What Causes Truck Rollover Accidents in Virginia?

 Posted on June 30, 2025 in Car & Truck Accidents

Truck rollovers are among the most devastating types of roadway accidents, often resulting in serious injuries and multi-vehicle collisions. For the victims, determining the cause of a rollover accident is an important part of building a personal injury claim to recover compensation for financial losses. Several factors can contribute to these incidents, from driver error to mechanical issues. If you have been affected by a truck rollover, a Berryville, VA truck accident attorney will investigate the case, wading through the complexities to find proof of fault.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Truck Rollovers in Virginia?

The most common cause of truck rollovers is driver error. For example, excessive speeding is especially dangerous for commercial trucks. The vehicle’s high center of gravity makes it more likely to tip when taking a turn too quickly. Even at speeds that would be considered safe for a smaller vehicle, a truck can become unstable, and the danger increases on high off-ramps, tight rural roads, or curved stretches of highway like Route 81.

As recently as June 2025, a box truck overturned on I-95 in Prince George County. It crossed into oncoming traffic and caused a fatal collision with a Ford Ranger. The box truck flipped and landed in the northbound lanes, triggering a fire and killing one person. This exemplifies how rollover accidents are unpredictable and often deadly.

How Can Cargo and Loading Errors Lead to a Rollover Accident?

Improper loading can significantly increase the likelihood of a rollover. When cargo is unbalanced, inadequately secured, or too heavy, it affects the truck’s stability. Virginia Code § 46.2-1156.1 and the cargo securement rules mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) heavily regulate cargo loading.

The FMCSA states that securement systems must be able to withstand a certain amount of pressure, and tiedowns must collectively support at least 50 percent of the cargo’s weight. Drivers are required to inspect cargo at the start of a trip, within the first 50 miles, and at regular intervals. Violations of these federal standards can support liability in a truck rollover case.

When Is the Truck Driver’s Employer Responsible for a Rollover Accident in Virginia?

Under Virginia’s legal doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer may be held liable for accidents caused by its employees while on the job. Employers can also be independently negligent. Common ways that employers can contribute to a truck rollover accident include:

• Failing to verify that drivers possess proper commercial licenses or ignoring histories of traffic violations

• Neglecting to train drivers on new truck models or specialized cargo handling

• Skipping log reviews or not performing required drug and alcohol screenings

• Encouraging speeding, skipping rest, or driving beyond federal limits to meet tight deadlines

• Postponing essential inspections or repairs on critical vehicle systems, like brakes or suspension

Employer liability can make the case more complicated, but an experienced attorney can help you identify the cause and liability to ensure you recover compensation for your losses.

Arrange a Free Consultation With a Prince William County, VA Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck rollover accident, the Boyce, VA truck accident lawyers at Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC offer aggressive, personal representation and have over 120 years of combined experience. We are always prepared to take your case all the way to court to ensure you receive fair compensation from the party responsible for your losses. Contact us today at 540-662-4222 to schedule your free consultation.