New Jersey Truck Rollover Accident Lawyer
Were You Part of a Semi-Truck Rollover Crash in New Jersey? Get a free case evaluation.
Arlen Law Firm: New Jersey’s Semi-Truck Rollover Accident Lawyers
Arlen Law Firm is a full-service trucking accident law firm. We specialize in cases that involve passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks (sometimes called 18-wheelers or semi-trucks). Because of the size of these massive vehicles, truck accident injuries can be severe. One uniquely dangerous type of truck accident is the rollover, a type of vehicle crash where a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. Semi-truck rollover accidents are considered to be some of the most dangerous types of vehicular crashes and have a higher fatality rate than other types of collisions.
If you have been injured in a semi-truck rollover accident, do not delay reaching out to our legal team. Our New Jersey trucking lawyers are here to answer any questions you have about your insurance claim and legal case and to help you take the next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve. Call us today for your free consultation: 908-212-7660.
Why You Need a Semi-Truck Rollover Accident Lawyer
A serious truck accident happens about once a minute in the United States; more than 500,000 crashes occur every year. Truck accidents are as common as they are complicated, with FMCSA regulations and company safety guidelines to consider alongside standard legal hurdles (like proving the accident caused your injuries and which party was responsible). Retaining an experienced semi-truck rollover accident lawyer will help bring your case to its full, fair resolution.
When a truck hits a smaller vehicle, it’s not uncommon for the passengers in the smaller vehicle to have worse injuries. In rollover truck accidents, it is possible to get pinned under the cab, side-swiped as the truck rolls, or even ejected from your car. The Somerset County truck accident lawyers at Arlen Law Firm are here to help truck accident victims with every kind of accident type—and we understand the ways in which these cases are unique.
What causes semi-truck rollover accidents?
A combination of factors causes semi-truck rollover accidents, typically involving driver error, vehicle dynamics, road conditions, and cargo management. In many cases, the root cause of truck rollover accidents is simply driver inattention. Trucks also require more regular maintenance and are subject to additional federal safety guidelines. Finally, the size and shape of the truck bed can make it susceptible to rollover events in high winds.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Speeding. Excessive speed, especially around curves or turns, is one of the leading causes of semi-truck rollovers. Trucks have a higher center of gravity, making them more susceptible to tipping over when turning or navigating sharp bends at high speeds.
Fatigue or distraction. Any time a truck driver fails to rest and recharge, their judgment and reaction time become impaired. Fatigued drivers may misjudge the speed required for a curve, misread a traffic sign, or fail to react to sudden obstacles, leading to a rollover.
Drug and alcohol use. It should go without saying, but drinking and driving, or driving while under the influence of a controlled substance, is a recipe for disaster. Rollover accidents can easily result from this lethal combination.
Sudden steering corrections. Truck drivers are trained to react to obstacles in the road and correct a drifting truck that has become destabilized; this can happen when the load is uneven. Over-steering or under-steering can lead to rollovers.
Slippery road conditions. Wet, icy, or uneven roads increase the likelihood of a rollover. Reduced traction makes it harder for the truck to maintain stability, particularly during turns or lane changes.
High winds. Because of their large surface area, semi-trucks are more susceptible to strong crosswinds. If a driver encounters high winds, especially when the truck is lightly loaded or empty, the wind can tip the vehicle over.
Brake failure. When a truck’s brakes fail to engage, the driver loses control of the vehicle. On curves or steep grades, this can lead to severe or even fatal accidents.
Suspension issues. The truck’s suspension system not only provides a smoother ride, but acts as a buffer to reduce the impact of bumps and dips in the road. A poorly maintained suspension can make the truck drive unevenly and lead to rollover accidents.
Improper tire maintenance. Uneven wear can also lead to rollover accidents; uneven tire wear can result in blowouts, which can cause the truck to tip onto its side if it occurs while the vehicle is in motion.
Improper cargo loading. Unbalanced or improperly secured cargo can cause a truck to become unstable. When the load shifts during transit, the vehicle’s balance is thrown off, increasing the risk of a rollover.
Rollover Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main cause for most semi-truck accidents?
According to a paper entitled Analysis of Large Truck Rollover Crashes, speed is the biggest contributor to rollover crashes; studies show that excessive speeding is involved in 45% of all rollover crashes.
