Waldorf Truck Rollover Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for Injuries in Truck Rollovers in Waldorf, MD

Few traffic accidents are as dangerous as situations where a commercial truck rolls over. When a large truck or trailer turns over onto its side, other vehicles may be crushed. Drivers may have no warning that an overturned truck is blocking the road. A rollover accident can take place in a matter of seconds, giving other drivers almost no time to react.

The attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer can help determine the causes of commercial truck rollover accidents, the parties who were responsible, and the options for injury victims. We have a proven record of success fighting for the people who have been injured in truck accidents and other situations involving negligence. With our aggressive approach to these cases, we can take steps to ensure that our clients will be fully compensated for their damages.

Why Truck Rollovers Can Be Dangerous

18-wheelers and other commercial trucks are long, tall, and heavy. They have a high center of gravity, which may make them more likely to roll over. The hazards created by a truck that rolls over can affect people in multiple vehicles and anyone else on the road.

Damage to Other Vehicles When a Truck Rolls Over

In a rollover accident, a truck may fall onto vehicles in other lanes. The full weight of a trailer may land on top of a vehicle, crushing it and causing serious injuries to the driver and any passengers. A falling truck may also push another vehicle into other lanes of traffic, leading to additional collisions.

Overturned Trucks That Block Traffic

After a truck has rolled over, the wreckage may cover multiple lanes of a road or highway. This can block traffic, and other drivers who are approaching may not have time to stop. If a vehicle collides with a truck or trailer at a high speed, the impact may be similar to a head-on collision. In some cases, multi-vehicle pileups can occur due to the obstacle that an overturned truck creates.

Spilled Cargo in a Rollover Accident

When a truck turns over, the cargo it is carrying may be scattered across the road. Depending on what the truck was carrying, multiple types of hazards may be created by spilled cargo. Large, heavy items like construction materials or machinery parts may obstruct lanes of traffic. Smaller items may puncture the tires of other vehicles. If a rollover involves the spill of hazardous materials like fuel or chemicals, people throughout the nearby area may be exposed to toxic substances, or they may be at risk of being injured in fires.

Causes of Commercial Truck Rollover Accidents

In many cases, rollover accidents occur because of the negligence of truck drivers or other parties. This negligence may include:

Excessive Speed

Speeding by truck drivers can lead to a loss of control and a rollover. When a driver takes a curve too fast, the force placed on the trailer may lead it to turn over. These accidents may occur on roads with curves or highway entrance or exit ramps.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

The way cargo is loaded, distributed, and secured within a trailer can affect a truck's stability. Cargo that has shifted to one side or that was loaded unevenly may affect the balance of a truck and lead to a rollover. Trucks that are overloaded will also be more likely to roll over.

Driver Fatigue

When truck drivers are tired or drowsy, they will be more likely to make mistakes while driving. They may fail to slow down when approaching a curve or exiting from a highway. They may not notice that conditions on the road have changed, or they may need to swerve suddenly in response to changes in traffic. These issues may cause drivers to lose control, leading to rollover accidents.

Equipment Failures

Mechanical problems may be a factor in rollover accidents. Tire blowouts can lead to a sudden loss of traction or improper balance that may cause a truck to roll over. Brake failures may cause a truck to go into a skid and turn over. Problems with suspension systems or other equipment may also affect the balance and handling of a truck, leading to a rollover accident when a driver loses control.

Road Conditions

Issues such as wet pavement, snowy or icy weather, or damaged road surfaces can affect a driver's ability to maintain control of a truck. A truck driver may cause a rollover accident if they fail to account for these factors, or a government organization may be responsible for rollover accidents that occur because of unsafe or improperly maintained roads.

Contact Our Waldorf, Maryland Rollover Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck rollover accidents can create chaos on the road, and multiple people may be seriously injured in these situations. These cases may involve complex legal issues, and multiple parties may be responsible for the harm suffered by the people involved in an accident. At Farmer & Klopfer, our attorneys can unravel the legal concerns that can arise after a rollover accident, and we will fight to obtain full and fair compensation for injury victims. Contact our Waldorf rollover accident lawyers at 301-843-3890 to set up your free consultation.