How Dangerous Are Truck Rollovers?

By Terry Ging | March 27, 2024

Truck RolloversTruck rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous types of accidents that you can be involved in. Whether you are the truck driver or a passenger in another vehicle, these accidents can cause severe property damage and lifelong or even fatal injuries.

Truckers pass through the city of Pittsburgh and its surrounding towns and suburbs every single day. Those who commute and drive around these areas may encounter truck rollover accidents more often. The following are a few of the most recent truck rollover accidents that have happened near Pittsburgh:

  • In January 2024, a truck rollover accident occurred on Steubenville Pike, which is near I-79 in Robinson Township. It is unknown whether there were any injuries, but traffic was backed up for hours.
  • Another truck rollover crash occurred in Wilkinsburg on Parkway East near I-376 in January 2024. No injuries were reported, and it is believed that the truck turned over when making its way around a curve.
  • In August 2023, a FedEx tractor trailer rolled over onto its side on I-79 in Ohio Township. No information was released about injuries, but roads were closed for a few hours, causing traffic delays.
  • In April 2023, a truck rollover accident occurred in Tarentum on Route 28. The injuries from this accident are unknown, but emergency personnel immediately arrived at the scene to treat anyone involved.

How often do trucks roll over?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), rollover truck accidents accounted for four percent of all fatal truck accidents and two percent of all nonfatal truck accidents in 2021. While these may not seem like large percentages, the FMCSA states that there were 494,000 accidents (fatal and nonfatal) involving semi-trucks in 2021, which means that around six percent of that number (29,640) were truck rollovers.

What are the most common causes of a truck rolling over?

There are many common causes of a truck rolling over. Most of the time, it is the truck driver or trucking company’s negligence that causes trucks to roll over. However, it is important to know that this is not always the case, and it can very well be another driver’s or even the truck manufacturer’s fault. Here are some of the most common causes of truck rollover accidents in the Pittsburgh area:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Difficulties maneuvering the truck/ losing control
  • Cargo and loading issues
  • Poor maintenance
  • Defective or faulty truck parts
  • Tire blowouts
  • Oversteering
  • Intoxicated driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Weather and road conditions
  • Other driver’s negligent actions

What makes truck rollover accidents so dangerous?

Truck rollover accidents are dangerous because 18-wheelers typically weigh at least 20 times more than the average automobile. Therefore, if an 18-wheeler rolls over onto an automobile, it will likely crush it and cause serious damage to the vehicle as well as the passengers inside. This can lead to devastating or fatal injuries for those involved.

Truck rollover accidents can also be very dangerous to the community or other road users because semi-trucks are responsible for hauling a variety of different materials. For example, if a semi-truck is hauling large metal poles and they fall out onto the roadway, other drivers may come into contact with these large metal poles, causing a horrific accident. In addition, commercial trucks also frequently transport gas, chemicals, explosives, and flammable liquids, which can cause vehicles to immediately erupt into flames if an accident occurs. When chemicals, gasses, and liquids spill out onto the roadway, it can also cause issues within the community. For example, some people may have trouble breathing or may develop certain health conditions from inhaling the spilled chemicals, gasses, and liquids.

What are the chances of surviving a truck rollover?

Data compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) points out that more than half of large truck rollovers result in fatalities. In 2021, close to 800 truck accidents resulted in fatalities, and about 400 of those fatalities occurred due to rollover accidents. Therefore, if you are involved in a truck rollover accident, your chance of surviving might be around 50 percent.

Do trucks roll over easily?

Semi-trucks are known to roll over easily, especially when compared to other vehicles. The main reason behind this is because of the way that large trucks are designed. For example, they are long, wide, carry large and heavy loads, and they have a high center of gravity. Therefore, when a semi-truck is improperly loaded or the cargo shifts during transit, the weight quickly becomes unevenly distributed, causing the truck to easily roll over. In addition, when an 18-wheeler makes a sudden turn or goes around a sharp curve too quickly, the truck may lose its balance, causing it to overturn.

At Carmody and Ging, we take truck accident cases very seriously. Therefore, if you find yourself involved in a truck rollover accident and need help proving your case, our Pittsburgh truck accident lawyers are here to help you. Our team has over three decades of experience, which means you can rest assured knowing that we have what it takes to stand up and fight for your right to the compensation you need and deserve. We know that no amount of compensation will be able to make up for the hardships and challenges you are currently going through, but it can help you begin taking the steps to reclaim your life again. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your no-cost case evaluation today.

Posted in Truck Accident