Rollover Accidents Carry Highest Risk of Fatality

Rollover accidents are comparatively rare, with only approximately 1 out of every 50 accidents involving trucks, cars, and SUVs resulting in a rollover. But when rollover accidents do occur, the risk of significant injury or death are extremely high. Rollover accidents make up over one-third of traffic fatalities, despite being only two percent of accidents.

Though rollover accidents can happen in any car, certain types of vehicles are significantly more susceptible, including:

• Sports Utility Vehicles
• Trucks, particularly king cab and other larger models
• Cargo vans

In general, higher profile vehicles are more susceptible to rollover accidents, particularly in high winds. Other factors that increase the risk of rollover accidents are the speed of the vehicles, aggressive swerving, and icy roads or other extreme weather conditions. Drivers should be extra cautious in these situations to limit these risks.

Driving under the influence or while distracted also drastically increases the likelihood of a rollover occurring. Drunk drivers and drivers who are texting while driving are more likely to overreact or react late to driving conditions. Because any maneuver that shifts the weight of the vehicle rapidly contributes to rollovers, delayed reaction is a major factor in these type of accidents.

In addition to makes and models and weather conditions affecting the likelihood of these incidents, certain types of accidents are more likely to result in a rollover. T-bone accidents, where a car is struck in the side by another car’s front bumper, and sideswipe accidents at high speeds are both associated with higher risks.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a rollover accident, determining the extent to which factors outside your control influenced the accident is important. An evaluation of safety features of the vehicle, the weather conditions, and other factors including drunk and distracted driving can help you make your case. Please, consult with an experienced attorney.