According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis and Reporting System (FARS), a tractor trailer rollover during a crash skyrockets the risk of serious truck accident injury and death in both the truck driver and those in other vehicles nearby.
Over 7 million tractor trailers are currently registered in the United States. Large trucks account for about 4 percent of the vehicles on U.S. roads. And approximately 430,000 large trucks are involved in crashes each year. While only about one percent of these accidents cause deaths, or about 4,300, at least 35 percent of those deaths each year occur when the truck rolls over. Due to their weight and build, tractor trailers are less likely to roll over than passenger cars, but it also means that anyone inside or near the truck when it rolls is far more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries, whether or not they are wearing a seatbelt.
As a result of these sobering statistics, the U.S. Department of Transportation has recommended that large trucks be evaluated for crashworthiness in rollover accidents. Improving safety may help prevent rollover crashes or protect drivers and passengers when these crashes occur.
If you’ve been injured in a rollover truck crash, you’re not alone. At Page Law, our experienced St. Louis rollover truck accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of those injured in truck accidents. We can help you with every step of the process after a crash, from finding out details of the crash to securing the compensation you need – so that you can focus on healing. For a free and confidential consultation, call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515.
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Highway 3 in Illinois was blocked after a tractor-trailer truck containing rubbing alcohol rolled onto its side on an exit ramp, according to The Belleville News Democrat. The truck driver was exiting Interstate 255 South onto Illinois 3 when the truck fell onto its side.
The accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. and the hazardous materials containment team from St. Clair County rushed to the scene and shut down both lanes of Illinois 3 after learning that the truck was carrying a highly flammable material. The highly flammable material turned out to be rubbing alcohol. Fortunately, none of the rubbing alcohol in the truck spilled during the accident. Also, though the driver was taken to Saint Louis University Hospital, he was not seriously injured.
Exit ramps can be dangerous if they are taken at too great a speed. Driving manuals state that drivers should be sure to slow enough on an exit ramp so that passengers in the vehicle do not feel as if they are being pulled during the exit from the highway. The danger of exit ramps is increased with big rigs because they are often carrying heavy cargo. Should some of this cargo become dislodged and shift while they are attempting to exit the interstate, the truck can become difficult to control and, in some cases, can fall onto its side. It is critical that big rig drivers take even more care than normal drivers to ensure that they safely exit the highway.
Tractor-trailers are a key part of interstate commerce in America, but negligence on the part of the loading crew or the driver can make them a danger to other motorists. If you or any of your loved ones have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer or big rig, contact the experienced MO personal injury attorneys at Page Law at (314) 241-2273 or 1-800-CAR-CRASH. The consultation is free.
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