Understanding the Risks and Causes of Rollover Accidents

 Posted on September 15, 2021 in Car Accident

Any type of motor vehicle accident can threaten the safety of those directly involved as well as those nearby. Rollovers, often associated with larger vehicles like pickups and SUVs, are some of the most life-threatening accidents that occur both on and off roadways. After a rollover, it may be very difficult to establish who is responsible for a victim’s injuries and understand how the crash happened. Personal injury attorneys who have experience handling rollover accidents can be a great asset for victims in these cases.

The Dangers of Rollover Accidents

Accounting for 6,358 fatalities throughout the U.S. in 2019, rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous vehicle crashes. When a vehicle tips onto its roof or side during an accident, it is considered a rollover. In the majority of instances involving this type of accident, the vehicle makes an impact with something else prior to the roll. This may include another vehicle or a fixed object. When rollovers take a vehicle off of the roadway and passengers are thrown from the vehicle, fatalities are much more likely to occur.

There are numerous commonalities across individual rollover crashes. The majority of rollover accidents that end fatally involve only one vehicle. Fatal rollover crashes are often associated with high blood alcohol concentrations. Additionally, it is more likely for SUVs and pickup trucks to be involved in fatal single-vehicle rollovers than small cars.

How Do Rollover Accidents Happen?

Rollover crashes stem from a wide range of causes; however, there are some causes that are more prevalent than others. Three of the most common causes associated with rollovers include loss of driver control, multi-vehicle crashes, and risky driving maneuvers. Vehicle defects and poorly maintained roadways can also be contributing factors.

When drivers get behind the wheel while fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol, they may lose control of the vehicle. Additionally, overly aggressive drivers are more likely to roll their vehicle, as quick maneuvers may cause friction between the road and the tires, resulting in a vehicle tipping over. While most rollovers involve one vehicle, a vehicle may also be pushed over if a separate vehicle hits it side-on.

The most common cause behind rollover crashes is driver negligence. When a person is injured in a rollover accident, a negligent driver may be liable for all resulting damages. Alternatively, if the rollover was caused by a defective vehicle, the vehicle manufacturer may be held accountable. Negligence may also fall on the dealership if the defects were known and the customer was never made aware.

Contact Our Fort Collins Car Accident Attorney

Vehicle rollovers are incredibly dangerous, oftentimes resulting in severe and even fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been harmed or killed in a rollover accident, you deserve the help of an experienced Larimer County rollover accident attorney. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we want to help you recover from this devastating event and hold the negligent parties responsible. Call 970-225-2190 today to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/809438

https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/passenger-vehicle-occupants