Why Do Truck Roll Over Accidents Occur In Las Cruces, New Mexico?
The Las Cruces, New Mexico truck accident attorney at the Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan is committed to providing the experienced legal representation our community needs after being injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler.
We know truck accidents are different than passenger vehicle collisions, because of the size and weight of the semi-trucks make-up. The large trucks and their shifting loads can cause catastrophic injuries, which require an accomplished Dona Ana County and Las Cruces personal injury lawyer to produce results. That’s why we’re here. To protect our community.
What Are The Main Causes of Las Cruces Semi-Truck Roll Over Accidents?
Several actions and reactions can cause a semi-truck to roll over, which can lead to passenger car drivers suffering life-changing injuries.
Cause number one: Speeding.
A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report found that speed is the largest contributor in semi-truck roll over accidents, accounting for 45% of their total.
This included:
- Speeding on entrance and exit ramps
- Misjudging the appropriate speed for curves
- Ignoring posted speed limits
- Rushing to make up miles/time
- Aggressive driving
Cause number two: Driver inattention.
Distracted driving can also play a serious role in truck roll over accidents, as a driver’s response time is a large part of their — and your — safety. When they’re not paying attention, they may have to over- or under-steer the large vehicle to adjust quickly, and both can cause a roll over crash without notice.
Using cellphones or GPS devices while driving an 80,000-pound semi-truck is a recipe for disaster. And when someone in our community is hurt by this type of negligence, we want to help them face the truck driver, trucking company, or third-party who is responsible for their injuries.
Cause number three: Shifting loads.
When truck drivers turn too quickly, improperly loaded cargo can shift without notice, tipping the truck’s trailer onto its side. This is true for trucks carrying both hard goods and liquids.
In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recorded that 90% of cargo trucks with tanks roll over when their tank is partially full.
This is because of the weight of the liquid tipping to one side, creating a slosh that upends the tank’s center line of gravity. Unfortunately, the liquid will continue to shift from side to side, or back to front, during a driver’s quick or poorly maneuvered turns or when breaking too quickly, which can cause trucks to roll over in an instant.
Miscellaneous semi-truck rollover factors can also include:
- Worn brakes
- Poor suspension or alignment issues
- Damaged tires or low tire pressure
- Improperly maintained steering components
Each semi-truck haul — whether it is a few miles or thousands of miles between pick up and drop off — should begin with the truck driver assessing the truck’s features during a full evaluation of its mechanical make-up, so there are no surprises while they are on the road. In addition, the trucking company must maintain their fleets properly to ensure they are running optimally at all times.
When either party is negligent in their actions — even due to inaction — they are responsible for the truck accident injuries that result.
Have You Been Hurt In A Truck Accident In Lac Cruces? Contact The Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan Today
If you have been hurt in a truck crash, contact our Las Cruces, New Mexico truck accident lawyer today at (575) 339-1628 for a free case evaluation. You do not have to face the negligent party who caused your injuries alone. We can help protect your rights, so you can focus on getting the medical care you deserve.