A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle has tipped over onto its side or onto its roof, often several times. Vehicles must be crash tested and manufacturers must adhere to certain safety standards before placing a vehicle on the market.
However, this does not mean that certain vehicles are less prone to this type of accident. SUVs and top-heavy vehicles are often associated with these serious accidents because they have a higher center of gravity. If the vehicle has any design or engineering defects, it may cause the roof to be weak and crushable. The initial impact of the crash may cause the roof to be crushed and fail to protect the passengers.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, even though the type of vehicle does play a significant role, other factors such as driver behavior and the conditions of the road and environment can also cause a vehicle to turn over.
Aside from head-on collisions, rollover vehicle crashes are the most deadly. Once a vehicle rolls over, many different types of injuries can occur to both the driver and the passengers. Unfortunately, these injuries can be devastating and life-threatening. The most severe injuries include brain damage, spinal cord injury, loss of limbs, and death.
Less severe injuries include bone fractures, facial injuries, whiplash, and injuries obtained from airbag deployment. As a result of an accident, we understand that you will have likely incur high medical costs and damage to your vehicle. You may receive compensation for your actual damages such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
According to the NHTSA, 40% of all fatal rollover crashes involve excessive speeding. Nearly 75% of fatal rollovers occurred where the speed limit was at least 55 miles per hour. Drivers sometimes hit objects on the road that that result in their vehicles overturning. For example, a driver may “trip” his car on a median, a ditch, or guardrail and lose control and overturn. Reckless lane changes and aggressive driving can also lead to this type of accident because the vehicle becomes susceptible to sudden movements. Overturned vehicle accidents are caused by a variety of other conditions on the road, such as:
At the Tatum Law Firm, we focus our practice on personal injury, especially in injuries resulting for vehicle crashes. At the firm, lawyer Brian Steed Tatum has helped many victims reach fair settlements for their injuries both in North Carolina and South Carolina. If necessary, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to court. We understand that being involved in a car accident can be a difficult situation for you and your family. Let us come up with a plan to obtain the compensation you are entitled to by law. Please give us a call today at (704) 307-4197 for a free consultation.