Sport utility vehicles or SUVs have been continually popular vehicles of choice among American motorists since their popularity peaked in the late 1990s. They are roomy and can hold everything from a large family to extensive cargo. While they may have positive traits, they also have a shockingly high tendency to rollover due to their high center of gravity and narrow width. Pair such features with the commonly witnessed false sense of security many SUV owners exude and you have a recipe for a dangerous accident.
Rollover accidents are some of the most dangerous as they flip all SUV occupants upside down; this can be most hazardous to small children and those not secured by a seatbelt. The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that:
- Roughly 11,000 rollover accidents happen each year
- Rollover accidents increase the possibility of serious injury by 36%
SUV Accident Injuries
Many commuters can attest to the behavior of SUV drivers. They can be found tailgating other vehicles and charge past them in an intimidation effort. Due to the large stature of their vehicles, many SUV owners believe that they can speed and drive erratically at will. They are reminded of their mortality in the unfortunate instance of an SUV accident.
Although manufacturers are aware that such vehicles are prone to rollover, a large number are constructed without necessary roll bars. These bars can be found in NASCAR vehicles and they allow the frame of the vehicle to absorb the shock in the event of a rollover accident. When an SUV without roll bars rolls over, the roof of the truck takes the brunt of the impact; this causes the roof to collapse, putting SUV occupants in extreme danger of suffering life-altering injuries. Such injuries include:
- Brain trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Neck fractures
- Spine injuries
If you or someone you know is injured in an SUV accident, it is important that you acquire an experienced SUV accident attorney who can help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Car Accident Cases has the legal resources to get you in touch with a quality SUV accident attorney in your area. He or she will be able to analyze the details of your accident and pursue legal action. Contact us today for a free consultation.
