Traffic accidents happen when you least expect them—at any time, date, place, and multiple forms. Although safety features in most modern cars can help diminish the damage of a car accident, being part of one is always dangerous. Among the most challenging types of car crashes are rollover crashes. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, they do not account for more than 3% of all vehicle accidents, but that 3% means that almost 300,000 cars are involved in rollover accidents.
Some factors can affect a car accident and potentially result in a rollover. Vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as pickup trucks, SUVs, or any utility car, are most likely to roll over after being hit. Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration dating up to 2022 reveal that more than 10,000 people die yearly in rollover accidents.
Moreover, the injuries acquired after this kind of accident are potentially severe, ranging from light bruises and broken bones to more dangerous conditions like traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. In any case, the party responsible should cover medical expenses and lengthy recoveries. Suppose you were in a rollover car accident and had injuries. In that case, you should always trust a rollover car accident lawyer to guide you through the complicated process of claiming damages. The professional attorneys at The Ward Law Group PL can help you if you need an expert lawyer to advocate for your rights.
What is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover car accident happens when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, usually due to a collision with another car or a fixed object. It is common for rollover crashes to occur at high speeds, especially involving vehicles with a large center of gravity. These accidents are hazardous, especially if the occupants do not wear a seatbelt. Rollover crashes can apply to only one vehicle, as some cars are more vulnerable than others to this type of accident.
A rollover collision usually occurs when a vehicle tips over because one of its tires hits an obstacle. This obstacle could be anything—a curve, another car, or even soil—affecting the car’s movement. This situation stops one tire while the vehicle continues at high speed, causing it to tip over.
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 guidance of a good car accident lawyer becomes vital in calculating the necessary compensation to lead a dignified life and recover after a rollover car accident.
Many injuries are related to being in a rollover car accident, including bruises and lacerations. However, other grave conditions are common after a rollover car accident. 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 lawyer 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. They will be professionals who care for your rights.
Remember that even if you are undocumented, you can receive medical attention and report the accident to the police. We can help you and become your voice if you feel your rights are not being respected. Call us anytime at 855-DOLOR-55.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
As explained earlier, most rollover accidents happen when a car impacts a fixed object at high speed. This can occur when a vehicle makes a sharp turn or due to harsh weather, like heavy rain or snow, conditions can cause a driver to lose control and crash, resulting in a rollover. Distracted or drunk drivers are often the natural causes 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.
Aggressive Driving
When a driver tailgates or speeds to get ahead in traffic, trying to overtake vehicles in their way, it is highly likely that a car accident will occur. In urban areas with multiple objects on the side of the roads, an aggressive driver could have a car rollover accident. It is essential to obey speed limits and traffic signs, no matter how late you may be, for the safety of yourself and others.
Fatigue
Rollover accidents are common when a driver loses control of the vehicle due to falling asleep. They may lose grip of the wheel and veer to one side of the road, colliding with a movable or immovable object at high or even low speed in larger vehicles. You should never drive if you feel sleepy due to fatigue, illness, or medication reaction.
Drunk Drivers
Unfortunately, some irresponsible drivers choose to take the wheel after consuming alcohol or other substances that impair their reaction time, movements, and attention. Drunk drivers cause accidents yearly, often resulting in rollover accidents when they miscalculate distances or fall asleep at the wheel, losing control of the car.
Bad Road Conditions
A road in poor condition or affected by dangerous weather can increase the risk of rollover accidents. The same applies to roads under construction. It is important to travel at low speeds in these areas. Lack of road maintenance can also contribute to rollover accidents on highways. Governments should ensure roads are up to safety standards, without obstacles or imperfections that could increase the risk of rollover accidents.
Mechanical or Design Failures
When a driver neglects proper car maintenance and the vehicle is not functioning correctly, they are negligent and liable in a rollover car accident. In other cases, the car’s design is faulty, making it prone to tipping over and being involved in rollover accidents. In such cases, the fault lies with the car manufacturer, who should remove the poorly designed vehicle from the market. It is essential to conduct research before buying a new car to ensure it includes statistics on the probabilities of rolling over after a car crash.
