Rollover accidents are most commonly caused by drivers that lose control of their vehicle. There are many reasons someone could lose control of the car including, being on the phone, falling asleep behind the wheel, eating and drinking behind the wheel and other forms of distracted driving.
While rollover accidents may be less common than other types of auto accidents, they are overrepresented in the number of vehicular accident-related fatalities that they cause. According to data from Consumer Reports, while rollover accidents only occur in about 3% of all serious auto accidents, they account for about 30% of all those killed in crashes.
Factors that Lead to Rollover Accidents
Given the right circumstances, any vehicle is capable of rolling over. However, in times of car crashes, certain factors may lead to an increased risk of a rollover, including:
- The type of vehicle involved. Vehicles that are taller and narrower have a higher center of gravity and are more prone to rolling over because they are top-heavy.
- Speeding. Driving too fast can make it more difficult to make safe stops and can result in a driver making over-corrections, rapid changes in direction, or the vehicle hitting a curb or pothole, ultimately causing it to rollover.
- Too little or too much tire grip. Too much tire grip can lead to excessive sideways forces, while too little grip can cause the vehicle to lose traction with the road and skid.
- Where the crash occurs. Rollovers are more common on rural roadways with higher posted speed limits.
- Curved roads or exit ramps. Making sharp turns, especially in combination with speeding and a top-heavy vehicle, can drastically increase the risk of a rollover crash.
- Alcohol. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all rollover accidents involve intoxicated drivers; alcohol can negatively impact driver judgment, muscle coordination, and vision.
How to Avoid a Rollover Crash
Sadly, rollovers often lead to catastrophic or even fatal injuries. While it may be impossible to control to actions of other drivers, you can take steps to reduce your chance of a rollover accident and improve your chances of surviving the incident, should you ever be involved in one:
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Reduce your speed, especially on curvy roads
- Never consume alcohol before driving
- Be aware of road conditions
- Check the pressure of your tires
- Go with a newer vehicle with improved safety systems
If you are injured in a rollover car accident caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Emotional damages
The Chico car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Larry Buckley are standing by ready to help you recover from this traumatic ordeal. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm at (530) 413-0245 to speak with our zealous legal team for free today.