Additionally:
A second major crash contributor involved attention: simply being inattentive, dozing or falling asleep, and distraction, all leading to situations where a sudden direction change resulted in a rollover. The third large crash contributor involved steering: over-steering to the point of rolling over, not steering enough to stay in lane, and overcorrecting to the point of having to counter-steer to remain on the road. Finally, loads are a frequent problem when drivers fail to take account of their weight, height, or security or when loading takes place before they are assigned. Instruction in rollover prevention, like most truck driver training, comes through printed publications.
Do I need an attorney to litigate my truck accident case?
While you are not legally required to have a truck accident attorney represent you, having one can significantly improve your chances of a successful case outcome. A semi-truck rollover accident lawyer will establish liability, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies who want to minimize your compensation. Without such legal expertise on your side, you may miss out on the full extent of damages your personal injury claim may entitle you to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have been injured in a New Jersey rollover trucking accident, call the experienced trucking accident lawyers at Arlen Law Firm. Our team not only understands New Jersey state laws and FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association) regulations but also how to make the justice system work for you.
How can a lawyer help with a truck accident case?
Rollover truck accident cases may involve multiple lines of insurance, contested liability, and state-specific legal issues that only a qualified attorney will be able to anticipate. Moreover, a New Jersey semi truck rollover accident attorney will help set your mind at ease during the arduous and sometimes stressful process of taking your case through the legal system.
What causes rollover trucking accidents?
The most common causes of rollover truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Mechanical issues (e.g., failing brakes or suspension systems)
- Maintenance/Parts failures
- Improper cargo loading
- Truck driver error
Moreover, any combination of common causes of trucking accidents may apply to rollover accidents. At Arlen Law Firm, we are careful to check the trucking company’s maintenance schedule, as well as their training processes, as well as the driver’s recent workload for potential “hours of service” violations.
How many rollover accidents occur every year?
The Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine reports that an estimated 9% of all large truck crashes involve rollovers. According to data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, rollovers—also called “overturns” or “overturn accidents”—were involved in 4 percent of all fatal crashes and 2 percent of nonfatal crashes.
How long do I have to file my New Jersey rollover truck accident claim?
New Jersey provides a two (2)-year statute of limitations for truck rollover accident cases. This simply means that you have only two (2) years from the date of the rollover accident to file your case, as per N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2. After this time period, you may not be able to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for your injuries.
Have you been injured in a New Jersey rollover truck accident? Speak to our New Jersey semi-truck rollover accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation: 908-212-7660.
How much insurance does a truck company have?
To operate in accordance with FMCSA law, all American trucking companies are required to carry at least $750,000 of liability insurance in addition to supplementary insurance for hazardous cargo. While this is the minimum insurance amount required by law, large trucking companies often carry insurance policies in excess of $5,000,000 per truck.
How do I find a New Jersey rollover accident lawyer near me?
While most people will never have to experience a semi-truck rollover accident, it’s important to know what resources are in place to help those who do. Semi-truck rollover accidents are serious, life-changing events and may result in medical issues that new, inexperienced trucking attorneys may not be able to handle effectively.
Just as it is important to seek out competent medical care to look after your injuries, it is also important to hire the best truck accident lawyer to represent you. Arlen Law Firm’s personal injury lawyers stand ready to help, with a proven track record of securing high-value outcomes in New Jersey trucking cases.
What makes Arlen Law Firm the right choice to represent you in your rollover truck accident case? We specialize in cases involving wrongful death and traumatic brain injury; we also have decades of experience handling multi-party lawsuits and insurance claims disputes.
For New Jersey semi-truck rollover accidents, Arlen Law Firm is the clear choice for plaintiff representation. Our team of experienced trucking accident attorneys stand ready to help make your case and set things right. To learn how we can help, call us today for a free consultation: 908-212-7660.
How can truck drivers prevent rollover crashes?
Truck drivers can prevent rollover crashes by adhering to several key safety practices. Maintaining safe speeds, especially when navigating curves or turns, is an important component of driving safely, as excessive speed is one of the leading causes of rollovers. Properly securing cargo is also essential, as uneven or shifting loads can destabilize the vehicle.
Additionally, drivers should always be mindful of the truck’s center of gravity and avoid sudden or sharp steering maneuvers, which can cause the vehicle to tip. Regular vehicle inspections, particularly of the tires and suspension, help ensure the truck remains in optimal condition. By remaining vigilant and practicing defensive driving, truck drivers can greatly reduce the risk of rollover crashes.
Have you been injured in a truck rollover accident? Speak to a New Jersey semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Remember, you only have two years from the accident date to file your case. Call Arlen Law Firm to learn how we can help: 908-212-7660.