Know the Risks for Truck Rollover Accidents

As the largest city in Oregon and with numerous major highways and interstates running throughout the area, Portland sees more than its share of crashes involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other big rigs. Due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles, truck accidents can have major impacts for other drivers on the road. In addition to causing traffic to come to a standstill, motorists can easily end up being involved in a crash themselves. Rollover accidents are among the most common and how they happen is a key issue when filing an injury claim. 

Rollover Truck Accidents Common In Portland

A rollover truck accident closed multiple lanes of traffic on Interstate 405 recently. According to an October 3, 2019 report by Oregon Live, the crash occurred in the northbound lanes near the Fourth Avenue overpass. A semi-truck overturned underneath, blocking traffic from I-5 in both directions. As investigations are ongoing, police have released few other details, other than that no other motorists were involved. 

These types of crashes are unfortunately common in our area. Reports from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) indicate close to 500 truck accidents happen in Portland each year. This represents roughly half of all big rig crashes that occur in the state. Of these, nearly 20 percent involve accidents where semi-trucks and other big rigs rollover on local roads and highways.

Common Reasons Behind Truck Rollover Accidents

Eighteen-wheelers and other types of large trucks are susceptible to rollover accidents as a result of their massive height. The same is true for other vehicles that are taller or sit higher off the road, such as SUVs, pick up trucks, and vans. Truck rollover accidents are often attributed to improper loading or failure to secure cargo. When the truck navigates curves in the road or makes a turn, it can shift and cause the truck to roll onto its side. 

Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicate that in addition to cargo issues, there are often truck driver behaviors and maintenance issues that can make rollover accidents more likely as well. These include: 

• Speeding: Traveling over the speed limit on curved roads and at highway exit or entrance ramps increases rollover risks, as does going too fast for conditions in adverse weather when roads are likely to be slick. 
• Distracted driving: Truck drivers who are not paying attention can end up giving themselves too little time to navigate make turns, curves, or traffic stops. Sudden turns or breaking actions increase rollover risks. 
• Drowsy driving: Being excessively tired, which is common among truckers, can lead them to make dangerous errors, resulting in rollover accidents. 
• Lack of maintenance: Poor brake condition and tire blowouts can trigger rollover accidents as well. 

Reach Out to Us Today for Help

When truck accidents do occur, the driver has the trucking company and their teams of attorneys working to defend them in claims. Get the Johnston Law Firm, P.C. on your side. To request a consultation, call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland truck accident attorneys online today.