Given their size and weight, you may think that it would be nearly impossible for a big rig truck to roll over, but this is not the case. And in fact, there are several possible contributing factors that could influence a truck rollover accident.
A chief culprit of rollover accidents is cargo that is piled up too high in the trailer. The higher a load is stacked, the higher the truck’s center of gravity is from the road. As a result, it is easy for trucks to roll over when making fast turns or quick lane changes. Making such maneuvers can cause what is called the “crack-the-whip” effect.
The chances of a fully loaded big rig rolling over are ten times more likely than that of an empty rig. But there are things that can be done to help stabilize the rig. First, cargo should be centered and as spread out as possible. Loads stacked heavier to one side increase the risk of rollovers. Additionally, if possible, they should be kept low to the ground rather than stacked high.
And once out on the road, drivers should stick to slower speeds when traversing ramps, changing lanes or turning corners. This is especially true when hauling multiple trailers.
Truck drivers and the companies they work for have a duty of care to make sure that when a big rig hits the road, it is as hazard-free as possible. When a truck rolls over, it is a red flag that the trailer may not have been properly loaded. If a truck should roll while on a roadway, it could very easily fall on or in front of another vehicle, causing serious injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.
If you or a family member have been involved in a truck rollover accident, you may wish to have a personal injury attorney look into the matter. The attorney could use the finding of an investigation to determine liability and help you get the compensation you need to aid in your recovery.
