Motor Vehicle Accidents Rollover Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 23,551 rollover accidents occurred in 2017. Of those, 7,170 vehicle occupants were killed, yielding a 30% fatality rate for those involved.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from vehicle design to road infrastructure. These incidents have the potential to inflict catastrophic injuries and death. Most commonly, the unfortunate cause of rollover accidents is a defect in the design of a vehicle or a component part, though there are also external factors that can increase the likelihood of a rollover.
Vehicle Type
Rollovers occur more often with tall, narrow vehicles such as 18-wheelers, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). These vehicles tend to have a higher center of gravity that makes them more susceptible to overturning in the event of an accident.
Road Design
Infrastructure and traffic are major factors in road traffic safety. Traffic signs that indicate upcoming changes – such as curves, hills, or changes in speed – can greatly impact a driver’s reaction. Drivers’ safety and the lives of other on our roads are put at risk when roads are not properly maintained, have issues such as broken guardrails and traffic signs, or lack adequate traffic signs to indicate a shift in the driver’s path, such as a sharp turn.
Location
Location can also impact the likelihood of a rollover occurring. Drivers who frequently travel in rural areas run a greater risk of experiencing a rollover, as many roads are unlit and/or unmaintained. Drivers rely on safety measures such as guardrails and proper lighting to anticipate objects often found in rural areas, such as animals, boulders, or trees that may cross their path.
A rollover is considered one of the most dangerous motor vehicle accidents a person can be involved in due to the physical toll it takes on not only the vehicle but also the occupants inside. As a vehicle flips and rolls over, its occupants are at risk of being ejected and also sustaining injuries from objects or other passengers inside the cabin. Victims of rollover accidents have reported injuries including but not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones and fractures
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Road rash and severe burns
These injuries are debilitating and often require surgery as well as intense physical therapy for victims to recover; but even with such treatment, returning to life as normal is not guaranteed for survivors.
Rollover Accident Attorneys
Rollover accidents can occur in any type of vehicle on any road. A rollover accident is a traumatic experience with the potential to inflict life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced trial attorney like John Flood can offer needed guidance and support to navigate complex legal matters associated. There is limited time to act following your accident in Texas, so don’t delay in contacting John Flood to get started.