Understanding Rollover Car Accidents

There are many  types of accidents that can occur on the road. However, rollover accidents are one of the most severe, only second to head-on collisions. During a rollover accident, the car flips over and in some cases can throw out its passengers in the process. If a passenger is ejected, this can lead to severe injuries and possibly death.

According to the annual National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3% of car crashes in the United States result in a rollover. Rollover car accidents are more common among narrow and tall vehicles like vans, pickup trucks, as well as SUVs. This is because these vehicles have a higher center of gravity, making it easier for such vehicles to tip over.

Causes of Rollover Car Accidents

Several factors contribute to the possibility of rollover accidents occurring. Common causes of rollover accidents include:

• High Center of Gravity: Some vehicles, such as SUVs, have a higher center of gravity. The high center of gravity makes it more likely for such vehicles to tip over in certain conditions such as speeding through a sharp turn. 
• Driver’s Recklessness: While vehicles can flip over for many reasons, speeding contributes to a majority of rollover accidents. 
• Car Defects: Car defects such as worn-out tires contribute to this type of accident. Worn-out tire tread will make it difficult for the vehicle to have a firm grip on the road. The lack of a strong grip increases the likelihood of having a rollover accident.
• Poor Road Maintenance: Poor maintenance of roads increases the possibility of cars tripping or having a malfunction on the road. Many rollover car accidents result from the car’s tires hitting a bump or curb and tipping over in the process. 
• Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence (DUI) is a contributory factor to several rollover crashes. Most drivers who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol are likely to have their vision and decision-making impaired, increasing the possibility of accidents occurring.

Common Injuries after a Rollover Car Accident

Rollover accidents may cause serious injuries or possible death to the vehicle’s occupants. An article in the Accident Reconstruction Journal puts the percentage of rollover accidents with a high fatality rate at 50%. In cases where passengers in a rollover accident survive, occupants can experience any of the following injuries:

• Broken bones 
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Neck injuries
• Cuts, bruises, and scrapes

Some of these injuries can have long-term effects on the survivors. These effects can manifest in the form of speech impairment, partial or total loss of vision and hearing, chronic back pain, or other serious injuries that can impact quality of life for survivors.

“Injuries resulting from a rollover car accident can leave a lasting impact on one’s life,” said Attorney Bennett Schiller of Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm. “If you have sustained an injury from a rollover accident, that injury could impact your ability to live your life as you had been previously. If that’s the case, a personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation to help cover medical expenses or loss of income.”

What To Do When Involved in a Rollover Car Accident

You may have sustained severe injuries if you were involved in a rollover car accident. If you are suffering injuries from a rollover car accident, it is important to reach out to a  personal injury attorney who could help you get financial compensation for both medical expenses and possible loss of income you may be experiencing

Cheryl Wheeler