Every auto accident is a potential tragedy. However, not all crashes are created equal. Auto accidents can range from a simple fender bender all the way to life-threatening high-speed collisions. The potential for damage and injury can, and does, vary based on the type of accident you’ve been involved with.
While hiring a car crash attorney can help you get the medical attention you need and the compensation you deserve for your injuries, the process will vary based on the injuries or damage received. Today, we’re going to be reviewing one of the most dangerous types of auto accidents. The rollover.
What Is a Rollover?
A rollover is caused by a sudden shift in weight and the center of gravity. When a strong enough outside factor shifts the weight of a vehicle too much, it can cause the car or truck to tip over onto its side or onto the roof. These accidents are some of the worst things that can happen to any person on the road.
In the worst cases, a vehicle can complete several full rotations on the ground or in the air before coming to a stop. This applies an incredibly dangerous amount of force to the occupants of the vehicle. Even when restrained by seatbelts, the accidents are often fatal.
It might surprise you to learn that most rollovers occur in single-vehicle crashes. In other words, the majority of rollovers don’t involve a collision.
- Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that almost 85% of rollover fatalities occur in single-vehicle crashes
Most rollovers are caused by a “trip” when a driver is making a quick movement. If a driver makes a sudden movement, like swerving out of the way of an object, and hits something like a curb or a soft shoulder, the center of gravity suddenly changes drastically.
Strong sideways forces can shift the weight of the vehicle to one side, and the force of the original movement continues until the vehicle rolls over.
Rollover Accident Statistics
Rollovers are some of the most dangerous types of auto accidents. Their fatality rate is higher than other crashes you might experience. They are very rare, but very deadly.
- Rollovers only occur in about 3% of serious crashes
- However, they account for nearly 35% of fatalities in passenger vehicle crashes
There are certain factors that make rollovers far more likely to occur. Since they have lower centers of gravity, rollovers are far less likely to occur in coupes or sedans. Larger, taller vehicles like SUVs, trucks and vans are far more susceptible to rollover crashes.
Speed is another major factor in rollovers.
The more force and energy present, the higher your chance is to be involved in a rollover. It’s for that reason that almost 75% of rollover deaths took place in areas with speed limits over 55 mph.
How Can the Brooks Law Group Help You?
If you were involved in a rollover accident, the injuries you sustained are likely to be very serious. Serious injuries often mean extended periods of hospital care and costly medical bills. An experienced auto accident attorney can help you receive the compensation needed for your medical care.
After a serious accident, it’s critical that you get the attention you need. That’s why we work with medical care providers and insurance companies to get you the best possible care.
Since 1992, the Brooks Law Group has been committed to providing the best client experience possible to our community. Our attorneys and staff will always put you and your health first, and we’ll help you navigate the complex legal process as you recover from your injuries. Look to a firm that genuinely cares about its clients. A firm where you won’t be another case number. Look to Brooks!
Call our offices at 1-800-LAW-3030 or fill out the online Contact Us form today. You’ll receive a free, no obligation case evaluation, and you won’t have to worry about costly upfront legal fees. If we don’t win your case, you won’t owe us anything.
