Can SUV Rollovers Be Prevented?

Rollover accidents have a greater chance of serious injuries and fatalities. SUVs are more at risk of rollover car accidents than other cars. Vehicle defects and design flaws can also lead to rollover accidents, even when you’re safely operating the SUV. Victims in rollover accidents can take legal action to recover compensation for their injuries.

Auto accident injury claims can vary by state. Contact a vehicle defect lawyer to understand your legal rights after an SUV collision.

Common Causes of SUV Rollovers

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) account for almost half of new vehicle sales. Drivers like SUVs for their size, storage, comfort, and perceived safety. Unfortunately, SUVs have a higher risk of rollover accidents. SUVs and minivans have a higher center of gravity, making them less stable in unavoidable accidents. During a sharp turn, lateral forces increase the risk of losing contact with the ground.

Several factors increase the risk of an SUV rollover accident. SUV rollovers are most commonly single-vehicle rollover accidents where SUVs hit an obstacle on the road. Common causes of rollover crashes include:

• Hitting a guardrail
• Hitting a curb
• Hitting a snow bank
• Driving over unpaved surfaces or off-road

SUV Safety Ratings for Rollover Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates vehicles for safety. Safety rating crash tests include frontal, side, and rollover tests. These are the most common types of accidents on highways in America. SUVs with a high center of gravity generally rate lower on rollover safety compared to passenger vehicles.

The NHTSA assigns a rollover resistance rating (RRR). This helps consumers understand vehicle safety and the chance of a rollover accident. The rollover rating is based on:

• Static stability factor (SSF)
• Dynamic rollover test

The SSF measures the vehicle width to the center of gravity. Top heavy SUVs have a lower SSF factor. The stability factor also depends on whether a vehicle tips on two wheels during severe driving maneuvers. This simulates avoiding a crash or losing traction on a sharp turn.

You can search safety ratings for vehicles on the NHTSA website. The NHTSA rates vehicles from one to five stars. Most SUVs have a rollover resistance safety rating of two to four stars.

Vehicle Design Improvements To Reduce Rollovers

Unsafe vehicle designs increase the risk of rollover accidents. Auto manufacturers are liable for dangerous defects that cause vehicle accidents. If a car company sells a defective vehicle that causes an accident, it is responsible for damages. Types of motor vehicle defects include:

• Having defective SUV designs
• Having SUV manufacturing defects
• Failing to warn drivers of rollover risks

Federal law requires SUV manufacturers to alert drivers of rollover risks. These black and yellow warnings are generally located on the driver-side sun visor. The warnings also advise how to reduce the risk of rollover injuries. These rollover warnings came after many drivers and passengers were injured or killed in rollover vehicle crashes.

Tips for Avoiding Rollovers

Safe driving practices will help avoid many rollover accidents. Excessive speed is a common cause of rollover crashes. Slow down when taking sharp turns or when there are changing road conditions. Watch the recommended speed limit when taking a turn and avoid sharp wheel movements.

Wear your seatbelt. Drivers and passengers without seatbelts are much more likely to die in a rollover crash. A seat belt limits striking surfaces inside the vehicle as it tips or rolls over. Airbags and other vehicle safety measures also reduce the risk of injury.

Some vehicles also have other vehicle safety measures, like electronic stability control (ESC). ESC features automatically apply the brakes to avoid skidding, swerving, or vehicle rolling. It also reduces the risk of tipping from overcorrecting after losing traction.

Overloading your SUV may reduce stability. More weight higher up raises the center of gravity. Generally, load heavier cargo lower in the vehicle and closer to the center. Follow your vehicle recommendations for load ratings.

Vehicle Maintenance in Preventing Rollovers

Proper vehicle maintenance can also help you reduce the chances of vehicle tipping. Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Also, rotate the tires to avoid uneven wear. Have your trusted mechanic check your tire tread and change your tires before the tread gets too low. Maintaining your breaks can also help avoid SUV rolls in an accident.

Your Legal Rights After an SUV Rollover Accident

An SUV has a defective design if it’s inherently dangerous to drive or if there’s a feasible alternative, safer design. Some SUVs are defective because the manufacturer didn’t follow quality control practices. If your SUV lacks a proper warning about rollover risks, the car company is liable for their defective vehicle.

Manufacturers and dealers are liable for accidents caused by defective vehicles. Accident victims can file a product liability claim to recover damages. Damages include your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs. A vehicle defect attorney can review your case and explain your legal options. Contact a local motor vehicle defect lawyer for help after an SUV rollover accident.