With the amount of truck traffic passing through the state each day, truck accidents in Oregon happen regularly. When crashes and collisions involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs do occur, it can impact other motorists in the surrounding lanes, resulting in serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. Rollover truck accidents are among the most common. It is important to be aware of the dangers and the underlying causes that increase your risks.
Rollover Truck Accident Risks
A recent truck rollover accident in Oregon happened on Interstate 5, at milepost 189 just south of the Glenwood exit. According to a June 23, 2020 report by KEZI News, a semi-trailer was traveling in the northbound lanes when he suddenly lost control of the rig. As the truck rolled over, it impacted drivers in the other lanes, resulting in major road closures and blocking traffic for hours after. Fortunately, no one was killed as a result of the crash, but several motorists involved were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries.
A similar type of incident happened just a month prior in Terrebonne. This time, it was a pickup truck that rolled over, causing serious injuries for the driver and for other motorists involved. According to a May 2020 KTVZ News report, the accident happened as the truck driver attempted to pass another vehicle and sideswiped it instead, causing the truck to roll over several times.
These are just two of a number of rollover truck accidents in Oregon to occur over the past six months. These incidents illustrate how frequently these types of crashes happen, both to major big rigs as well as to smaller pick-up trucks, tow trucks, and construction equipment. Any type of vehicle that is taller in size or carrying cargo is at an increased risk of rolling over under certain conditions.
What Causes Rollover Truck Accidents?
Rollover crashes are one of the most frequent types of vehicle accidents in general. They are common among cars as well as trucks. Any vehicle that has a taller design or sits higher up on the road is at risk.
According to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), rollover accidents are responsible for close to 20 percent of all truck accidents that occur each year and are particularly common among semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. Factors that make these types of crashes more likely to occur include:
- Going too fast around curves in the road;
- Making turns at too tight an angle;
- Running into gravel patches on the road;
- Not slowing down in adverse weather conditions;
- Uneven loading practices and unsecured cargo;
- Lack of proper truck maintenance, resulting in broken axles and tire blowouts, which can make rollovers more likely to happen.
Let Us Help You Today
At the Johnston Law Firm P.C., we help motorists injured due to rollover truck accidents get the compensation they are entitled to in a claim. To request a consultation, call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Oregon truck accident attorneys online today.