Seeing large commercial trucks driving through Alaskan highways is so commonplace that you may not consider the potential dangers of sharing the road with them. However, there are numerous hazards associated with big rigs, including multi-vehicle accidents on slippery roads, collisions caused by distracted or intoxicated truck drivers, tire blowouts and rollover accidents.
A truck that has rolled can be especially dangerous to smaller vehicles driving nearby. As you might imagine, your family car would stand no chance against an 18-wheeler if it were to tip beside you. The cargo that a truck carries can also pose dangers in a rollover accident. For example, if a logging truck rolls, it is likely that its load of heavy logs will break free and wreak havoc on the highway. Diesel fuel is often spilled over the road in rollover accidents as well, presenting a toxic exposure or fire hazard to others involved in the accident. Rollovers are often associated with chain-reaction pileups, as other drivers attempt to evade the crash or have no time to avoid colliding.
What exactly causes rollover crashes? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration explains that 78 percent of these accidents are caused by truck driver error. As explained above, a trucker might be distracted or under the influence. He or she could be speeding or making a turn too fast, causing the truck to tip. The truck may be loaded improperly or could need maintenance. Situations out of the driver’s control might also contribute to a rollover accident, including adverse weather, poor road conditions or heavy traffic.
If a truck driver or trucking company was found responsible for an accident that caused an injury, you may be eligible for compensation.
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