Every day we see trucks on the highways and smaller roads across the country. We rely on the goods that they are transporting to and from distribution centers for many of the modern comforts that we enjoy. While trucks on the road are an afterthought to most people, they become a serious problem in the event of a rollover. When a truck rolls over, serious injuries can occur to everyone else who is involved as well. To minimize your chances of being involved in a truck rollover accident, it is important to understand the common reasons as to why these accidents happen.
Common Reasons Why a Truck Might Roll Over
The combination of a high center of gravity and a large amount of weight being carried by a commercial truck can somewhat easily result in a dangerous rollover given the right conditions. Some of the more common causes that these trucks rollover include:
- A distracted driver – Although every driver, especially a professional commercial driver, should avoid distractions while driving, sometimes truck drivers will focus their attention on something other than the task of driving. Common distractions include driving while drowsy, texting while driving, looking at directions, or eating at the wheel. This can lead to a rollover accident.
- Bad weather – When the roads are icy and slippery, it is common to see trucks that have slid off the side of the road and have rolled over. This rollover accident is often caused by reduced traction on the roads.
- Faulty equipment – Sometimes, the cargo in a truck is loaded incorrectly and is not evenly distributed. Other times the brakes or other equipment might fail. Both of these incidents can result in a truck rolling over.
Limit your Chances of Being Involved in a Truck Rollover Accident
Although it is not always possible to completely avoid being involved in a truck rollover accident, there are certain actions that you can take in order to minimize your chances of being injured. Two of the most important actions you can take to avoid being injured in a truck rollover accident include:
- Recognize signs of a fatigued driver – Driving while tired is one of the most common dangers for commercial truck drivers who will often opt to push through their fatigue instead of stopping to rest. Some signs to watch for include drifting in and out of a lane, turning without notice or a turn signal, driving much slower than other traffic, breaking for no apparent reason.
- Maintain a safe distance at all times, especially in poor weather conditions – When there is snow and ice on the road, is it important to drive slowly and pass a truck with care. Poor road conditions are a leading cause of truck rollovers.
Contact a San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer As Soon as Possible
If you have been injured because of a truck rollover accident, it can be difficult to know what steps to take in order to move forward with the legal process. At The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc, our team of attorneys is dedicated to fighting to protect our clients’ right to just compensation. We are dedicated to helping those who have been involved in a truck rollover accident and are ready to learn more about your situation. Call us today at (415) 851-6486 to schedule your initial appointment.
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