What Causes Truck Rollover Accidents in St. Louis?

Tractor trailers are massive vehicles that can severely threaten other St. Louis drivers when they are involved in accidents. Commercial truck rollover accidents can be deadly. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 5,70 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2021. The high center of gravity on tractor-trailers, combined with driver error, can cause them to roll over. The weight of the massive vehicle could crush the motorists who are unlucky enough to be near a large truck rollover.

If you have suffered injuries in this kind of crash, you need legal representation from a skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer. At Goldblatt + Singer, we specialize in handling cases like yours with experience and compassion.

What Is a Rollover Truck Accident?

Rollover accidents are terrifying because a vehicle flips over, lands on its side or top, or continues to flip and roll. If a passenger vehicle is involved in the crash, the force imparted by the commercial truck shakes the people in other cars or even ejects them from the vehicle. Rollover commercial truck accidents often happen because those vehicles have a higher center of gravity, and the distance between the wheels affects the truck’s stability. Tall, narrow trucks are significantly less stable.

Instability contributes to rollover accidents. If a truck cuts a corner too quickly, there’s a greater chance of a rollover. High winds can also lead to rollover accidents. If a truck rolls, the other vehicles in its path may become part of the accident scene. You may not have been in the vehicle rolling over, but a severe rollover accident can still cause you harm.

Commercial truck rollover accidents can be fatal. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash. Crashes are more likely on highways, which increases the number of affected vehicles.

Rollover Accident Injuries

What are the most common injuries in rollover accidents? The injuries caused by rollover accidents can be catastrophic. Types of physical harm include:

• Traumatic brain injuries are injuries that cause damage to the brain. They can occur when the brain bounces inside the skull or when an object penetrates the skull and directly impacts the brain. Furthermore, these injuries can result in physical, cognitive, and emotional impairment.
• Internal injuries include damage to internal organs caused by trauma. These injuries can lead to life-threatening complications like internal bleeding and organ failure.
• Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
• Amputation may result if a limb is crushed in the accident to the point where it cannot be saved. Consequently, the crash will cause an amputation at the time of the wreck.
• Broken bones are a frequent result of commercial truck crashes.
• Death is one of the tragic consequences of truck rollover crashes

Common Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents

Several factors can contribute to truck rollover accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that most rollover accidents involving tanker trucks are the result of driver error. Common causes of these crashes include:

• Excessive Speeding is one of the leading causes of truck rollover accidents. Running past the speed limit makes it difficult to maneuver the truck and make it more likely for a driver to lose control.
• Improper cargo loading is another significant cause of truck rollovers. Unsecure cargo can shift while the truck is in motion and cause it to become unbalanced. This imbalance can lead to the truck tipping over.
• Driver fatigue and decreased alertness occur when a driver works long hours. Fatigue impairs a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of rollover accidents. The FMCSA has Hours of Service regulations to limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road, but drivers may violate those regulations.
• Distracted driving can cause the driver to run off the road, which can precipitate a rollover accident.
• Adverse weather conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, significantly increasing the risk of rollover accidents. Trucks are particularly vulnerable in high winds because they are not always stable, and they can tip over.

Who Can Be Liable?

Liability in truck rollover accidents can be attributed to various parties, including:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Cargo loaders
• Manufacturers

The Impact of Truck Rollover Accidents on Victims

Truck rollover accidents can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for the victims and their families. Victims may suffer from life-altering conditions that require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Additionally, brain injuries and spinal injuries are common results of large truck accidents. As a result, these injuries can lead to permanent disability, preventing victims from returning to work.

The psychological trauma of a truck rollover accident can be profound. Accident victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. The trauma of the accident can significantly affect the victim’s mental health and overall quality of life.

Medical bills for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing healthcare add up quickly. Accident victims may also be unable to work during recovery, and the loss of earning capacity can be a lifelong financial burden.

Large truck accident attorneys seek to help their clients deal with these burdens by guiding them through the legal process of pursuing compensation through a claim or a lawsuit.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Victims of truck rollover accidents in St. Louis should seek legal assistance with their cases. An experienced truck accident lawyer from Goldblatt + Singer can help investigate the accident, determine the identity of the liable parties, and pursue compensation for the losses you suffered because of the accident. Our law firm is dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Truck rollover accidents in St. Louis are a severe concern and pose significant risks to truck drivers and other road users. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck rollover accident, seeking legal assistance is crucial to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. Do not hesitate to contact our experienced attorneys at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online today for a free consultation about your case. Because just like many other notable cases, we will do our utmost best to help you.