Common Causes of Rollover Crashes
Rollover accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Speeding: Speeding around a curve or taking a sharp turn can easily cause a vehicle to lose balance and rollover.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive maneuvers, such as sudden lane changes or sharp turns, increase the likelihood of a rollover.
- Alcohol and/or drugs: Impaired driving can lead to poor judgment and slower reaction times, making it easier to lose control of the vehicle and causing a rollover.
- Tripping: A vehicle can tip or roll over entirely if the tires hit a curb or a ditch.
- Crashing: Collisions with other passenger cars or objects can force a vehicle into a rollover, particularly if the impact occurs at an angle.
- Poor weather conditions: Snow, ice, or rain can make the roads slippery. If drivers are not careful, they can lose control of their vehicles and end up in a rollover crash.
Trucks and SUVs are generally more prone to rollovers because they have a higher center of gravity, which makes them less stable, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
Common Injuries in Rollover Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 deaths occur every year in fatal rollover crashes. Rollover accidents lead to more severe and fatal injuries than any other type of car accident. This is especially true if the driver and any passengers are not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. They will have nothing protecting them from the impact. When drivers are ejected from the windshield, they face an improbable survival probability.
These are some of the most common injuries sustained in rollover accidents:
- Head injuries: Skull fractures, head trauma, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash, slipped discs, herniated discs, and nerve damage.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord, which could lead to paralysis.
- Broken bones: Partial or total fractures in the body.
- Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Odds of Survival in Rollover Accidents
The chance of surviving a rollover accident depends on the severity of the injuries, which can vary depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Factors such as speed, vehicle design, and safety features can contribute to rollover accident injuries. One of the most significant factors is seat belt use. Wearing a seat belt greatly increases the likelihood of survival by keeping occupants securely in place during the rollover, reducing the risk of being ejected from the vehicle.
Additionally, vehicles equipped with advanced safety features like side airbags and reinforced roofs can provide extra protection in a rollover, further improving survival odds.
Determining Fault in a Rollover Accident
Determining fault in a rollover accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties. In single-vehicle crashes, it is pretty clear that driver error contributed to the crash. However, weather or road conditions can also play a role, making the situation much more tricky.
Multi-vehicle collisions involving several vehicles will almost certainly require the legal expertise of a qualified car accident lawyer. If you are a victim of a rollover car accident, you need to feel reassured that you will be fairly compensated.
Negotiating a fair settlement directly with the insurance company can lead to months of frustration and dead ends. When you hire an experienced lawyer, you’ll have a fierce advocate fighting on your behalf.
Recoverable Damages in a Rollover Accident
If you suffered serious injuries in a rollover accident caused by a negligent driver, you will no doubt have expenses relating to the accident, including hospital and emergency room bills and vehicle damage. In a rollover accident claim, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses: Hospitalization, treatment, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: Lost wages if you could not work after the accident.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress relating to the injury.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases, punitive damages may be available.
Compensation provides peace of mind and helps victims move forward.
How to Avoid a Rollover Accident
Rollover car accidents are often preventable with the right precautions and awareness. One of the most effective ways to avoid these accidents is by maintaining a safe speed, particularly when navigating curves or when road conditions worsen due to bad weather. Exercising caution and adapting driving behavior to the road conditions can significantly reduce the likelihood of a rollover.
Proper training is crucial for commercial vehicle operators. Being aware of their surroundings and understanding how to maneuver large vehicles safely can prevent dangerous situations that might lead to a rollover. Additionally, a vehicle’s design and safety features play a key role in reducing rollover risks.
Features such as electronic stability control help maintain vehicle balance, while strong roof structures and door integrity can lessen injury severity in the event of a rollover. Side-curtain airbags are another important safety feature, as they can prevent ejection from the vehicle and help minimize injuries during such accidents. By combining safe driving practices with advanced vehicle technology, the risk of rollover accidents can be greatly diminished.
