Truck accidents are more common in Alabama than in many other regions of the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,223 vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2012, 111 of which were large trucks. There are several causes of truck accidents – from driver fatigue to distractions – and these crashes can take many forms. Truck rollovers can be particularly dangerous, and they are almost always preventable.
Several factors can contribute to a truck rollover. Common examples include:
- Sharp curves in the road
- High speed
- Poor weather
- And overloading
If you were injured by another driver’s reckless behavior, contact a Montgomery accident lawyer from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, health-care bills and other damages. Our attorneys will give your case the individual attention that it deserves.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation. Until then, read on to learn about four common causes of truck rollovers in Alabama:
Sharp Curves in the Road
Sharp curves in the road can be dangerous for all drivers, but smaller vehicles can usually handle them without rolling over. However, large trucks are particularly vulnerable on sharp curves due to their high centers of gravity. If a large truck approaches a curve too quickly or from the wrong angle, a rollover is likely to happen. This is a common accident for tractor-trailers, and it often occurs at off- and on-ramps.
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High Speed
According to the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, speed is the biggest contributor to truck rollover accidents. A recent study determined that speed was a factor in 45 percent of them.
Poor Weather
All drivers must adjust to inclement weather. Rain, snow and ice can reduce visibility and make the roads slick, so drivers should reduce their speed and double their following distance. Although poor weather alone will not cause a truck rollover, it can increase the likelihood of these accidents if truckers speed.
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Overloading
An imbalanced and overloaded truck is more likely to roll over. Even a skilled and cautious driver will have difficulty controlling an overloaded truck. Sharp curves, high speed, poor weather and overloading are particularly dangerous when drivers are negligent. Despite laws that limit the number of hours that truckers can drive, as well as load weights and other restrictions, some companies overlook these regulations – and other drivers pay the consequences.
Truck accidents are likely to end with serious injuries and property damage. Fortunately, victims may be able to recover compensation for their losses by making a claim against the liable party.
If you or a loved one was injured by a negligent motorist, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. A Montgomery auto accident lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
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