According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a rollover crash is characterized by a vehicle that is tipped onto its side or roof as a result of an accident. Rollover collisions are among the deadliest accident scenarios on the road. In the United States alone, they are responsible for close to 10,000 fatalities annually.
In this article, we shall examine the common causes of rollover accidents, their types, and the possible injuries they could cause.
Different Types of Rollover Accidents
Rollover incidents can be broadly classified into two categories based on how they occur. When a car strikes a curb, ditch, or other obstruction, it slides sideways and eventually topples over due to the force generated by the tires. This type of incident is called a tripped rollover crash.
Untripped rollover accidents, which are less prevalent, happen when there isn’t anything on the road that can act as a tipping point. In some instances, speeding and being overly top-heavy cause cars to roll without any influence from external force. The number of people utilizing high-profile cars, such as SUVs, is increasing, contributing to an increase in this type of collision. Rollover incidents can result in severe injuries and are exceedingly dangerous.
Reasons For Rollover Accidents
Numerous reasons contribute to the higher risk of rollover accidents. Among them are the following driving habits:
- Speeding: It boosts the car’s mass and momentum, increasing the likelihood of rolling over in a crash.
- Drunk Driving: It raises the chance of a rollover and hinders the driver’s ability to control the car.
- Inattentive driving: It raises the possibility of an accident by drawing the driver’s attention away from the road.
- Poorly maintained vehicles: Increases the likelihood of a tire blowing out or a suspension failing in a collision.
- Weight Imbalance: When cargo is not correctly fastened, it can also cause an imbalance and unequal weight distribution inside the vehicle. A car with an unequal weight distribution may roll over or tip over.
What Vehicle Types Are Prevalent in Rollover Accidents?
Although any car can roll over, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more likely to have these rollover accidents due to their wheelbase, weight, and height mix. When a driver turns too quickly or in wet or icy conditions, there is an increased chance of a rollover. Rollovers can also happen when a car leaves the road or in a side-impact incident.
Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents
Those who are involved in rollover crashes may suffer some of the most severe injuries possible, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can happen when a vehicle flips, and the person inside the car’s head hits something inside the vehicle or when they are ejected and lands on the pavement.
- Fractured or crushed bones could result from contact and may get worse if the car lands on a passenger who is ejected.
- Lacerations can cause disfiguring scars and irreversible damage to the victim’s muscles and nerves.
- Internal bleeding and organ punctures may arise from impact-related internal injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries are frequently brought on by the rollover accident’s recurrent flipping action.
Do you require a Car Accident Attorney?
If you have been involved in a rollover accident, it would be sensible to contact an experienced car accident attorney and discuss your settlement options, especially if you have sustained severe injuries.