Rollover accidents are among the most traumatizing issues a motorist can encounter. When a vehicle falls and rolls onto its side or roof, the result might be severe. Different from other types of car accidents, many factors contribute to rollover accidents. Any victim in these unfortunate circumstances has the right to get a car accident injury lawyer to navigate them while seeking justice and recovery for the damages they are entitled to.
This article will explore the causes, consequences, statistics, and how to prevent rollover accidents. Both drivers and those who make policies can benefit from this information as they work towards the safety of our roads.
Some of the most common causes of Rollovers
The Type of Vehicle Involved: Some vehicles, such as trucks, vans, and SUVs, are prone to rollover because of their higher center of gravity, while smaller and more compact vehicles are unlikely to get involved in rollovers.
High Speed: This increases the risk of rollovers by a more significant percentage. This might happen when a driver negotiates a corner or swerves at a high speed. This calls for all road users to be careful and drive responsibly.
The Conditions of the Roads: Road conditions can significantly cause rollovers. Wet or icy surfaces on the roads can decrease vehicle traction, making it vulnerable to rollovers, more so when the drivers try to make sudden maneuvers.
The Driver: When a driver is distracted or impaired in judgment, their ability to react quickly to prevailing conditions on the road reduces significantly.
Consequences of Rollovers
In most instances, victims of rollover accidents end up with severe injuries because of the magnitude of the crash and the likelihood of ejecting the occupants from the vehicle, which happens most of the time.
These accidents can also result in extensive damage to the vehicle to the extent that it is rendered useless, which is a loss to the victim.
The victims of rollover accidents also suffer from emotional trauma because of the hostility and severity of rollover accidents. These traumas include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The verified statistics of rollovers
Statistics of rollover accidents are essential in understanding the entire length of the problem and implementing workable safety measures. The National Traffic Safety Administration reports show that rollover accounts for almost 35% of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States. In addition, 85% of all rollover-related fatalities involve single-vehicle accidents.
This highlights the importance of driver behavior and the type of vehicle involved in accidents. The disturbing report is that the risk of rollover accidents increases with SUVs and the use of light trucks.
It is essential to note that over half of all SUV passenger fatalities come from rollovers.
Lastly, alcohol is the leading cause of impaired driving and contributes to most rollover accidents. This accounts for nearly 50% of fatalities in such accidents.
Preventive measures
Some of the preventive measures to consider to reduce instances of rollover include
- Avoiding high-speed maneuvers and tailgating
- Selecting the right vehicle
- Good maintenance of tires
- Utilizing anti-rollover technology
- Making good use of seat belts to avoid ejection during a rollover
- Avoiding distracted and impaired driving at all costs
In conclusion, rollover accidents are a concern as they cause many fatalities and result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one is involved in one, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer to find out your legal options.
