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What to Know About a Rollover Accident with a Semi-Truck

Semi-truck rollover accidents are highly dangerous for everyone involved. Whether it is the truck that rolls or another vehicle, the force involved will likely result in terrible consequences. NHTSA statistics point out that 2017 saw a tragic 8.8% of all accidents in the US involved semi-trucks. And, with more than 2 million trucks on the roads every day, the risk of being involved in a rollover truck accident is pretty high.

Additionally, the fact that on average 4,000 people die in truck accidents every year, it’s vital to take every opportunity to reduce these numbers as much as possible. If you’ve been involved in a rollover accident with a semi-truck, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Here are some of the most important things to know about your rights after a semi-truck rollover accident.

What Can Cause a Semi-Truck to Rollover?

Rollover accidents account for approximately 4% of fatal truck accidents and 2% of non-fatal accidents. Typically, it is the carelessness, inexperience, or inattention of one or more drivers that causes the accident. Some of the common causes of big rig rollover accidents include:

• Sharp turns and misjudging curves
• Uneven weight distribution
• Poor road conditions, highway design, or construction
• Inexperience and inadequate reaction time
• Drowsy, fatigued, or distracted driving
• Mechanical failures
• Poor weather and visibility

What Injuries Can Happen in a Big Rig Rollover Accident?

The list of injuries that can result from a big rig rollover accident is extensive. The severity and type of injury can vary based on factors such as speed, the number of cars involved, and whether you were using a seat belt. However, in most cases, victims suffer from one or more of these types of injuries:

• Head, spinal cord, and back injuries
• Punctured organs and internal bleeding
• Dismemberment and disfigurement
• Permanent disability and long-term health issues
• Death

In any case, if you have suffered any of these injuries, then you should immediately contact an experienced truck accident attorney to discuss your case. It might be possible for you to get damages based on the type of injuries you have sustained. 

A competent rollover accident lawyer can certainly go a long way to help you get what you deserve. They will know exactly how to assess the extent of your injuries and will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your case.

What Does it Take to Prove the Truck Driver was Negligent in a Rollover Accident?

If you have been injured, you may be curious as to how negligence claims and lawsuits work. There are certain circumstances in which an injured person can sue for negligence. For instance, if the truck driver was driving recklessly or the company didn’t properly maintain the truck, one or both can be held liable. 

In order to prove negligence, you will need to document the events that led up to the accident, all injuries, and damage. It is important to keep track of all appointments and bills relating to your claim. This evidence can be used in court to help you receive compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and more. 

In many states, you must prove the negligence that occurred was in the state in which the incident happened. For instance, in Florida, you cannot file a claim in Florida state courts if the vehicle accident took place outside of Florida, even if the trucking company is located in Florida. 

If you choose to proceed with a suit, you will be facing the possibility of reduced compensation based on the type of accident as well as the degree of care you had exercised. This is because Florida uses the pure comparative negligence rule. For example, if you could have reasonably taken measures to avoid the accident, but failed to do so, your compensation may be reduced. Even though you were not completely at fault for the accident, you had a role in preventing the outcome.

The only way to definitively prove negligence and liability is with the help of an expert truck rollover accident attorney. They know the laws surrounding the issues and can examine the evidence to argue your case better than you can do it on your own. 

Should I Contact an Attorney Before Talking to an Insurance Company?

Emphatically, yes. Talking to the insurance adjuster before you have spoken to an attorney could spell big trouble for you down the line. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to lowball settlements and confusing people into saying things that will hurt their case. Do not sign anything or speak to anyone about the accident until you have an attorney you trust to get the job done. 

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we have dealt with the insurance companies and know all their tricks. We are committed to providing you with the best legal support and guidance possible. We proudly serve the Treasure Coast area, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Ft. Pierce, and Okeechobee. Start working with a knowledgeable, experienced semi-truck rollover accident lawyer in Florida by scheduling your free virtual consultation or call us toll-free at (866) 460-1990.