Rollover incidents are incredibly terrifying, and these often result in significant injuries for drivers and passengers. Before you hit the roadway, it is important to understand how rollover accidents occur. In many cases, these incidents are caused by the negligent actions of other drivers. However, single-vehicle rollover accidents also occur, sometimes caused by bad weather, roadway debris, or other roadway hazards.
How Often do Rollover Accidents Occur
When we examine the information available from the IIHS, we can see that pickup trucks and SUVs are proportionately more likely than other vehicles to be involved in rollover collisions. That is because these vehicles are higher off the ground and have a different center of gravity, making them more likely to roll in the event take collision occurs or if the driver of the vehicle loses control or turns too sharply.
In 2020, the latest reporting gear of data on file, there were 3,395 total deaths that occurred as a result of rollover collisions involving other vehicles across the country. During that same year, there were more than 3,000 total deaths as a result of single-car rollover collisions.
How Rollover Collisions Occur
There are various factors that are likely to increase the chances that a rollover accident will occur. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Driver inebriation. Individuals intoxicated by alcohol or drugs are much more likely to be involved in fatal collisions on the roadway. When a driver is impaired, they will lack the skill and judgment necessary to operate the vehicle safely and are likelier to make mistakes or drive recklessly.
- High speeds. Regardless of whether or not a collision involves a single vehicle or two or more vehicles, excessive speeds are one of the most common causes of rollover and fatal accidents in the country. When one vehicle strikes another at a significant speed, the impact will be more devastating than a low-impact collision.
- Vehicle defects. Design defects for the vehicle could lead to stability problems. Today, many modern vehicles come with electronic stability control features that help prevent rollover accidents. No
- Tire problems. Anytime there is an issue with the tires of a vehicle, this increases the chance that an accident will occur. Often, we will see that rollover collision are caused by tire failure. This can include incredibly worn down tires, overinflated tires, tires experiencing tread separation, or a manufacturer defect.
Rollover Accident Injuries
Unfortunately, rollover collisions often result in significant injuries, and they lead to a higher level of fatalities than other types of incidents. The very nature of a rollover accident often means that these incidents are violent and traumatic. Some of the most common injuries caused by a rollover collision include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, internal organ damage or bleeding, broken or dislocated bones, amputations or crush injuries, and more.
Individuals who wear their seatbelts are less likely to sustain severe injuries, but that is no guarantee either. However, individuals who do not wear their seatbelts will be much more likely to experience severe traumatic injuries or death if a rollover collision occurs. If you find yourself involved in a rollover accident, speak to an accident attorney in Philadephia as soon as possible.