Traffic accidents can occur unexpectedly, posing significant dangers regardless of safety features in modern cars. These incidents can take various forms and often catch individuals off guard, leading to potentially devastating consequences.
Rollover crashes, though accounting for only 3% of all vehicle accidents, involve nearly 300,000 cars, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported. High-center-of-gravity vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks are more prone to rollovers after collisions, contributing to over 10,000 annual fatalities in such accidents.
Rollover accidents can result in serious injuries, ranging from minor bruises and broken bones to traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Medical expenses and lengthy recoveries often follow, making it necessary to ask for compensation from the party responsible. If you've experienced a rollover car accident and sustained injuries, seeking guidance from a rollover car accident attorney is crucial. The Ward Law Group PL offers professional attorneys who will advocate for your rights and assist you through the complex process of claiming damages.
What is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover car accident occurs when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, typically resulting from a collision with another car or a fixed object. These incidents are more likely to occur at high speeds, particularly with vehicles with a large center of gravity. While some rollover crashes involve only one vehicle, certain cars are more susceptible to this type of accident.
Sometimes, it's difficult to determine how the car flipped over. Usually, the mechanism behind a rollover collision involves one of the vehicle's tires hitting an obstacle, such as a curve, another car, or uneven terrain. This impact halts the motion of one tire while the rest of the vehicle continues at high speed, leading to the tipping over of the car.
Statistics on rollover accidents
Based on a 2021 report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, rollover crashes led to a substantial proportion of vehicle occupant deaths that year, comprising 29% of all vehicle occupant fatalities. Specifically, 257 SUV occupants died in rollover accidents during that period. The data demonstrate that rollover accidents are more likely to result in the death of vehicle occupants, particularly in larger cars.
As of 2021, rollover crashes constituted approximately 40% of occupants in pickups and 38% in SUVs. Surprisingly, accidents that did not involve rollovers resulted in fewer injuries. The report also revealed that single-vehicle rollover crashes accounted for 16% of all rollover accidents. In contrast, multiple-vehicle impacts were less severe, representing 13% of the victims.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
As mentioned, most rollover accidents occur when a vehicle collides with a fixed object at high speeds. Such incidents can be triggered by sharp turns or adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain or snow, which may cause drivers to lose control and lead to a rollover. However, many rollover car accidents result from distracted or intoxicated drivers. These drivers cannot keep their vehicles on the road, leading them to collide with curbs, light poles, or other obstacles, causing severe damage to all parties involved.
Vehicle-related factors
Various vehicle-related factors can contribute to rollover accidents, making them more likely to occur. For example, automobiles with a higher center of gravity, such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and utility vehicles, are more prone to rollovers, particularly when making quick maneuvers or sharp bends. Also, worn-out or incorrectly inflated tires and damaged suspension parts can impair a vehicle's stability and raise the risk of rollovers, especially during evasive maneuvers.
Overloading and inappropriate loading increases the risk of rollovers because the weight can make a vehicle unstable. For a car to remain stable on the road, adequate loading must be maintained within the weight capability of the car. Finally, the regular maintenance chores of vehicles must be complied with, like brake checks, or you risk losing control of your car, which could lead to rollover accidents.
Road and environmental factors
Road and environmental elements can increase the probability of rollover accidents. Especially if drivers make these turns at high speeds in rugged terrain, roads with sharp curves and steep slopes can become dangerous. Rain, snow, or gravel-covered roads with slick surfaces can reduce a vehicle's traction and stability, increasing the risk of it rolling over during sudden maneuvers.
Other roadside hazards, such as guardrails or curbs, can contribute to rollover accidents if a driver veers off course and collides with these obstacles. Additionally, poorly maintained roads with uneven pavement, ruts, or debris can create hazardous conditions that increase the likelihood of rollovers.
Even on well-preserved roads, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, snowfall, or strong winds, can affect a vehicle's handling and grip on the street, making rollovers more likely.
Driver-related factors
Distracted or drunk drivers are often the cause of most rollover car accidents. These drivers cannot maintain their vehicles on the road and end up hitting curbs, light poles, or anything in their path, causing irreparable damage to those involved.
Drunk Drivers
Drunk drivers pose a significant threat on the roads as they choose to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or substances that impair their abilities. This irresponsible behavior often leads to rollover accidents, as impaired drivers may miscalculate distances or lose control of the car, causing it to flip over.
Aggressive driving
Aggressive driving, like tailgating, speeding, and risky maneuvers next to other vehicles, also contributes to rollover accidents, especially in urban areas with numerous obstacles on the roadside. Disregarding speed limits and traffic signs can lead to devastating consequences, like rollovers, risking the safety of the aggressive driver and others on the road.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another significant factor contributing to rollover accidents. When drivers become drowsy and lose control of the vehicle, they may veer off the road and collide with objects, leading to rollovers; this can happen even at low speeds for larger vehicles.
