Around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10th, an 18-wheeler jackknifed, blocking all lanes of the northbound feeder road to I-45 around the highway exit for Patton Street in the Brooke-Smith neighborhood of Houston. Houston Transtar images suggest the 18-wheeler may have exited the highway and lost control, resulting in a rollover accident. These accidents often block roadways, pose serious hazards for unsuspecting travelers, and commonly result in subsequent multi-vehicle collisions. Luckily, the images and early reports suggest this wreck may not have resulted in any subsequent collisions.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Rollover Accidents
Many factors can cause an 18-wheeler to roll over or jackknife. Often, more than one factor contributes to these accidents. However, over 78% of rollover accidents involve truck driver error, according to the NTSB. Thus, the investigation must be thorough when making the determination. Some of the causes of 18-wheeler rollover accidents include:
- Improperly Loaded Cargo
- Sudden Vehicle Movements
- Driving too Fast for the Weather or Traffic Conditions
- Mechanical and Maintenance Issues
- Driver Impairment
Improperly Loaded Cargo on a Truck
When cargo is not properly balanced or secured, it can shift during transport. Shifting cargo may result in a load imbalance. When the truck turns, if the load is too heavy on one side, the truck can tip over during an otherwise normal turn or while going around a curve. Both the loading company and the truck driver must inspect a load before transport and make sure it is balanced and secured properly. Determining whether this was done often requires filing a lawsuit and obtaining the documents evidencing what pre-trip inspections were done.
Sudden Vehicle Movements
Even when the load is properly secured, sudden swerves and turns can cause a truck to roll over. They are not designed to switch lanes like race cars. Sudden vehicle movements can result from many reasons. Other drivers’ actions may force the truck to swerve suddenly. However, it may also result from driver fatigue, intoxication, or inattention. Often, the only way to identify sudden, unexplained movements and their cause is to download electronic data from the truck’s event data recorder, or black box. Talk to a truck accident lawyer at Simmons and Fletcher by calling 800-298-0111 if you have questions about how to obtain this data.
Driving Too Fast for Weather or Traffic Conditions
Whenever weather or heavy traffic is involved, truck drivers must note the conditions and adjust their driving accordingly. For example, a safe speed of travel on a dry road is not the same as a safe speed on an icy road. Truck drivers have a duty to adjust their driving to account for their surroundings.
Mechanical and Maintenance Issues
Trucks typically cover many miles each day they haul. Like anything else manmade, they can and will deteriorate and wear down. The brakes may stop working over time. Tires wear and explode. The driver has a duty to inspect his truck before and after each trip to ensure it is in good working order. Brake failures and blown tires can cause a truck to lose control, swerve, and jackknife.
Driver Impairment
When a truck driver’s reaction time is slowed, he is more likely not to uphold his duties as a driver. While it is unsafe to operate any motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol, it is especially important for truck drivers to drive sober. A simple driving error by an 18-wheeler driver can result in major accidents and multiple fatalities due to the truck’s enormous size and weight.
Call A Truck Accident Lawyer At Simmons and Fletcher
Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., have investigated numerous 18-wheeler rollovers and other truck accidents. If you or your loved ones were harmed and you believe that a truck driver’s negligence may be the cause, talk to a lawyer about your rights today with a no-obligation free consultation.
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