Rollover Accidents: Causes, Injuries, and Legal Implications

Rollover accidents have some of the most severe injuries of all types of car accidents. Rollover accidents can be caused by reckless drivers, hazardous road conditions, or vehicle malfunctions. If you are in a rollover crash caused by another driver, you can file a personal injury claim to recover damages.

Personal injury laws can vary depending on where you live. Contact a car accident attorney to help you get compensation for your injuries.

What Is a Rollover Accident?

A rollover accident involves a vehicle going onto its side or roof during a crash. A vehicle can roll over once or have multiple rolls before stopping. Rollover accidents can happen with multivehicle accidents but more commonly involve a single-vehicle accident. Rollover accidents can cause severe injuries or even be fatal for drivers and passengers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover crashes account for one-fifth of all fatal crashes. These accidents are more likely to result in fatalities than other types of accidents. Fatal rollover accidents are increasing, especially among vans and SUVs.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Rollover Crashes?

Vehicles function best when they are stable and can maintain traction on the road. This includes traction when turning or at high speeds. However, a vehicle can flip over or roll under certain conditions. Common causes of rollover accidents include:

• Tripping when a tire hits a curb or pothole
• Speeding around a sharp turn too fast where the tires lose traction
• Crashing where one vehicle tips another vehicle over
• Wet or icy road conditions
• Defective tires or vehicle parts
• Swerving to avoid a crash
• Loss of control and hitting a guardrail
• Tire blowout

Most rollover car accidents involve driver error. The driver is going too fast under the conditions and loses control of the vehicle, causing the car or truck to flip over.

Who Is Most Likely to Be in a Rollover Accident?

Anyone can be in a rollover accident. However, rollover accidents are more likely in vehicles with a higher center of gravity. Vehicles with a high center of gravity include vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs. According to the NHTSA, drivers of rollover vehicles are more likely male, under the age of 40, and driving on a two-way road without dividing barriers.

The risk of a rollover is also higher at excessive speed and when the driver is under the influence of alcohol. Almost three-fourths of fatal rollover crashes involved a driver or passenger who was not wearing a seat belt.

How Can You Prevent a Rollover Accident?

There are several ways to help you reduce the risk of a rollover accident. You can look at vehicle safety ratings to find a passenger vehicle design that is more stable and has a lower center of gravity. Advanced safety features, including stability control, can also reduce the risk of a rollover. Proper tire maintenance can also increase vehicle stability.

When driving, make sure you are driving at a safe speed under the road conditions. Be aware of the speed limit. You may want to slow down if the road is wet, slippery, or icy.

What Are Types of Injuries in Rollover Accidents?

When a vehicle flips over, the occupants can be thrown against different parts of the vehicle, including doors, windows, and the vehicle’s roof. This can result in severe injuries or death. Common injuries in a rollover accident include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Whiplash

What Should You Do After a Rollover Accident?

After a car accident, motorists have to exchange insurance information with anyone else involved in the accident. Many states require you to report an accident to the police or the Department of Motor Vehicles. Your insurance company also requires you to report any accident to start the process of making an insurance claim.

If anyone is injured, get medical attention. Even if you don’t think your injuries are very bad, you should have a doctor check you out. Some head and neck injuries may take time to develop. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of severe injuries for accident victims.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

If the accident involves a negligent driver or faulty vehicle part, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for damages. A car accident claim will allow you to get compensation to pay for your medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. Talk to a car accident lawyer about your legal options before filing a personal injury lawsuit.