A rollover accident occurs when a truck flips over on its side or roof. Large commercial vehicles like trucks are more prone to a rollover because their center of gravity is higher. Read on to discover who may be responsible for your rollover accident and how a seasoned Tampa truck accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A., can help you approach your legal case.
Who is liable for a rollover accident?
It is almost always the case that truck drivers are liable for rollover accidents. Truck drivers must keep their massive size, large loads, and uneven weight distribution in mind when on the roads. And when they do not, they can cause a rollover in any of the following ways:
- A truck driver fails to give enough space for braking.
- A truck driver fails to proceed with caution when making a sharp turn.
- A truck driver fails to drive below the speed limit, especially on winding roads.
- A truck driver fails to check large blind spots before merging or changing lanes.
Although, there may be another party who is liable for a rollover accident. Examples are as follows:
- Other drivers on the road: a reckless driver may cause a truck driver to drastically hit the brakes or swerve out of the way.
- Truck employees: a truck employee may have unevenly loaded the truck’s trailer.
- Truck employers: a truck employer may have sent a truck driver out after they reached their legal limit of 70 hours within seven consecutive days.
- Truck manufacturers: a truck manufacturer may not have noticed that their truck parts are faulty/defective.
What should I do to hold the responsible party accountable?
If you would like to hold the responsible party accountable, and also receive the financial compensation you require to heal, then you must file a personal injury claim. For a successful claim, it helps to take the following actions:
- Call the police to the scene of the accident, so that a police report can be written.
- Take photos and videos of your injuries, car damages, and the overall scene.
- Collect contact information from the involved parties and any present witnesses.
- Attend medical treatment at the ambulance on the scene and schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor, so that medical documents and medical bills can be collected.
- Hire a skilled Tampa truck accident lawyer, so that you can bring your claim forward.
What is the statute of limitations for an accident claim in Florida?
Importantly, the statute of limitations in the state of Florida for a personal injury claim is generally four years from the date of your accident. Failing to meet this deadline will result in being permanently barred from suing. So, before it is too late, you must consult with a competent Tampa auto accident lawyer today.
