Posted in Personal Injury,Truck Wreck on February 22, 2017
Mechanic Injured after Dump Truck Rolls Over in Springfield
A 65-year-old mechanic was seriously injured when the dump truck he was driving rolled over in Springfield, Tennessee, Tuesday afternoon.
Per a report by Smokey Barn News, the accident occurred just after 1 p.m. when the man was taking the dump truck for a test drive. Police say the dump truck rolled over when he failed to negotiate a turn while traveling from Old 431 to William A. Batson Blvd.
The truck, which was carrying a load of sand, began to tip as the driver completed the turn. The vehicle then rolled and landed on its roof. Despite the vehicle being overturned and on its roof, the driver managed to escape from the vehicle without help from emergency responders.
Medics transported the man to a local hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. Police responded to the accident at around 1:15 p.m., and the roadway was closed for several hours as emergency responders worked to investigate the accident and clear the scene.
A 70,000-pound tow truck was called to the scene to pull the dump truck upright, as it was partially blocking the roadway after the accident.
Tips for Avoiding Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can happen any time you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle, whether it’s a compact sedan or a large SUV. Rollover crashes are among the most dangerous types of car accidents—especially when drivers and passengers are ejected. Wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the risks that vehicle occupants face during rollover accidents, but it doesn’t eliminate them.
To reduce your risks of being involved in a rollover accident, do your best to follow these tips:
Many rollover accidents are caused when drivers lose control due to going too fast around a curve. Roadways, including highways and interstates, often have reduced speed limits for curves due to the increased dangers that drivers and their passengers face when they negotiate them. The more extreme a curve, the greater the likelihood of losing control and rolling over. Begin slowing down as you approach the curve and maintain a safe and reduced speed until the road straightens.
Anything that causes a vehicle’s tires to lose traction can result in a rollover accident. These types of crashes can occur on straight and low-speed roadways if the road is slick or if tires can’t gain traction. That’s why it’s important to slow down and give yourself extra time to stop, merge, and turn when roadways are slick due to rain, snow, and ice.
A tire that’s improperly inflated can throw your vehicle off-balance, making it more susceptible to rollovers. In addition, under or over-inflated tires are also more likely to blow out while your vehicle is in motion, making it nearly impossible to control. After checking your tire pressure and making sure they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you should also check them for signs of significant wear and damage. Immediately replace any tires that are severely worn or damaged by debris, such as nails or glass.
Driving while drowsy is a major risk factor for rollover accidents, especially if it results in you briefly nodding off or falling asleep behind the wheel. In fact, many rollover accidents occur on rural highways with low traffic densities, which are often the result of drivers becoming susceptible to highway hypnosis—a mental state that results in the mind focusing on tasks other than the driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rollover crashes have a higher fatality rate than other types of accidents. And while these accidents are rarer than other types of accidents, accounting for only around two percent of accidents every year, they account for around 35 percent of all fatal auto accidents in the U.S.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville truck accident attorneys knows how dangerous and even deadly rollover accidents can be. We also know that many people are injured in these accidents due to the negligence of others. If you or someone you know was injured in a rollover accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Get in touch with our legal team today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form to learn about your options.
