A rollover accident can be a potentially life-threatening car accident that occurs when a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. In some rollover car accidents, a car may roll multiple times before it comes to a stop. These types of car crashes commonly occur on highways and roads where vehicles travel at high speeds.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) reported 2,750 deaths from rollover collisions in 2017. Although it is not the most common type of car accident, rollover crashes often result in more fatalities than other collisions.
Rollover car accidents sometimes occur as a result of external causes or factors. A car may collide with another vehicle or object and lose control. Rollover accidents also occur due to dangerous road or weather conditions such as ice. These car accidents can also happen because of a driver’s reckless behavior and poor decisions.
How Do Rollover Car Crashes Occur?
There are a few main causes of rollover crashes. Knowing the causes and taking the right precautions can help reduce your risk of a tragic rollover car accident.
Factors that can contribute to a rollover accident include:
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit can increase the likelihood of rollover car accidents. It can be dangerous and challenging to make a change in direction while traveling at a high rate of speed.
- Aggressive or careless driving: Taking sharp, sudden turns, driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, and driving while distracted (i.e. looking at your phone while driving) are examples of irresponsible behavior that can lead to a rollover car accident.
- Car defects: Manufacturers of cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, and other motor vehicles are legally responsible for designing and constructing safe vehicles. A common cause for rollover crashes is car defects, including defective tires, brakes, and mechanical errors.
- Obstructions: Hitting an object or a “trip” while driving, especially at a high speed, can cause a rollover car accident. Trips may include medians, rough or wet surfaces, guardrails, foreign objects, or even other vehicles.
Common Injuries Caused by Rollover Car Accidents
Injuries caused by a rollover car accident will vary depending on the circumstances. For instance, your injuries may be more serious if your car rolls several times before stopping instead of just once. Collision with another vehicle or object during a rollover may also increase the chance of severe injury.
Rollover accidents commonly result in injuries to the head and neck, upper body, spine, abdomen, limbs, and internal organs. The head and neck are considered the most vulnerable part of the body in a rollover incident. Many of these severe injuries can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems and even death.
Who is Responsible in a Rollover Car Crash?
If you have suffered a serious injury as a result of a rollover car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. In order to seek the compensation you deserve, you will need to determine the cause of the car crash.
Even if you are the only driver involved in a rollover car crash, another party may be at fault. External factors, such as a poorly maintained road, can lead to a rollover car crash. Vehicle manufacturers can also be liable if a mechanical or design defect, such as brake failure, is a reason for the rollover car accident.
Hurt In A Rollover Car Accident? Call William Mattar
Our personal injury attorney can help you establish who is at fault after a rollover car crash. Our car accident attorneys at William Mattar law offices have extensive experience helping those who have been injured in rollover car accidents and can help you through the process of filing a claim. Contact us today at 844-noswap444-4444.