the turn too quickly or misjudging the radius of the turn. Trucks are especially vulnerable to rollover accidents when turning because they have a higher center of gravity. 

Common Cause of a Rollover Accident Caused By Vehicle-Related Factors

In many cases, the condition of the vehicle causes a rollover accident. Trucks or cars could experience issues because of the vehicle manufacturer, maintenance practices, or driver behavior. Here are a few vehicle-related factors that can lead to car rollover accidents. 

Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo

Cargo in pickup trucks and commercial vehicles significantly impacts truck rides. Shifting loads can cause imbalance and instability, making the vehicle harder to control. Top-heavy loads raise the center of gravity, increasing the risk of a rollover accident.

Tire Problems

Tires are always in contact with the road and must be in proper working condition to prevent rollover accidents. Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause blowouts, posing a risk to the vehicle occupants. Driving on worn-out or defective tires reduces traction and increases rollover risk. Additionally, mismatched tires could cause an uneven drive, resulting in vehicle rollovers if the driver is not careful. 

Brake Issues

Brakes are an essential part of all passenger cars, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles. They allow the driver to slow down and stop the vehicle. If the brakes are compromised, your rollover risks increase substantially. 

Worn brake pads and rotors are common culprits in rollover crashes because they impact your ability to slow down and stop. If the brakes fail, a car rollover accident could follow, especially if you hit a turn too fast and cannot slow down. Ensure your brakes are functioning to avoid internal injuries. 

Suspension Problems

The suspension system allows the vehicle to encounter road imperfections without bouncing around everyone and everything inside. Worn shocks or struts could cause equipment failure, causing the car to jerk violently on the road, leading to a loss of control and a rollover accident. Stay up-to-date on your maintenance schedule for the suspension system to prevent the risk of serious injuries in rollover car accidents. 

Vehicle Design Flaws

The design of your vehicle type may set you up for failure and increase the risk of rollover accidents. Some narrower vehicles have a high center of gravity, making them more vulnerable to car rollover accidents. 

A car with electronic stability control issues would likewise face more significant risks of tipping over when the driver loses control. Make sure you are aware of any design flaws in your model that could result in significant injuries.

Common Cause of a Rollover Accident Caused By External Factors

A rollover accident can sometimes occur due to multiple factors beyond driver error or vehicle issues. While following safe vehicle tips can help reduce the risk of severe injuries from rollovers, a few factors can still play a significant role. Let’s discuss some external factors that can cause a passenger car or truck driver to fall victim to such accidents. 

Road Conditions

Road conditions cause many car crashes every year. If you are driving on poorly maintained roads, you could hit road debris, obstacles, or potholes that make the vehicle’s center of gravity cause a rollover collision. Road conditions like sharp curves, steep grades, slopes, uneven surfaces, and slipper areas could also lead to catastrophic injuries from single-car accidents. 

Weather Conditions

Bad weather conditions can cause accidents that lead to severe injuries, especially for trucks. High winds can make the car unstable and more likely to tip over. If rain, snow, or ice is on the road, trucks and other motorized vehicles can lose traction and start skidding, eventually turning into a rollover. 

Other Vehicles

Other vehicles can initiate the accident, especially if they collide with trucks. Additionally, aggressive drivers could force a car or truck off the road, eventually tipping it over and causing serious injury. 

Contact a Lawyer if You’ve Been in a Truck Rollover Accident

If you get hurt when a bad rollover occurs, you could face traumatic brain injuries from severe head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, or other types of damage. These common injuries could turn your life upside down, resulting in lost income, medical expenses, property damage, emotional distress, or even wrongful death. To recover compensation for these legal damages in a personal injury claim, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. 

The team at Mitch Grissim & Associates is ready to help you win your case, whether the accident was caused by someone driving over the speed limit, a driver loading a truck improperly and creating a higher center of gravity, or bad road conditions. For help with accident claims, contact a personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation at 615-255-9999 or by completing this form.