Rollover accidents involving large commercial trucks are some of the most devastating crashes on Colorado roads. These accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. For victims in Denver, understanding the causes, liability issues, and legal options is critical. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we have extensive experience handling truck accidents and helping injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Causes of Rollover Truck Accidents
Rollovers are rarely “accidents” in the truest sense; they often result from preventable negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truckers often drive long hours, and drowsy driving is a major cause of rollovers. Even with federal hours-of-service rules, violations are frequent.
- Excessive Speed: Trucks with high centers of gravity are more prone to tipping, especially when taking curves or ramps too quickly.
- Improper Loading or Load Shifts: Cargo that isn’t properly balanced or secured can shift suddenly, destabilizing the truck and causing a rollover.
- Brake or Tire Failures: Poorly maintained equipment increases the risk of mechanical failures, which can trigger loss of control.
- Adverse Weather and Road Conditions: Ice, snow, and uneven pavement in Colorado’s mountain passes make large trucks more vulnerable to rollovers.
- Inexperienced or Distracted Driving: Sudden maneuvers, cell phone use, or lack of training can all contribute.
Prevention Measures in the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry has clear safety obligations designed to minimize the risk of rollover accidents. Key prevention measures include:
- Compliance with Federal Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits driving hours, mandates rest breaks, and sets strict maintenance and inspection requirements.
- Proper Load Securement: Federal and state regulations require cargo to be properly secured to prevent shifting. Companies must train employees in load securement and regularly inspect cargo.
- Regular Maintenance: Brakes, tires, and suspension systems must be inspected before every trip. Failure to maintain trucks in safe working order can be grounds for liability.
- Driver Training Programs: Trucking companies are expected to provide adequate training for navigating curves, handling emergencies, and driving in Colorado’s challenging weather conditions.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): These systems track driving hours to prevent fatigue-related violations, though some companies still attempt to manipulate or ignore them.
When these measures are ignored, the risks for everyone on Denver’s roads increase dramatically.
Liability Factors in Rollover Accidents
Determining liability in a rollover truck accident is a complex process. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- The Truck Driver: If speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue caused the crash, the driver may be directly liable.
- The Trucking Company: Companies may be liable for pressuring drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits, failing to maintain vehicles, or improperly loading cargo.
- Cargo Loaders or Shippers: Third-party contractors that improperly secure loads may share liability.
- Manufacturers or Maintenance Contractors: If defective brakes, tires, or steering systems contributed to the rollover, the manufacturer or repair company may be held accountable.
- The Delivery Company: Companies like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon may be held vicariously liable for the negligence of drivers.
An experienced Denver truck accident attorney can investigate logbooks, maintenance records, black box data, and company policies to determine who should be held responsible.
Injury Severity in Truck Rollovers
Rollover truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries due to the massive weight and force of commercial vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns from fuel explosions
- Wrongful death
The severity of these injuries often requires long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and significant financial resources. Victims should never accept quick settlement offers from insurers before fully understanding the extent of their damages.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya
Rollover truck accidents demand thorough investigation, resources, and trial-ready representation. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we:
- Work with accident reconstruction experts and trucking specialists.
- Obtain electronic logging data, driver histories, and company maintenance records.
- Hold trucking companies accountable for violating FMCSA rules and Colorado safety standards.
- Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
Our Denver team has a proven track record of standing up to national trucking corporations like Amazon Transportation Services, UPS, FedEx, and their insurers.
Contact a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover truck accident in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.