Around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10th, an 18-wheeler jack-knifed, 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. From the Houston Transtar images, it appears as though the 18-wheeler may have exited the highway and lost control, resulting in a rollover accident. These types of accidents often block roadways, present serious hazards for unsuspecting travelers, and commonly result in subsequent multi-vehicle collisions. Luckily, it appears from the images and early reports that this wreck may have been fortunate not to have resulted in any subsequent collisions.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Rollover Accidents
There are many factors that may cause an 18-wheeler to rollover or jackknife. Often, there is more than one cause of these accidents. However, over 78% of rollover accidents involve truck driver error, according to the NTSB. Thus, the investigation needs to be very 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 then goes to turn, if the load is too much on one side, the truck can fall over when trying to make an otherwise normal turn or go around a curve. It is the duty of both the loading company and the truck driver to inspect a load before transport and make sure that 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 rollover. They are not designed to switch lanes like racecars. Sudden vehicle movements can result from many reasons. The actions of other drivers may force the truck to swerve suddenly. However, it may also be a result of driver fatigue, intoxication, or inattention. Often, the only way to identify sudden unexplained movements and their cause is to download the electronic data from the truck’s electronic 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
Anytime weather or heavy traffic is involved, truck drivers must take note of the condition 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 both before and after all trips to ensure the truck 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 rollover 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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