Options after a rollover accident because of load shift?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by misfitmanny, Apr 8, 2023.

  1. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    We had a container load of plate glass sheets, the kind with the wire mesh inside, in crates stacked inside a 20' opentop like big books with some 2 x 4's for securement. Very high center of gravity.

    Guy was running with one fuel tank closed during the last fuel crunch and pulled over to open it too late.

    Tried to roll it back and pop the clutch and the box entered a 'dip' in the shoulder and over it went taking the tractor along.

    Tried to stop from taking this trip [our best steamship customer] and was over ruled.

    Second trip after the rollover and someone pulls out in front of us...driver attempted to swerve behind the auto and coming back into his lane it went over on his side.

    Center of gravity is important. Somewhere I still have a copy showing the empty 401 in Toronto around it's widest point and Provost laid one over on the overpass.

    A small amount of of thick resin in the smallest center compartment climbed the side and overturned.

    Onboard monitor said it rolled at 10 KPH.
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2023
  2. rockeee

    rockeee Medium Load Member

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    I'm not talking about the claims dept or safety dept or chickens and eggs, although I did have a baby back rib scramble this morning. What I'm saying is....loads do shift and sometimes it's not the drivers fault weather it can be proven or not.
     
  3. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I remember a driver who was hauling a top heavy load. I can't remember what it was now. The right side of his trailer seized up while going close to 60 MPH out in Wyoming. The load shifted. I can't remember if they saved any of it.
     
  4. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    I have had loads shift ,
    I never rolled it , but not because I did anything special . I was just lucky that only one roll of wire came loose and rolled into the side of the trailer .
     
  5. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    But let's remember.
    The OP rolled the truck from a stopped position at a red light, making a left turn.

    I still can not wrap my head around that one.
     
    rockeee Thanks this.
  6. iceman007

    iceman007 Bobtail Member

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    ?
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2023
  7. TruckerVinny

    TruckerVinny Medium Load Member

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    Get a good lawyer and make sure the company is aware you have lawyered up and able to defend yourself in court. There are many reasons why you will not be able to drive for them again (out of the management's control) however the company might hold a large amount of liability, for example, the equipment was degraded or load was secured to their specs and still shifted...a lawyer, with commercial driver issues experience, will be very helpful in protecting your license as well as your livelihood. For the liability issues you will need a different type of lawyer, either can help you find the other.