There is no question that the trucking industry is important for shipping goods across the country. However, countless people in Louisiana and other states are put at risk every day by truck drivers who are tired, distracted or intoxicated, or who may lose control due to factors outside their control. When trucks roll over, the results can be especially devastating.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety claims that in 2016, rollovers accounted for 55 percent of occupant fatalities involving large trucks. This did not account for the additional deaths or injuries of other motorists involved in rollover accidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration goes on to state that truck driver error is blamed in more than 78 percent of truck rollovers. As one might expect, the size and weight of a large truck that tips over may crush other vehicles nearby, as well as result in other hazards like fires or spilled gasoline and cargo.
Numerous factors can contribute to a rollover accident, such as the truck driver’s experience and level of training, how fast he or she was making a turn and whether speeding, alcohol, distraction or fatigue were involved. A truck in need of maintenance or with a blown tire might also tip over. Road conditions or weather factors, especially ice or high winds, may increase a truck’s chances of rolling.
There are no perfect solutions to avoid all trucking accidents, including rollovers. When negligence has resulted in an injury, those who were involved in a collision may be able to seek compensation.