Due to their high centers of gravity, 18 wheelers are more likely to roll over than passenger vehicles. However, these accidents are almost always preventable.
If you drive a large truck or SUV, it is essential that you learn how to avoid rollover crashes. Next time you get behind the wheel, keep these five tips in mind:
- Follow the speed limit;
- Adjust your driving to the weather conditions;
- Be cautious at curves in the road;
- Never overload a trailer;
- And do not rush to meet deadlines.
In 2018, more than 5,096 fatal accidents involved large trucks, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. All it takes is one act of negligence to cause a tragic accident.
If you were injured in a crash that another driver caused, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A Scottsdale truck accident lawyer will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the highest possible settlement on your behalf.
Our lawyers have been representing the injured for more than 30 years combined. Call 480-951-9700 today to schedule a free consultation.
Here are five tips that can help you avoid rollover crashes:
- Follow the speed limit.
Several factors can contribute to a rollover accident, but nearly half of these crashes involve speeding, as the National Institutes of Health explains. Truckers should reduce their speeds when carrying full loads, approaching curves, and driving in adverse weather.
- Adjust your driving to the weather conditions.
All motorists should reduce their speeds in rain, fog and other adverse conditions. This is especially important for truckers. High wind and slippery roads can increase the likelihood of a rollover.
- Be cautious at curves in the road.
A significant number of rollover accidents happen on curves. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity, its weight shifts when curving. If the vehicle is moving too fast, a rollover is likely. These crashes are particularly common on off-ramps and on-ramps.
- Never overload a trailer.
Arizona laws limit the weight that truckers can haul. Exceeding this weight or carrying a load that is too heavy for your particular truck can increase the probability of a rollover. The truck will be more difficult to handle, require a longer stopping distance, and could tip with an abrupt momentum shift.
- Do not rush to meet deadlines.
Commercial truckers often have strict deadlines, and a breakdown or another unexpected delay can put them behind schedule. Drivers who speed, weave through traffic, or otherwise behave negligently to save time are likely to cause a rollover accident.
If you were injured by a negligent truck driver in Arizona, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A personal-injury attorney in Scottsdale can guide you through the claims process. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 480-951-9700.