Roll-Over Accident Claims

What Is A Roll-Over Accident?

The term “rollover accident” is often used in connection with a very serious crash involving a car or truck. Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side. Sport utility vehicles or SUVs are the most likely vehicles to roll over during an accident, although a rollover crash can occur with a pickup truck, sedan or large truck under the right circumstances. 

Rollover crashes are often deadly. In fact, rollovers are the number one cause of death in SUV-related accidents and the second leading cause of death in all motor vehicle crashes; only head-on collisions cause more fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rollover crashes are the most likely type of accident to result in fatalities. 

Even when a rollover does not cause the death of a driver or passengers, serious injuries often result. Orlando roll-over accident attorneys may be able to help the victims of such a crash collect compensation.

Common Causes of Roll-Over Accidents

Rollover crashes often result when tall vehicles with a high center of gravity are forced to brake suddenly. SUVs, small pickups and minivans are most likely of all vehicle types to be involved in a rollover crash due to their height and weight. When objects are secured to the top of such a vehicle, the risk of rollover increases.

While the size and shape of a vehicle contribute to the risk of a rollover, many accident occur due to driver actions as well. When a driver must make a sudden jerk of the steering wheel to avoid an obstacle in the road, or when the driver hits an object on one side of the vehicle, such as a guard rail, the conditions are favorable for a rollover. Similarly, multi-vehicle accidents in which another vehicle slams into the side of an SUV or pickup often result in rollovers. In fact, the NHTSA estimates that about 20 percent of rollovers involve multiple vehicles.

Of course, speeding, texting and other forms of distracted driving are all common causes of rollovers. Inclement weather, particularly wet or slippery roads, can also contribute to the likelihood of this type of accident.

Recovering Compensation After A Roll-Over Accident

In many cases, a third party may be responsible for the death and injury resulting from a rollover crash. Vehicle design may be responsible, in some cases, for a rollover crash. When a manufacturer creates a vehicle whose design leads to dangerous rollover accidents, the manufacturer may be responsible. In other cases, another driver may be to blame for the accident, or a faulty road design or debris left in the road may lead to a crash. A roll-over accident attorney may be able to help the victims or survivors recover compensation for the crash.

Victims of rollover accidents may suffer from traumatic head injuries, spinal cord injuries, crushed limbs and internal injuries that require surgery. In many cases, victims are killed or seriously injured when they are ejected from the vehicle during a rollover crash. Contact one of the Orlando roll-over accident attorneys at David & Philpot P.L. immediately to discuss any injuries caused by a rollover crash.