What Causes Rollover Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents account for around 9,500 fatalities every year nationwide and cause a quarter of all fatal accidents on the roadway. Rollover accidents have the capacity to cause devastating and permanent injuries to victims who survive this type of crash, and victims are often left asking how a rollover accident happened. This type of accident can be caused by many different factors, and if you were injured in a rollover accident you may have a valid claim for compensation. Call the office or contact us today at Mitch Grissim & Associates to learn more about your legal options after a rollover accident.

High Center of Gravity

While any type of vehicle has the capacity to rollover in an accident the most common types of vehicles that are involved in this type of crash are trucks, SUVs, and vans. These types of vehicles have a higher center of gravity than smaller cars, which makes them more prone to rollover accidents. In addition, when trucks and SUVs are carrying heavy loads or have improperly loaded cargo it can throw off the center of gravity and make the vehicle more susceptible to rollover accidents.

Speed

Speed can also play a major role in rollover accidents. The NHTSA has reported over the years that speed is noted as a factor far more often in rollover crashes than in other types of vehicle accidents. A vehicle traveling at high speed has the force necessary to rollover in a crash.

Road Conditions

Inclement road conditions also contribute to many rollover accidents. Rollovers occur more often on rural, less developed roadways that have pavement defects, inadequate maintenance, or loose gravel. Weather can also play a role in the overall road conditions that lead to a crash. It is important to note that bad road or weather conditions do not negate liability for the driver in a rollover accident but can help explain why the crash occurred.

Drinking and Driving

Drunk driving also contributes to many rollover accidents. The NHTSA reported that over one-third of drivers involved in rollover crashes had blood alcohol levels that indicated intoxication. Alcohol consumption leads to depressed reaction time and cognitive awareness, which means that the driver is not able to mitigate or avoid whatever causes the rollover crash.

Tire Blowouts

Rollover accidents are also often caused by a tire blowout on the vehicle. If a tire is incredibly worn or defective it can lead to a blowout while driving on the road. A tire blowout can be caused by underinflation, overloading a vehicle like a truck or SUV, poor road conditions, or a defect in its manufacturing. A blowout can cause a vehicle to rollover without ever impacting another vehicle or hazard on the roadway.

Call or Contact Us Today

If you were injured in a rollover accident, call or contact the Nashville car accident attorneys at Mitch Grissim & Associates today to schedule a free consultation of your claims. We are eager to assist you immediately.

Resource:

nhtsa.gov/crashworthiness/rollover-research

https://mitchgrissim.com/what-should-i-do-after-a-car-accident/