Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Truck Rollovers

Large, heavy, and unwieldy, semi-trucks pose a threat to other vehicles around them. If the driver does not operate the vehicle correctly, perhaps taking a turn too sharply or falling asleep at the wheel, it is very likely that an accident will occur. One of the most devastating accidents that can occur on the roads is truck rollovers. These crashes can cause catastrophic injuries that can have lifelong effects on victims and their families.

If you are injured in a semi-truck rollover accident in South Carolina, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your losses. With a lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they work to get you the compensation you deserve.

How common are semi-truck accidents?

According to the National Safety Council, in 2021, there were 5,700 fatal accidents that involved large trucks, which is an 18% increase from the previous year and a 49% increase over the past decade. In terms of involvement per 100 million miles traveled by large trucks, there was a 7% increase from 2020 and a 22% increase in the last decade. Large trucks are classified as any medium or heavy truck with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds, excluding buses and motorhomes, and include both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.
Additionally in 2021, a total of 117,300 large trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in injury, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. Over the last five years, the number of large trucks involved in injury accidents has gone up by 15%. Furthermore, the involvement rate per 100 million miles traveled by large trucks has increased by 3%, resulting in a rate of 36 crashes.

Causes of truck rollovers

Truck rollovers can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical failure, and external factors such as weather or road conditions. Some of the most common causes of truck rollovers include:

• Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of truck accidents, including rollovers. When a truck driver is traveling at high speeds, they are more likely to lose control of their vehicle and cause an accident.
• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are often required to work long hours and drive for extended periods of time without breaks. This can lead to fatigue, which can impair a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions and increase the risk of a rollover.
• Improper loading: Overloading a truck or loading it unevenly can cause it to become unstable and more likely to roll over. It is essential for truck drivers and their employers to ensure that trucks are loaded correctly and within legal weight limits.
• Defective or worn out parts: Truck accidents can also be caused by mechanical failure, such as brake failure or tire blowouts. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these types of accidents.

While the operator of the vehicle is often the cause of the rollover, there can be other liable parties as well, depending on what caused the rollover in the first place. If the accident was caused by a malfunctioning part on the truck, the manufacturer may be held responsible. If the cargo was loaded incorrectly, whoever loaded the cargo might be liable as well. More than one party may be responsible for the accident, and if so, your attorney will ensure that they are all pursued in your lawsuit.

Types of catastrophic injuries caused by truck rollovers

Because semi-trucks are so heavy, fatalities are common in these accidents. The injuries they can cause are often catastrophic, requiring intense medical care and likely a lifetime of treatment, pain, and complications. Some of the serious injuries caused by truck rollovers include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). A TBI is a type of injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. In a truck rollover, a victim’s head may hit the dashboard, steering wheel, or window, causing a TBI.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can be caused by the force of the impact or by objects within the vehicle striking the victim’s spine.
• Internal Injuries. In a truck rollover, victims may suffer internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or ruptured blood vessels. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Fractures. Fractures are a common injury in truck rollovers. Victims may suffer fractures to their arms, legs, ribs, or other bones in the body.
• Burns. In some truck rollovers, the vehicle may catch fire, causing burns to the victims. Burns can be severe and may require extensive medical treatment.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Victims of truck rollovers may also suffer from PTSD, which is a type of mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.

Other than injuring you physically and emotionally, these injuries can affect your social and family life as well. You may need to learn how to perform everyday activities in a new way, or have friends and family help you perform errands and tasks. You may lose your job, and suffer financially. This is why it is important to talk to a South Carolina truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

How can a South Carolina truck accident attorney help me?

Truck accident cases can be complex, and it is essential to work with an attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. It’s important for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries in a truck rollover to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help determine liability and pursue maximum compensation for their injuries.

The lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC will investigate the accident to determine liability, identify all responsible parties, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We can also help you understand your legal rights and options, including the possibility of filing a lawsuit. We will ensure that you receive the medical treatment you need and help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, you can call us at one of our many offices in South Carolina or use our contact page.