Rollover accidents are among the most catastrophic types of vehicle crashes, often causing serious injuries and often fatalities. A rollover accident is defined as a situation where a car or truck tips over onto its side or roof during an accident. Knowing more about how these accidents typically happen can be crucial in preventing them.
Vehicle Type and Rollover Susceptibility
Certain types of vehicles are more susceptible to rollovers due to their structure. Taller, narrower vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, or 18 wheelers possess a higher center of gravity. This can cause them to become unstable in certain instances like sharp turns, leading to potentially catastrophic car or truck accidents.
Speeding
Another common contributing factor is speeding. High-speed driving significantly increases the risk of rollover accidents. Traveling at higher speeds reduces a driver’s reaction time and control over the vehicle, especially while navigating turns or sudden maneuvers. Excessive speed can also result in aggressive tire lifts during abrupt changes in direction leading to potential rollovers.
Intoxication
Intoxication is a significant cause of rollover accidents. Alcohol or drug impairment severely affects a driver’s cognitive function and reaction time, increasing the risk of losing control over their vehicle which can lead to sever drunk driving accidents and rollover crashes.
Driving under influence is not only illegal but also endangers every road user. Irresponsible decisions such as driving while intoxicated could be life-changing for both you and innocent individuals around you on the road.
The Effect of Rural Roads and Lack of Barriers
The nature of rural roads can also enhance the likelihood of a rollover accident. Rural lanes are often unlit or poorly marked, adding more challenges to nighttime driving. Additionally, they may lack guardrails and barriers that manage riskier driving situations like overcorrection.
Overloading Vehicles
Exceeding your vehicle’s recommended load capacity is a recipe for disaster. Overload compromises the car’s stability by altering its center of gravity, in turn making it more prone to tipping or rolling over. The heavier the weight, particularly if top-heavy, the greater a vehicle’s rollover risk.
Tire Maintenance and Blowouts
Poor tire maintenance greatly contributes to rollovers as well. Worn-out tires with insufficient tread or improperly inflated ones reduce a vehicle’s grip on road surfaces creating a high risk of instability, especially while maneuvering bends in the road.
Additionally, a sudden tire blowout can instantly cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can then result in a rollover.
Weather Conditions
In addition to the factors above, weather conditions dramatically impact rollover occurrences. Wet or icy roads lead to slippery surfaces that can compromise tire traction, impairing a driver’s ability to control the vehicle effectively. In instances of hydroplaning or skidding on ice, for instance, a car is more susceptible to flipping over.
Similarly, high winds may destabilize vehicles, particularly those with higher centers of gravity, possibly leading to a rollover accident.
Legal Implications and Compensation
If you have been injured in a rollover accident due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, whether it is another driver, car designer, or parts manufacturer, you may be eligible for compensation. This can include payment of medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more.
A Fresno car accident attorney will work diligently to investigate your accident, gather possible evidence, and establish liability—ultimately helping you pursue the full compensation you are entitled to.
If you need help understanding your rights or seeking justice after a rollover accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation.