Every trucker is aware that there are many dangers out on the roads. Some of those dangers can be mitigated by making sure their loads are properly secured, their vehicles are in good operating order and they are fit and ready to drive.
One thing no trucker can control, however, is the weather. High winds are a major hazard for big rigs — and every trucker knows it.
Why are high winds so dangerous for semis?
Essentially, the high profile of a commercial vehicle’s body acts like a sail in the wind. That’s perilous even on a straight road, because a heavy, gusting wind can cause the truck to topple.
Empty trucks heading to a loading station or only carrying a light load may be even more vulnerable to being knocked over by high winds. Even worse, a load that isn’t properly secured or doors on the back of the truck that aren’t locked tight can suddenly come loose, spilling goods everywhere in the path of other drivers.
Trucks are particularly vulnerable to toppling when they go around a curve or bend in the road and when they cross overpasses. The curve puts more pressure on the vehicle and makes it harder to manage — especially in high winds. Inexperienced or tired drivers may simply not be prepared for the struggle.
What happens if you’re injured by a truck that toppled in the wind?
Injuries after a truck accident can be devastating. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible is the smartest thing you can do to protect your family’s future. Don’t let the insurance companies involved talk you into settling for less than the true value of your claim.