Many large tractor-trailers use Alpharetta roads to deliver cargo around the state. Unfortunately, some of those trucks inevitably get involved in accidents, many of which involve flipped vehicles. These can be some of the most dangerous kinds of traffic wrecks and often result in devastating physical injuries.
If you or a family member was injured in a rollover truck accident in Alpharetta due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages. A skilled attorney with experience helping truck accident victims could help you receive compensation for your losses.
What is a Rollover Accident?
Rollover accidents occur when a motor vehicle turns over onto its side or roof. Although any type of automobile can flip over, rollovers occur more frequently with larger vehicles such as tractor trailers, vans, or SUVs.
Several different factors can increase a truck driver’s chances of causing a rollover accident. These include the following:
- Speeding and losing control of the vehicle
- Being distracted by their cellphone, eating or drinking, changing the radio station, or turning around to speak to their passengers
- Driving in bad weather conditions, such as ice, fog, and rain, when trucks are more apt to slip or skid
- Causing a traffic wreck involving multiple vehicles, especially when one vehicle crashes into the side of another and forces it to flip over
Injuries Caused by Flipped Vehicles
Unfortunately, flipped commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries. These may include:
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Spinal damage
Any truck passengers, people in other vehicles, and pedestrians involved in a rollover accident can suffer these kinds of catastrophic harm. Fatalities are also common in these types of dangerous traffic wrecks. Because the consequences are often severe, it is essential for victims and their families to work with an experienced local attorney who could pursue a damages award for all physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Factors Unique to Semi Truck Rollovers
Semis and large commercial vehicles are more susceptible to rolling over than other types of motor vehicles. This is due to several factors.
Trucks are More Unstable
Trucks are taller, top-heavier, and have a higher center of gravity than smaller passenger vehicles. Because of this, they are less stable than cars and more prone to flipping over. Additionally, if they contain unbalanced or unsecured cargo, they may be even less stable. Trucks can also flip onto their sides or backs when an inexperienced driver jerks the wheel too sharply or suddenly.
Wide Vehicles May Sideswipe
Tractor-trailer rollovers often happen when the side of the vehicle hits something on the side of the road, like a guardrail, median strip, or sidewalk. If a wide truck sideswipes something while traveling at a high rate of speed, it may tip over.
Reach Out to Legal Counsel After an Alpharetta Rollover Truck Accident
After a trucking collision, consulting a knowledgeable attorney may be the right step toward recovering financially and emotionally for your suffering. If you were severely impacted by a rollover truck accident in Alpharetta, contact a lawyer with experience representing injured victims in these cases. Call our firm today for a consultation.