One in 10 highway deaths occur as a result of a collision involving a large truck, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Indeed, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that in 2012 almost 4,000 large trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in fatalities – an increase of five percent from the year prior. One of the reasons behind the increased hazard is the disproportionate size of the vehicles involved in the accident. The massive weight carried by trucks on the road can contribute to the devastating injuries and property damage that often result from a truck accident.
Not All Vehicles Are Created Equal
Commercial trucks can weigh as much as 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car, creating devastating results for those involved. Additionally, because of the weight of the load a commercial truck often carries, braking capability comes into play as these large trailers require 20 to 40 percent more distance prior to coming to a complete stop. In 2013, almost half of all large truck occupant deaths occurred in a crash during which vehicles rolled over. This rate is double that of deaths from car accidents in which passenger vehicles rolled over.
Generally, truck rollover accidents can be divided into two types: tripped or untripped. Tripped accidents occur when the truck goes off of the road and collides against guardrails, a curb or uneven ground resulting in a rollover. An untripped accident occurs not because of an outside force, but rather because the truck’s balance is altered due to speed or uneven/over loading causing in a rollover.
Some common factors that contribute to truck rollovers include winding roads, wet or icy surfaces, steep hills, uneven roads, soft road surfaces, and construction zones.
Charleston Truck Rollover Attorneys
No two truck accident cases are the same. Accordingly, it is important to retain a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer if you or someone you know has been injured in a truck rollover accident, or any other type of car accident. The attorneys and staff at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLCwill assess your injury claim and provide competent legal advice.