The presence of large trucks on DC roadways has great economic benefits but also brings great risks and hazards. Trucks have a higher center of gravity than other motor vehicles, making them more susceptible to rollover incidents.
In the event of an accident with a smaller vehicle, a truck can cause devastating injury to the smaller vehicle’s occupants. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a rollover truck accident, it may be critical to contact a DC rollover truck accident lawyer. An experienced truck accident attorney can represent your legal interests and fight for compensation for your losses and injuries.
Operating a large truck safely requires specialized care and training. There are several factors at play in the event of a truck rollover, including the truck’s speed, its stability when loaded, and the angle of the curve the truck was traveling as it rolled over.
According to a 2008 analysis of a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), nearly half of the 239 truck rollover crashes studied were the result of “failing to adjust speed to curves in the road, (mostly on- and off-ramps), the load being carried, condition of the brakes, road surface, and intersection conditions.”
The analysis found that other major contributors to rollover accidents included driver inattention, such as distraction and falling asleep, as well as improper steering and inadequately considering the truck’s load.
Unfortunately, many rollover truck accidents could have been avoided if the truck driver or trucking company had exercised more care in driving, truck maintenance, or driver training.
Individuals who think their accident may have been caused by another’s negligence should contact a DC rollover truck accident lawyer who can analyze the specifics of the case and advise an injured person of their legal options.
Most claims that result from a rollover truck accident are initiated under the legal theory of negligence, which falls under the scope of personal injury law. If an accident has been caused by another’s negligence, injured victims may be able to obtain monetary compensation for their damages.
Damages may include medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. In the event of a loved one’s death, other damages may also apply, such as loss of consortium. In certain circumstances, those at fault may be ordered to pay punitive damages, which seek to punish behavior and deter others from acting similarly.
Bear in mind that there are legal time limits called statutes of limitations associated with all legal claims. The statute of limitations for a personal injury action in DC is three years from the date of the accident.
For individuals who are bringing a wrongful death lawsuit due to the death of a loved one, the statute of limitations is two years from the death. One should contact a lawyer much sooner, as they will need time to investigate the accident and prepare the lawsuit.
It is important to find representation by a competent DC rollover truck accident lawyer who has investigated rollovers before, as there are many intricate causes of truck rollovers and various parties who may be liable. Contact an experienced lawyer for more information about seeking recovery for you or a loved one’s injuries.
