Accidents that result in one or more vehicles rolling over are the most dangerous and deadly types of accidents. They usually cause serious injuries for the drivers and passengers involved in the accident. In many cases, the cause of rollover accidents can be attributed to driver error. However, in other instances, rollover accidents are caused by defective parts in the vehicle. If the driver is at fault for the rollover, the passenger(s) often file a lawsuit against the driver. If it is the fault of defective parts or an ill-designed vehicle, the automaker may be held liable for the injuries. Fortunately, the government requires that all vehicles pass a rollover test before they are approved for use on public roads. Even with precautions and tests in place, rollover accidents still occur at a high rate. If you were the driver or a passenger in a vehicle involved in a rollover accident it is likely that you are dealing with the serious after-effects of such an accident. Do not wait until the statute of limitations has passed before you seek to get compensated for your injuries. Give the San Diego rollover accident attorney at Injury Trial Lawyers a call to schedule your free consultation today.
Rollover Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Trafic Safety (NHTSA), rollover accidents only occur in about 2.1% of all accidents. However, fatalities that are the result of rollover accidents account for almost 35% of all accident-related fatalities. Unfortunately, nearly 70% of the fatalities that occur in rollover accidents happen to individuals that were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Driver-Related Factors
Car manufacturers use advanced technology to ensure that their vehicles are not likely to rollover. Additionally, the government maintains a strict set of rules that every automaker must adhere to if they want approval for their cars. In most cases of rollover accidents, the driver is responsible. Learn more about the most common causes of rollovers below.
- Speed: 40% of fatal rollover accidents involve the driver speeding excessively.
- Impairment: Almost half of rollover accidents involve alcohol.
- Unsafe Driving: This can include taking turns too fast, distracted driving, unsafely attempting to pass other drivers, sharp turns, etc.
Vehicle-Related Factors
Sport Utility Vehicles, pickup trucks, and vans are the most likely type of vehicle to be involved in rollover accidents. They are taller, more narrow, and have a higher center of gravity in comparison to other types of passenger vehicles. Typically, older models are more susceptible to rollover accidents than newer models. In rare instances, rollover accidents are caused by defective equipment within the vehicle. However, proving that a rollover accident was caused by vehicle-related factors can be difficult without the expertise and experience of a San Diego rollover accident attorney.
Common Injuries From Rollover Accidents
Due to the violent nature of rollover accidents, they cause the most severe injuries. If you have suffered an injury as a result of a rollover accident, seek immediate medical attention. It should be noted that the use of a seatbelt dramatically reduces the chance of serious injury or fatality. This is especially true for those ejected from a vehicle during rollover accidents. However, it can not always prevent this from happening. Learn more about the most common injuries attributed to rollover accidents below.
- Traumatic brain and/or head injuries
- Spinal cord, back, and neck injuries
- Severe contusions and deep lacerations
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
- Burns
- Death
Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney
85% of all rollover accidents involve a single vehicle. If you have been injured as a result of a rollover accident, it can be difficult to figure out who is at blame (the driver or the vehicle). It may take the expertise of a personal injury attorney to fully investigate the accident. No matter where the fault lies, you may be entitled to compensation. Working with an aggressive personal injury attorney can be an asset when investigating the case, negotiating with insurers, or pursuing damages in court. If you have been injured in a rollover accident, give the attorneys at Injury Trial Lawyers to schedule your free consultation today.