It’s estimated that every year in the United States, roughly 34,000 emergency room visits are related to forklift accidents. Some 20,000 workers are seriously injured in forklift injuries each year. In addition, around 100 people are killed annually as a result of forklift accidents. Of the various fatal forklift accidents, it’s estimated that 25 percent are the result of forklift rollovers.
The team at our Indianapolis law firm have years of experience addressing vehicle accidents at construction sites, warehouses, and other kinds of industrial workplaces. Let’s take a moment to consider the causes of rollover and tip over forklift accidents and what can be done to prevent them.
Forklift Rollover and Tip Over
A forklift can fall over in two ways: by rolling over and by tipping over. Sometimes people conflate the two types of accidents. Rollover involves the forklift falling onto its side. Tip over involves the front of the fork lift tipping forward, usually caused when its center of gravity is thrown off by a heavy load.
The Dangers of Forklifts in Rollover and Tip Over Accidents
While forklifts are safe when used properly, they can be extremely dangerous in a rollover. By far, the greatest danger is the result of the open fronts and sides of the forklift. It’s possible for the forklift operator to be thrown from the vehicle and crushed by the forklift, especially if the worker forgets to wear their seat belt. If this does not result in the death of the driver, it can lead to the loss of limbs and other severe kinds of injuries.
There are also major dangers for people adjacent to the forklift as it rolls over or tips over. They too can be crushed and seriously harmed by the vehicle, or they can be crushed by the load that a forklift is carrying.
Common Causes of Forklift Rollovers and Tip Overs
Some common causes of forklift rollovers include:
- Driving too fast
- Weight from a heavy load held high
- Driving over an uneven surface
- Driving on inclines or slopes
- Driving over a ledge or edge
- Driving with a heavy load lifted high
- Collisions with vehicles or other objects
- Making a tight turn too quickly
- Driving with a heavy load lifted high
- Lack of training with a forklift
Preventing Rollover and Tip Over Accidents
In terms of preventing these kinds of accidents from happening, it’s important that construction workers get the proper training in forklift operation. Experience and education can mean all the difference. Trained forklift operators know how to maintain proper stability of a forklift, preventing a dangerous rollover or tip over.
How Our Injury and Accident Attorneys Can Help
If a forklift accident was the result of a negligent third party, poor vehicle design/maintenance, or perhaps even negligence by your employer, our attorneys can look into you case and determine if litigation is warranted. In addition, our attorneys can also offer assistance with workers’ compensation claims and other matters regarding your injury benefits. Our experience will help you navigate the complexities of injury and workplace law.
Speak with Experienced Construction Accident Lawyers
For more information about your legal rights and options following a forklift accident or serious vehicle injury, be sure to contact our team of construction accident attorneys today. We will work closely with you in your time of legal need.