The injuries that result from a rollover collision are only second to that of a head-on collision. A rollover crash is more likely to end in fatalities than almost any other accident. In the event that you have been recently involved in a rollover accident, here is some information to get you started in the legal process.
How do rollover accidents occur?
Rollover crashes are the result of multiple factors. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rollover accidents involve the interaction of the driver, road, vehicle, and the environment. Rollover accidents are usually the result of tripped or untripped occurrences. Tripping occurs due to environmental factors.
When the car’s tire hits the curb, a bump or even something soft, it causes a disruption in car’s motion causing it to roll. Untripped accidents occur due to the actions of the driver. These include friction, steering input, and speed. A vehicle’s stability while turning is also usually the determining factor in these accidents. A center of high gravity and a limited distance between the left and right wheels can make a vehicle unstable while turning at high speeds .
Vehicle Types
In another report, SUVs are more likely to be involved in a rollover accident with the highest severities. SUVs were followed by trucks, vans, and finally cars in the NHTSA’s 2013 report. This is because SUVs and vans generally have a higher center of gravity than regular passenger cars and are more likely to rollover.
Driving Errors
While the vehicle defects or environmental factors can increase the likelihood of a rollover accident, poor driving can also be the cause. Bad habits like speeding, failing to slow down at turns, and negligent driving during harsh weather conditions are all factors in a rollover accident.
While rollovers are already violent in nature, passengers who are not wearing seatbelts are more than likely to suffer severe injuries. This is a result of the forces and impacts associated with rollover accidents. The safercar NHTSA reports that with more than 191,000 rollovers each year, there are more than 10,000 fatalities.
Filing a Rollover Accident Lawsuit
When filing a rollover lawsuit, there are a few things you need to consider. First it may be a good decision to contact an experienced attorney to have a discussion on your plan of action. Depending on the nature of your accident, there are a few legal options. If you believe the accident was a result of a defective vehicle, your attorney can then file a products liability lawsuit. If you were the victim in a rollover accident, an attorney will work with you in gathering your medical and insurance information to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a rollover accident, act now and let us connect you with an attorney. Contact us online or give us a call at (516) 582-4367
