What is the Most Common Type of Lift Truck Accident?

Lift trucks, or forklifts, are essential in warehouses and industrial settings for moving heavy loads. However, they’re also involved in numerous accidents each year. The most common type of lift truck accident is the tip-over accident. A tip-over occurs when the lift truck becomes unstable and tips over, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. 

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The following is some information on the leading causes of tip-over accidents. You’ll also learn how a personal injury lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help if you suffer an injury in a mishap involving a lift truck accident. 

Contributing Factors to Tip-Over Accidents

One of the primary causes of tip-over accidents is overloading. Exceeding the lift truck’s weight capacity can cause it to become unstable and tip over. Each lift truck can handle a specific maximum weight. Going beyond this limit compromises the vehicle’s stability, making it prone to tipping. Other common causes include the following:

Improper Loading

Improper loading is another significant factor. Unevenly distributed or improperly secured loads can shift during operation, leading to instability. When the load isn’t balanced, the center of gravity shifts, increasing the risk of a tip-over.

Speeding

Operating the lift truck at excessive speeds is a common mistake that leads to accidents. Speeding reduces the operator’s control over the vehicle, making responding to sudden changes or obstacles difficult. High speeds combined with heavy loads can quickly lead to loss of control and tipping.

Sharp Turns

Making sharp turns, especially with an elevated load, also poses a high risk of tipping. The centrifugal force exerted during a turn can cause an unbalanced load to shift, leading to a tip-over. Operators must take turns slowly and cautiously to maintain stability.

Operator Error

Operator error is a significant contributor to lift truck accidents. Lack of proper training or experience can lead to mistakes that result in accidents, including tip-overs. Companies that fail to properly train drivers may face liability for an accident that leads to injury.

Legal Help for Lift Truck Accident Victims

Forklift accidents caused 73 work-related fatalities and nearly 25,000 injuries in 2022. Victims of lift truck accidents may suffer severe injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and crushing injuries. Getting legal assistance as soon as possible is critical for victims seeking compensation. A truck accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help in the following ways:

Investigating the Accident

A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the accident’s cause and identify liable parties. This investigation may involve reviewing workplace safety records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.

Filing Claim

Filing claims correctly and within the required time limits is critical. An experienced truck accident lawyer can handle the complicated paperwork and meet legal deadlines to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Negotiating Settlements

Negotiating with insurance companies and employers can be challenging. A skilled truck accident attorney can advocate for fair compensation, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact an Experienced Houston Truck Accident Attorney Today

By hiring a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer, you can protect your rights and get the support you need. Schedule a free case review by contacting Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP online or calling 832-402-6637.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Get in touch with C.J. Baker now.