Were You Injured in a Rollover Truck Crash?

A Cleveland truck accident lawyer can get you compensation

Rollover accidents involving 18-wheelers and tanker trucks can leave other drivers in shock and unsure of what to do next. That’s why the experienced Cleveland truck accident lawyers Merriman Legal, LLC at urge injured crash victims to contact our law firm for help with a claim as soon as possible.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, four out of five rollover accidents are due to driver error. This sobering statistic is unfortunate, as it clearly indicates these types of crashes ─ which often end up causing severe injury to the truck driver and others ─ are avoidable. Tractor-trailers can weigh thousands of pounds, and they have a high center of gravity. If a truck driver isn’t being careful and attentive while driving, the semi-truck’s wheels can leave the road, and the 18-wheeler can end up upside down or on its side in a rollover crash.

If you’ve been injured or your family lost a loved one in a fatal rollover crash, our Cleveland truck accident lawyers can demand justice. Our attorneys can answer your questions, explain your legal options, and figure out the best course of action to take to get the results you need. Take action and turn to our law firm for help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What causes a truck to roll over?

Rollover truck accidents can happen anywhere. While many may think rollover crashes only take place on highway exits and entrance ramps due to a truck driver misjudging a curve, most rollover truck accidents happen on straight roadways because the trucker simply wasn’t being careful while driving.

There are many different factors that can contribute to rollover truck accidents. A truck driver who brakes too hard can easily lose control of their tractor-trailer and start to roll, but a trailer can begin to lean for other reasons too, such as:

• Speeding: Driving too fast for road and weather conditions, causing the cargo load to suddenly shift, drifting off the road and then recovering too fast, and taking sharp curves too quickly can result in a rollover crash. Speed limits are posted for a reason, but a lot of truck drivers ─ due to pressure from trucking companies ─ exceed the speed limit so they can meet unrealistic deadlines.
• Sudden cargo load shifts: Tractor-trailers have a high center of gravity, making them much less stable than passenger vehicles that are lower to the ground. Due to their high center of gravity, 18-wheelers will begin to lean when they go through a curve. How much they lean depends on how fast the semi-truck is going, how sharply the trucker turns the wheel, turn banking, and how much cargo the tractor-trailer is hauling. Cargo loads will shift depending on how the trucker is driving, and those carrying a full load of cargo can easily rollover with one wrong move. Partially loaded 18-wheelers are also at risk of rolling over, and in fact, the overwhelming majority of truck rollover crashes occur in trucks with a partial cargo load. Oversteering, sudden braking, sudden maneuvers, turning radius, and speed can all make the cargo shift too quickly and roll the truck.
• Driver negligence: Truckers are supposed to be professional drivers, but sometimes they engage in unsafe behaviors that can cause a rollover crash. Speeding, traveling too fast for road and/or weather conditions, talking on a cellphone, texting, adjusting the radio, reaching for a drink, eating, driving with too much complacency, drowsy driving, daydreaming, road rage, and driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain medications can contribute to rollover crashes.
• Highway factors: Sharp curves, steep downhill grades, soft shoulders, hard berms/mounds/curves, and areas with limited visibility should be approached with caution by tractor-trailer drivers. Failure to adjust for these factors can cause an 18-wheeler to roll and crash.
• Tractor-trailer maintenance: Most responsible truckers will perform a pre-trip inspection of their 18-wheelers before they take their semi-trucks out on the road. Poor brake performance, damaged suspension, underinflated tires, and load dynamics can all contribute to rollover crashes. Truck drivers who leave for a trip and know their truck hasn’t adequately been maintained are being negligent.

Who pays for my damages after a rollover truck crash in Ohio?

Ohio follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for paying for damages through their insurance. This includes:

The truck driver

If the truck driver was at fault due to negligent driving (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, or failing to control the vehicle), their insurance will typically cover your damages.

The trucking company

If the truck driver was working for a company at the time of the crash, the trucking company may also be held liable. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and their trucks are maintained. If negligence in hiring, supervision, or maintenance played a role, the company’s insurance would cover your losses.

Cargo loaders

If the accident was caused by improperly loaded cargo that shifted and caused the truck to roll over, the company responsible for loading the truck might be liable. They could be held responsible for damages if improper loading practices caused the truck to become unstable.

Manufacturers

If the rollover was due to a defective truck part, like faulty brakes or tires, the truck or parts manufacturer could be liable under a product liability claim. In these cases, you may be able to recover damages from the company that produced or supplied the faulty part.

When you’ve been injured, it’s time to get a truck accident lawyer

Rollover truck crashes are usually severe and happen far too often. The majority of rollovers occur because the driver was going too fast or not paying attention to the road. Quite frankly, that’s unacceptable. If you or a loved one were injured in tractor-trailer rollover crash, our Cleveland truck accident lawyers will work tirelessly to hold the irresponsible driver accountable and get you the compensation you need and deserve. We know how to prove negligence and build a case that won’t be ignored. Make my team your team. Contact us today for a free consultation.