Truck Rollover Statistics

One of the scariest kinds of New Mexico road traffic accidents involves thousands of pounds of steel, diesel fuel, and other materials rolling over on the highway. Add to that a hazardous cargo and you have the recipe for disaster. But, how often do these accidents actually occur? According to the data from the

• 295,900 large trucks were involved in serious accidents.

• 3.3% of those accidents involving large trucks involved a rollover.

• Approximately 400 of those rollover accidents involved fatalities.

To the common observer, 3.3% does not seem like a very concerning figure. However, if you or your loved one were involved in a rollover accident, that 3.3% becomes very personal for you. In such cases, statistics are no longer nearly as important as what your rights are, and what you can do to ensure you or your loved one receives the best care possible.

Fault for Rollover Truck Accidents

While no one wants to be responsible for the pain and expense that results from rollover truck accidents, the fact remains that law enforcement officers, insurance adjusters, and trucking employers are all going to seek to establish fault in a traffic accidents. Because insurance agencies make money by collecting premiums rather than paying out for accidents, their adjusters will seek to place the blame on people other than their clients. The driver of a truck involved in a rollover accident is the most likely candidate for primary fault.

Other factors which can cause rollovers include:

• Mechanical Failure – a driver is often not the one responsible for truck maintenance. If the rollover was due to mechanical failure, it may actually be your employer who is at fault.

• Other Vehicles/Drivers – at times a truck rollover is actually due to the unsafe driving of other vehicles. In the process of avoiding an accident, a truck driver’s response may result in the rollover.

• Improper Loading – again, drivers are seldom the ones responsible for loading trucks. An improperly balanced load can be catastrophic in varied driving conditions.

• Liquid Sloshing – tanker trucks that are only partially full can be extremely hazardous. Sloshing of contents as the truck goes around curves can cause the tank to roll the truck. Companies who insist that their drivers carry partial tanks are putting their drivers at risk.

Know Your Rights

Dealing with the trauma of rollover truck accidents is a major load for anyone to carry. If you were injured in the accident, your health becomes your major concern. Often times, dealing with the legal aspects can be overwhelming. This is why it is important to seek excellent legal help. A lawyer can help you:

• Prove the actual cause of the accident

• Fight big companies who do not want to accept responsibility

• Ensure your medical bills are taken care of

• Fight to keep your driving privileges