Rollover Car Accidents
Rollover car accidents occur when a vehicle loses control and flips over onto its side or roof. Rollover accidents are among the most devastating types of car accidents, causing massive damage to the vehicle and serious, often fatal injuries to the victims involved. In fact, rollovers are known for having the highest fatality rate of all car accidents with over 10,000 people killed every year. While Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and 15-passenger vans tend to be involved in rollover accidents more often than other types of vehicles due to their higher center of gravity, certain factors such as sudden turns, debris, road defects, inclement weather, and multi-vehicle crashes can cause any vehicle to be involved in a rollover accident.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
There are a number of factors that can cause a rollover accident, including driver behavior, road conditions, the type of vehicle, and environmental factors. The following are the most common causes:
- Drunk driving: Nearly 50 percent of all fatal rollover crashes involve drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgement, coordination, and vision, affecting a driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Location: Nearly 75 percent of fatal rollovers occur on rural roads that are often undivided and without barriers.
- Routine driving: According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many fatal rollover accident victims were driving normally at the time of the wreck, but may have inaccurately negotiated a curve or hit a piece of debris on the road.
- Speeding: Approximately 40 percent of fatal rollover crashes involve a driver that was speeding. Nearly 75 percent of fatal rollover car accidents occur on roads where the speed limit is at least 55 miles per hour.
- Vehicle type: SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents because of their higher center of gravity, making them more likely to tip over.
What Makes SUVs Prove to Rollovers?
In addition to the high center of gravity, SUVs also have a narrow wheel base, making them more prone to rollovers. Fortunately, automobile manufacturers have been improving the design of SUVs, using car platforms instead of truck chassis, which means they have a more stable center of gravity. In addition, newer models of SUVs come with electronic stability control systems that reduce the likelihood of rollovers. Unfortunately, many older models are still on the road and are more vulnerable to this type of accident.
Common Rollover Injuries
If you witness or are involved in a rollover accident, it is crucial that you notify the authorities immediately if you are physically able to do so. Injuries from rollover accidents tend to be severe, requiring immediate medical attention. Victims can suffer catastrophic injuries, including those affecting the head and neck, thorax, abdomen, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Examples of common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Damage to nerves, veins, and organs
- Lacerations
- Loss of limbs
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Those Injured in Rollover Accidents
If you have been seriously injured or suffered the tragic loss of a loved one in a rollover accident, do not hesitate to contact the highly skilled and compassionate Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We have a proven track record with these types of complex cases and we will aggressively pursue the responsible party, whether it is another driver, or the vehicle manufacturer. Our dedicated team will not stop fighting for you until we obtain the maximum financial compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call the right lawyer today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are conveniently located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, and we represent car accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.