Rollover Accidents

According to the NHTSA, rollover accidents occur less frequently than any other traffic accidents, yet are responsible for about thirty percent of all traffic fatalities—that’s the highest fatality rate of any type of motor vehicle crash!

Rollovers are generally more prone to occur in vehicles that have a high center of gravity and narrow wheel track. That means that SUVs and pick-up trucks have a higher rate of rollover accidents than smaller passenger vehicles. But don’t let that give you a false sense of security if you drive a smaller passenger vehicle. Remember, all vehicles are capable of rolling over under the right conditions.

There are two main types of rollover accidents: tripped and un-tripped. The most common type of rollover is a tripped rollover. A tripped rollover occurs when a vehicle slides off the road and is “tripped” by loose gravel, soil or fixed objects like guardrails, curbs and ditches. Less common is the un-tripped rollover. An un-tripped rollover occurs when a driver makes an avoidance maneuver at high speeds; the jerky movement in a top-heavy vehicle can cause the vehicle to rollover.

While the cause of rollover accidents is often due to driver inattention or error, manufacturer defects can also play a role in causing a rollover accident. When an accident is caused by a defect in manufacturing, it is imperative to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. These cases can be difficult to prove if you do not properly gather and document evidence immediately after your accident.

To reduce the number of fatalities caused by rollovers every year, vehicle manufacturers are utilizing the latest technology and engineering. Many manufacturer’s are making their SUVs lower to the ground and with a wider wheel track. They’re also incorporating electronic stability control (ESC) into many vehicle models to allow drivers to maintain control of their vehicles when they start to lose control.

Electronic stability control works by monitoring steering wheel angle and vehicle rotation. When the ESC notices that the vehicle is not going in the direction that a driver is steering, it applies brakes to individual wheels to help drivers regain control.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced rollover accident attorney as soon as possible. A rollover accident attorney can help you determine who is at fault for your accident and help you hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries.