Rollover Truck Accidents in Westlake Village

Commercial truck drivers are held to a higher safety standard than regular drivers because they need a high level of skill to operate their vehicles. Big rig drivers must complete extensive training and licensing, and even more if they transport hazardous materials. This is because reckless driving or failing to follow safety protocols could cause a crash with devastating consequences.

A common type of 18-wheeler crash is a rollover, which is when the driver loses control of the vehicle, and it rolls on its side like a barrel. This can be caused by speeding, an unsafe cargo load, or faulty mechanisms. Rollover truck accidents in Westlake Village could result in catastrophic injuries for everyone involved. The experienced truck wreck lawyers at Block LLP could help injured victims pursue a claim for compensation.

Common Causes of Rollover Accidents

Almost all rollover truck crashes can be attributed to driver error. Driving a massive and heavy vehicle requires a high level of skill and awareness to operate safely and minimize the risk of rolling over.

Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of rollovers. If a semi-truck tries to turn a corner too fast, it could topple over due to its heavy weight. This could also happen if the 18-wheeler takes a curve on the highway while speeding. Speed limits are in place for a reason, and driving above the limit risks everyone’s safety.

Overloaded/Overweight Vehicles

Commercial transportation vehicles need to haul heavy cargo across long distances and it is vital for drivers to ensure that their cargo is evenly distributed and safely secured because the weight could cause a rollover crash. Uneven distribution could cause the truck to become off-balanced and tip over. Unsecured cargo could shift and move while the vehicle is in motion and create an unbalanced distribution. Truck drivers must not overload their vehicles because of similar risks.

Improper Maintenance

With heavy cargo and hours on the road, commercial trucks experience significantly more wear and tear on their mechanisms than passenger cars. The tires and brakes are particularly vulnerable and must be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are in good working condition or need to be replaced. If the tires or brakes fail, it could result in a rollover crash, and it is the driver’s and transportation company’s responsibility to properly maintain the vehicle.

Bad Weather Conditions

Road and weather conditions may also play a role in a rollover accident. Wet or icy roads could cause a semi-truck to slide out of control. Big rigs are susceptible to high wind speeds because their cargo holds act as massive sails to catch the wind and tip over. While these adverse conditions could contribute to a rollover truck crash, it is still the driver’s responsibility to be aware of the weather and road conditions. Whether it’s driving slowly or coming to a complete stop to wait for better conditions, truck drivers must take proper precautions in adverse weather to ensure safety.

Most rollover trucking accidents in Westlake Village can be attributed to driver error, which places responsibility for the crash on the operator or their employer. A skilled lawyer could help hold the truck driver or company responsible for covering any damages caused by the collision.

Compensation for a Rollover Truck Wreck

A collision with a massive 18-wheeler could result in severe injuries, some of which could come with life-long complications. Because most rollover truck wrecks in Westlake Village can be attributed to driver error, it is usually possible for victims to recover comprehensive compensation for their injuries.

Potential compensation includes:

• Hospital bills
• Medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Lost potential income
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

A dedicated attorney could help pursue all possible forms of compensation for injured victims.

Call an Attorney After a Rollover Truck Crash in Westlake Village

Rollover truck accidents in Westlake Village occur when drivers fail to safely operate their vehicles. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a rollover crash, call Block LLP to speak with a lawyer about your case.

A seasoned truck accident attorney could provide guidance about your legal options and explain your possible compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.