Who is Responsible for a Rollover Car Crash?
Determining responsibility after a car rollover accident can only be done through investigations. In some cases, it is straightforward to determine fault, but in others, it may not be so clear legally. It is advisable to seek the representation of a good rollover car accident lawyer to assist you in claiming damages if you have been involved in a rollover accident.
Typically, the person at fault in a rollover car accident is the driver of the flipped vehicle, either due to their negligence or by not following road rules. If it can be proven that another driver caused the collision and subsequent rollover, they should be held liable for damages. As mentioned before, there are also cases where vehicles come with manufacturing defects, and in those instances, the dealership or manufacturer should be held responsible.
Rollover accidents are often hazardous; unfortunately, people are injured or killed. Dealing with medical bills, consultations, purchasing medicine, seeking psychological help, and needing physical rehabilitation can be incredibly challenging. That is why it is crucial to claim fair compensation to aid your recovery.
Depending on the accident’s severity, you may be able to claim various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, emotional distress, or the loss of a loved one.
Rollover Accident Statistics
According to a 2021 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, vehicle occupant deaths in rollover crashes accounted for 29% of all vehicle occupants that year. Specifically, 257 SUV occupants suffered the same fate. It is evident that in car rollover accidents, the death of occupants is higher, especially in the case of larger cars.
By 2021, rollover crashes account for at least 40% of occupants in pickups and 38% in SUVs. Interestingly, accidents that do not involve rolling over resulted in fewer injuries. The numbers also indicate that single-vehicle rollover crashes accounted for 16% of rollover accidents, while multiple-vehicle impacts were less severe, accounting for 13% of victims.
Vehicles with Higher Rollover Risk
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity and narrower tracks are more susceptible to car rollover accidents. Let us explore the specific types of cars associated with a higher rollover risk:
SUVs
SUVs have a higher ground clearance and a taller body design, resulting in a higher center of gravity. This increases the likelihood of rollovers, especially during sudden maneuvers or when taking sharp turns. However, modern SUVs have advanced stability systems that help mitigate the risk by improving traction and stability.
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks, particularly those with a high center of gravity or loaded with cargo, are prone to rollover accidents. Their taller height and weight distribution can make them less stable, especially when turning at high speeds or carrying heavy loads. Proper loading and cautious driving are necessary to minimize the risk.
Minivans
Minivans, designed to accommodate more passengers, often have a longer wheelbase and higher center of gravity. These factors can make them more challenging, particularly when making sudden maneuvers or negotiating tight corners. Manufacturers of newer minivan models focus on improving safety features and handling characteristics to reduce rollover risks.
Safety First
Whenever possible, choose a car with up-to-date technology. Nowadays, most cars have electronic stability controls and side airbags that can protect occupants in a rollover accident. Always wear your seatbelt to avoid being ejected in a car crash, and ensure all your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. If you are driving a pickup truck or SUV, avoid overloading it and placing heavy items on the roof, as this can affect the vehicle’s center of gravity. Heavy cargo should be secured on the car’s floor.
Call a Rollover Accident Lawyer in Miami Lakes Now
If you are involved in a rollover accident and sustain injuries, you must seek assistance from experienced Miami Lakes rollover accident lawyers. At The Ward Law PL, our dedicated team supports you throughout the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and providing you with the peace of mind you need during these challenging times.
Rollover accidents can have severe physical, emotional, and financial implications. Navigating the legal complexities of claiming your rights and seeking rightful compensation can be overwhelming. Our rollover accident lawyers have the expertise and knowledge to guide you through every step of the legal proceedings.
We understand the impact such accidents can have on your life and the importance of having a reliable legal partner during this challenging time. Feel free to reach out to us at any time at 855-DOLOR-55. Our team at The Ward Law Group, PL, provides the support, guidance, and representation you need to navigate the legal process and move toward recovery.