The Dangers of Negligent Truck Drivers
There are very few accidents as dangerous and deadly as those involving large trucks. Call them tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, or big rigs – they should all be carefully handled by drivers, given their size and weight. If a truck is overloaded, takes a turn too sharply, or has faulty components, it is possible for it to cause a catastrophic rollover accident.
Rollovers can lead to pile-ups, spilled cargo, and costly injuries. After such untold devastation, accident victims and their families should consider all of their legal options. If a negligent truck driver caused your injuries, then you may be able to file a truck accident claim to recover the costs of your injuries and emotional trauma.
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., our Burlington rollover truck accident attorney can provide the aggressive and diligent legal representation you need after an accident. Based on our years of experience, we can launch an in-depth investigation into your case, determine who caused your injuries, and demand proper compensation from the at-fault party. To discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation, call our office at (781) 262-3338.
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Why Are Semi-Trucks Prone to Rollovers?
Rollovers are the result of a vehicle becoming unstable and tipping to one side. While they are not the only vehicles that can become involved in a rollover, trucks are more prone compared to lighter vehicles like sedans. Most semi-trucks are top-heavy when connected to a trailer, meaning the vehicle’s center of gravity is higher off the ground than most other vehicles. When a vehicle’s center of gravity is pushed to either side, the vehicle can tip onto the sides of its tires and, ultimately, rollover.
Without a trailer, a truck is less likely to rollover because the overall design of the cab gives it a lower center of gravity. However, by adding a trailer to the back of a truck, the entire vehicle’s center of gravity is raised up. It can be made more unstable by the amount of material within the trailer, how said material is packed, and how secure it is. If the trailer is empty, it is actually harder to maintain balance because of the lack of extra weight, making it easier to tip over. However, if the trailer is only partially full or if cargo is not secured, it could also cause the center of gravity to shift from side to side and the truck to roll over.
How Does Negligence Contribute to Rollovers?
Generally, if operated in a responsible manner, a truck will remain flat on the ground; however, there are several actions that increase the likelihood of a rollover. For one, rollovers are heavily impacted by the state of the driver. If a driver is focused on the road in front of him and is otherwise not impaired, then he can keep the vehicle flat on the ground. But, if the driver is intoxicated, distracted, or fatigued, he may lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a rollover.
Other actions that can contribute to a rollover accident include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Becoming distracted by a cell phone
- Excessive speeding at a curve or turn
- Dangerous driving maneuvers in the rain or snow
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Overloading a trailer
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Liability in Burlington Trucking Accidents
The dangers of rollovers are well-known across the trucking industry, which is why there is no excuse for a trucker causing such a devastating crash. Truck drivers should take every step to ensure they are fully capable of operating a semi-truck in a safe and responsible manner. Failing to control a vehicle, for whatever reason, is not acceptable when it can cause such tragic collisions.
Sadly, many trucking accidents are directly related to poor driving habits, and rollovers are no different. If a trucker was negligent, he could be found liable for any injuries he caused to the victims. Ultimately, this would mean accident victims could pursue compensation from the driver’s insurance company, allowing them to cover the costs of their injuries and trauma.
However, truckers are not the only people who handle a semi-truck. Many of these vehicles are loaded at distribution centers by loader crews. These workers are responsible for ensuring that all cargo is secure within the trailer, that it does not breach any weight restrictions, and the vehicle is safe to operate. If workers contributed to a rollover, then the distribution center can also be found liable for their actions.
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Compassionate Representation After a Burlington Truck Accident
Rollovers are some of the most devastating collisions that can occur on a Massachusetts highway, often resulting in high fatality rates. Unfortunately, despite how often these accidents are caused by negligent truckers, trucking insurance companies rarely pay out proper compensation. If you attempt to file a claim without an attorney at your side, you may find yourself fighting tooth and nail for a low settlement offer.
However, if you or someone you love was injured in a rollover accident, then you should secure the legal representation of DiBella Law Offices, P.C. Our Burlington truck accident attorneys are well-prepared to take on your case and diligently investigate the cause of the accident. Once we determine who is at fault for your injuries, we can then go to work building a strong case for compensation on your behalf. Do not settle for less than what your case is worth. Speak to DiBella Law Offices, P.C., about your right to compensation by calling us at (781) 262-3338 and scheduling a free consultation.
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