Failure by a mechanic or driver to do all of the above could result in a serious rollover crash.
Rollover wrecks caused by potholes, debris, or other obstacles on the road are called “tripped” accidents. Rollovers resulting from other factors are “untripped” crashes. Most untripped rollovers are completely or partially caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver.
Injuries Resulting From Truck Rollover Crashes
In a rollover accident involving a commercial truck, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded, and a car or SUV weighing 4,000-5,000 pounds, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are likely to suffer one or more serious injuries:
- Whiplash
- Spinal damage
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Fractured bones
- Cracked ribs
- Hyperextended or dislocated joints
- Pinched nerves
If you’re injured in a rollover crash caused by a negligent trucker, you’re entitled to file a claim against that driver’s insurer for your damages: medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck rollover crash caused by someone else, you’re entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
Multiple Defendants
Knowing exactly which parties are responsible, however, is more difficult in a truck crash than it is in a car accident. If you’re injured by a negligent commercial truck driver, you could have claims against the driver, the trucking company, a leasing agency, a mechanical repair service, the truck manufacturer, a parts manufacturer, or cargo loading personnel. We recommend you leave the job of investigating to determine each party’s percentage of fault, filing claims (including wrongful death if someone has died) against the defendants’ various insurers, negotiating with them to seek fair compensation, and filing multiple lawsuits if a reasonable settlement is not offered to an experienced truck crash lawyer while you focus on your recovery.
Protect Your Claim
If you’re physically able to do so, there are steps you can take at the scene of a rollover accident to strengthen and protect your claim for damages: Move to safety, call 9-1-1, stay at the scene, take photos of the vehicles involved in the crash and other evidence from the scene, note the presence of security cameras that might have footage of the wreck, exchange information with the at-fault driver but don’t discuss the wreck, get contact information from any witnesses, answer the questions of law enforcement when they arrive but do not elaborate or argue, don’t admit any fault to anyone, contact your insurer, and consult a truck accident lawyer soon.
Have You Been Injured In A Florence, South Carolina Area Truck Accident?
If you've been injured in a Florence truck accident you should speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Florence, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.7540 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Charleston, Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
Related Links: |