Drivers must prioritize their safety and the safety of others by avoiding driving when feeling tired, ill, or experiencing adverse reactions to medication. By practicing responsible and attentive driving habits, we can reduce the risks of rollover accidents and create safer road environments for everyone.
Types of Vehicles Prone to Rollovers
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity and narrower tracks are more susceptible to rollover accidents. Let's explore the specific car types associated with a higher risk of rollovers:
SUVs
SUVs have a taller body design and higher ground clearance, resulting in an elevated center of gravity. This configuration increases the likelihood of rollovers, particularly during sudden maneuvers or sharp turns. However, modern SUVs are equipped with advanced stability systems that enhance traction and stability, helping to mitigate the rollover risk.
Pickup Trucks
Particular pickup trucks, especially those with a high center of gravity or carrying heavy cargo, are prone to rollover accidents. Their taller height and weight distribution can reduce stability, especially when turning at high speeds or with substantial loads. Proper loading practices and cautious driving are essential to minimize the risk of rollovers.
Minivans
Minivans, designed to accommodate more passengers, often have a longer wheelbase and higher center of gravity. These factors can make them more challenging, especially during sudden maneuvers or when navigating tight corners. Manufacturers of newer minivan models prioritize improving safety features and handling characteristics to reduce the risk of rollovers.
Common Injuries from Rollover Accidents
Common injuries from rollover accidents range from neck and head injuries to severe conditions such as paralysis. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on the lives of the victims, requiring continuous medical aid and rehabilitation, which can be expensive. The most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Whiplash
- Chronic back pain
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Chest injuries
- Memory loss
- Blindness
- Dental injury
- Loss of hearing
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety
- Neck injuries
- Disfigurement
If you have been in a car accident, you should first seek medical assistance. Your health is the most important, even if you feel okay immediately after the accident. Only a medical professional can assess your condition, as some internal injuries may not be visible, and symptoms may appear later. Waiting can be dangerous. Additionally, you should call the police and provide all the accident details so that authorities can file a report.
At any point in this process, you can reach out to a rollover car accident attorney who will have the expertise required to handle the problematic aspects of paperwork and insurance claims. After a rollover car accident, an attorney will ensure that your medical expenses are covered and that everything necessary to be at ease in such a complicated situation is handled correctly. We can help you and become your voice if you feel your rights need to be respected. Call us anytime at 855-DOLOR-55.
Liability and determining fault in rollover accidents
Choosing liability in a car rollover accident necessitates thorough investigations, as it may only sometimes be straightforward legally. In such situations, it is highly recommended to enlist the services of an experienced rollover car accident attorney who can assist in pursuing the appropriate damages.
Sometimes, the driver of the flipped vehicle is considered at fault due to negligence or failure to adhere to road rules. However, suppose the evidence demonstrates that another driver caused the collision and subsequent rollover. In that case, they should be held accountable for the damages incurred. Manufacturing defects in vehicles can also be a factor; the dealership or manufacturer is responsible for such cases.
Rollover accidents are known for their severe danger, often resulting in injuries or fatalities for those involved. Dealing with medical bills, consultations, medication costs, psychological support, and physical rehabilitation can be incredibly challenging for the victims. Therefore, seeking fair compensation becomes crucial for aiding in the recovery process.
Options for victims of rollover accidents
A Kissimmee rollover accident attorney can assist victims in seeking legal compensation for their injuries. This compensation encompasses immediate expenses, like medical bills from the emergency room, and long-term costs resulting from the accident, such as the potential loss of future income if the victim cannot return to work.
In unfortunate cases where the rollover accident leads to a victim's death, their family may be eligible to file for wrongful death compensation, which covers the financial losses associated with the person's passing. Additionally, other claims can include seeking compensation for property damage resulting from the rollover accident.
Relying on legal expertise can be essential in navigating the complexities of the legal process and ensuring that victims receive the rightful compensation they deserve.
Call the Best Rollover Accident Attorneys in Kissimmee
A rollover accident attorney in Kissimmee can offer valuable support to victims involved in an accident caused by a rollover. These professionals will assist you in navigating the intricate legal procedures, explaining your rights and available legal options, and helping you make informed decisions to enhance your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Moreover, a rollover car accident attorney will represent you in court and extend emotional support beyond legal assistance to reassure you throughout the process. At The Ward Law Group PL, our dedicated lawyers understand the difficulties victims face after a rollover accident. They are prepared to offer the guidance and support needed during this challenging time.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident, please contact us at 855-DOLOR-55. Our team is ready to stand by your side and fight for your deserved compensation.