Truck Rollover Accidents in Jacksonville
A law firm experienced in handling truck accidents
Truck rollovers on Interstate 95, Interstate 10, U.S. 1 or anywhere in the Jacksonville area are always a danger to other motorists. There are many factors that can contribute to a rollover accident involving a large commercial truck. Most of these accidents are caused by the negligence of the driver or trucking company.
Truck rollover accidents are preventable. Truck drivers and their companies are expected to take precautions to ensure the stability of these massive vehicles, many of which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
The attorneys at Pajcic & Pajcic have decades of experience handling truck accidents in Jacksonville and throughout Florida, and we have the case results to prove it. We have decades of experience and legal knowledge, and we know how to hold negligent truck drivers accountable. Contact us today and find out how we can help you.
What causes truck rollover accidents?
Truck rollover accidents are often attributed to a disruption in a commercial vehicle's center of gravity. They can be caused by any of the following:
- Turning or swerving too fast: When a truck driver travels around a curve, swerves into another lane or enters or exits a highway ramp too fast, centrifugal force can cause the truck to roll over. This happens when the force of the vehicle turns outward or away from the truck while traveling around a curve.
- Environmental conditions: Slippery road conditions, heavy fog and heavy downpours can hinder a truck driver's ability to slow down or stop when approaching a curve. High winds can also be a contributing factor to truck rollovers, since wind gusts can disrupt trailer stability.
- Truck defects: If the driver isn't able to slow down or stop due to brake failure, the truck can roll over when approaching a curve or an obstacle that must be avoided. Tire blowouts are also known to cause truck rollovers, since the vehicle often loses control.
- Distracted or impaired driving: Truck drivers who are distracted by handheld devices, infotainment systems or other activities that can take their attention off the road may not be able to react when approaching a curve in the road. Drowsing driving or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can cause delays in judgment and reaction time, thus increasing the likelihood of a rollover accident.
- Improperly loaded trailers: It is crucial that the trailers on large trucks are properly loaded, balanced and secured. If a trailer is overloaded or the cargo isn't loaded evenly, the truck's center of gravity can easily be thrown off when making a turn or changing lanes.
- Poor steering control: The steering habits of truck drivers can greatly increase the likelihood of a rollover accident. Oversteering to avoid an obstacle or overcorrection can cause a large truck to roll over, especially if the truck's center of gravity is already compromised.