Who is Responsible for a Truck Rollover Accident?
Rollover accidents are frightening. Large trucks like 18 wheelers should stay upright, even in extreme weather conditions. When a large truck rolls onto its side, it can crush or smother smaller vehicles on the highway, leading to catastrophic injuries. Our truck accident lawyers believe in fully investigating these accidents to uncover who or what is responsible for the rollover. Then we can sue for financial compensation.
Anatomy of a Rollover
18-wheelers should remain upright throughout their journey. A rollover is an unusual accident, so that is a strong sign that an error was made. Typically, rollovers happen due to sudden shifts in gravity, which make the truck unmanageable:
- Shifting cargo. The cargo might not be properly secured for the trip. Weak ties can snap or break, causing freight to shift about when the truck makes a turn or changes lanes. The sudden shift in the center of gravity can cause a trucker to overreact and yank the wheel in the opposite direction, which compounds the problem.
- Unbalanced cargo. Cargo should be distributed properly when loaded onto the truck, which results in a smoother ride. Unfortunately, the people who loaded the cargo could have loaded it in an unbalanced manner.
- Blown tires. Tire blowouts can cause the truck to make a sudden movement, when combined with shifting cargo can lead to a rollover.
If you are an injured motorist, you don’t need to figure out what happened. Instead, you can contact our office so we will investigate the crash. Often, we need to inspect the truck or look at records to identify the cause of the accident, which aids in bringing a claim.
Liability for a rollover might rest with one of several defendants.
Start with the truck driver. Truckers must inspect their rigs before and after each trip. If they notice a problem, they should not take the truck on the road. Some truckers cut corners and drive a dangerous vehicle, or they fail to perform a thorough inspection altogether. We can also hold a trucker accountable for dangerous turns which lead to rollovers.
The transportation company that owns the truck might also be liable. They usually have vicarious liability by virtue of the employment relationship. The trucking company might also have independent liability if a mechanical issue led to a rollover.
Loading companies could also be responsible. The company which loaded the freight could be liable for failing to secure it or for loading it in an unbalanced manner in the first place. They can be held liable when their negligence leads to a foreseeable crash.
Contact a Miami Truck Accident Lawyer with Our Office
Pita Weber Del Prado is an established law firm with a deep history in personal injury law. We can stand up on behalf of injured motorists when a dangerous truck crashes into them. Whether you were hurt in a rollover or a different accident, we can investigate and get to the bottom of why you were injured. Call our office to speak with an experienced Miami truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.
