Illinois Injury Lawyers for Accidents Caused by Semi-Truck Rollovers

Illinois Injury Attorneys for Accidents Caused By Semi-Truck Rollovers

Semi-truck rollovers are among the most dangerous types of accidents on the road, often resulting in catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and extensive damage. These accidents involve a large commercial truck losing stability and overturning, either onto its side or completely flipping over. Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks can cause widespread damage and create a serious hazard for other vehicles when a rollover occurs.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact that semi-truck rollovers can have on accident victims and their families. Our Illinois trucking accident attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury and truck accident litigation and understand the complex legal issues surrounding these accidents. We work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.

What Causes Semi-Truck Rollovers?

Semi-truck rollovers can be caused by a variety of factors, often involving driver error, improper loading, or adverse road conditions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), rollovers are frequently attributed to the following causes:

1. Excessive Speed: Driving too fast for road conditions is one of the leading causes of semi-truck rollovers. Semi-trucks are more likely to roll over when drivers take curves or turns at high speeds, especially on off-ramps or curved highways. The high center of gravity in a truck makes it more susceptible to tipping when the speed is too fast for a given curve.
2. Driver Error or Fatigue: Semi-truck drivers often work long hours, leading to fatigue and slower reaction times. Fatigued driving is a major contributor to rollover accidents. According to FMCSA regulations, truck drivers are required to follow Hours of Service (HOS) rules to ensure they get adequate rest. However, violations of these regulations are common, and fatigued drivers may lose control of their vehicles, resulting in rollovers.
3. Improperly Loaded Cargo: Cargo that is not properly balanced or secured can shift during transit, significantly increasing the risk of a rollover. When a truck’s load shifts suddenly, it can throw off the truck’s center of gravity, causing the driver to lose control and the truck to tip over. FMCSA cargo regulations require that truck loads be evenly distributed and properly secured, but violations of these rules are common, leading to dangerous rollovers.
4. Road Conditions: Wet, icy, or uneven road surfaces can make it difficult for semi-truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. In poor road conditions, a driver must slow down and take extra precautions to avoid losing traction. Semi-trucks are particularly vulnerable to rollovers in these situations due to their size and the amount of cargo they carry.
5. Vehicle Malfunction: Mechanical issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can lead to a loss of control and cause a rollover. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping semi-trucks safe, but when companies cut corners on inspections or repairs, the risk of accidents increases.

Why Are Semi-Truck Rollovers So Dangerous?

The sheer size and weight of a semi-truck make rollovers extremely dangerous, not only for the truck driver but for everyone on the road. When a truck overturns, it can cause a chain reaction of collisions, often involving multiple vehicles. Some of the dangers associated with semi-truck rollovers include:

1. Massive Impact Forces: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, meaning that when it rolls over, the impact can be devastating for any nearby vehicles. The force of the truck hitting the ground or sliding across the roadway can crush smaller vehicles or push them into other traffic lanes.
2. Spilled Cargo: When a semi-truck rolls over, its cargo may spill onto the roadway, creating further hazards for other drivers. For example, trucks carrying hazardous materials can cause chemical spills, fires, or explosions. Even non-hazardous cargo can create obstacles on the road, leading to additional collisions.
3. Blocking Roadways: A rolled-over semi-truck can block multiple lanes of traffic, leading to significant delays and increasing the likelihood of secondary accidents. In some cases, emergency responders have difficulty reaching accident victims because the truck blocks access to the scene.
4. Increased Risk of Fatalities: Due to the size of semi-trucks and the force of a rollover, these accidents are more likely to result in fatalities than other types of truck accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that nearly 50% of all large-truck occupant fatalities occur in rollover crashes, making them one of the deadliest types of truck accidents.

“Semi-truck rollovers are incredibly dangerous because of the sheer size and weight of the vehicle. When an 80,000-pound truck tips over, it can create a deadly situation for everyone on the road. Our firm is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable when these tragic accidents occur,” – Illinois truck accident attorney, John J. Malm

Legal Implications of Semi-Truck Rollovers

From a legal perspective, semi-truck rollover accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even third-party contractors responsible for loading the truck. Determining liability in a rollover accident requires a thorough investigation into the causes of the crash and the actions of all parties involved.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we work to hold negligent parties accountable for the damages they cause. Some of the key areas of liability we investigate include:

1. Driver Negligence: If the rollover was caused by driver error, such as speeding, fatigued driving, or failing to adjust to road conditions, the driver may be held liable for the accident. In some cases, trucking companies may also be held responsible if they failed to enforce proper safety protocols or allowed drivers to exceed the legal hours of service.
2. Trucking Company Negligence: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained and that their drivers are adequately trained. If a rollover was caused by poor maintenance or improper training, the company may be held liable for the accident.
3. Improper Cargo Loading: If the truck’s cargo was improperly loaded, resulting in a rollover, the company or contractors responsible for loading the truck may be held liable. This includes situations where cargo was not properly secured or distributed, leading to a loss of control during transit.
4. Vehicle Malfunction: If a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or a tire blowout, caused the rollover, the manufacturer of the defective part may also be held liable. In cases where poor maintenance was the cause, the trucking company or the entity responsible for maintaining the vehicle may be held accountable.

How We Help Victims of Semi-Truck Rollovers

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have extensive experience representing victims of semi-truck rollover accidents. We understand the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding commercial trucking, and we work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause. Our team conducts thorough investigations into the causes of rollover accidents and identifies all potential sources of liability.

We help victims recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Semi-truck rollovers often result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. We work to ensure that all past and future medical costs are covered.
• Pain and Suffering: We help our clients pursue compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Lost Wages: If the accident prevents you from returning to work, we can help you recover compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care: Some injuries require extensive rehabilitation or long-term care, and we ensure that victims receive the compensation necessary to cover these costs.

Preventing Semi-Truck Rollovers: What Trucking Companies Should Do

Trucking companies play a critical role in preventing rollover accidents by enforcing proper safety protocols. To reduce the risk of rollovers, trucking companies should:

1. Enforce Speed Limits: Speeding is a major contributor to rollovers. Companies must enforce speed limits, especially when trucks are navigating curves or turns.
2. Train Drivers on Safe Driving Practices: Drivers should be trained to recognize hazardous conditions and adjust their driving accordingly.
3. Ensure Proper Cargo Loading: Cargo should always be loaded and secured in compliance with federal regulations.
4. Conduct Regular Vehicle Inspections: Regular maintenance checks can help prevent mechanical failures that may lead to rollovers.

John J. Malm & Associates Protecting Your Rights After a Semi-Truck Rollover Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck rollover accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of truck accident litigation. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are dedicated to helping victims of semi-truck rollovers secure the compensation they deserve. Contact our team of top-rated truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.