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Complex interactions between drivers, vehicles, the road, and the weather frequently result in car accidents. Accidents are frightening occurrences that can have a lasting effect on the people involved, especially if there is a rollover. Severe injuries and even death can occur when one or more vehicles turn over during an accident. This is known as a rollover accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, rollovers occur in approximately 1% of all collisions and are responsible for nearly 7.5% of fatal accidents.
If you have been involved in a rollover accident, contact one of our experienced car accident attorneys at (314) 888-1000 for your free legal consultation.
In a crash, two things may happen to drivers: first, they could lose control of their cars and veer off the road; second, they could drive dangerously fast, increasing the chance of a rollover. Although there are additional reasons for rollover accidents, such as collisions with other vehicles or roadblocks, the aforementioned causes are the most frequent causes. However, rollover car accidents have a variety of causes, including:
A driver losing control of a vehicle is the most frequent cause of a rollover accident. A driver may become disoriented and lose control of the vehicle if they are driving while using a phone, nodding off, or due to another distraction. In addition, a vehicle’s center of gravity may be shifted if it collides with a curb or another object on the road. As a result, the car could tip over onto its side or top due to the forward motion.
Aggressive driving, which includes dangerous maneuvers like sharp turns and fast swerving, is another frequent reason for rollovers. These quick motions can cause the vehicle to tip to one side or turn over due to friction between the tires and the road surface. This is especially true for vans, trucks, and vehicles carrying a lot of weight.
Rollover incidents most frequently involve a single car; multi-vehicle rollovers are less frequent. However, a vehicle may roll if it is struck side-on and knocked over by the force of the oncoming vehicle. In addition, a vehicle will frequently collide with a railing or another obstacle, creating a ramp and leading to a rollover.
There is always a chance of being involved in a collision, whether you sit in the driver’s seat or the passenger seat. You can take basic safety measures to lessen your risk of being in an accident even though you cannot control all factors, such as the traffic, the weather, or other drivers on the road. When driving, you should always maintain control of your car, be sober, and be aware of your surroundings. Follow these guidelines to help defend yourself against a rollover accident:
Never drink and drive. It is never a good idea to drive after drinking. It’s not worth it because it seriously endangers you and everyone else. Your judgment, coordination, and vision can all be affected by even a modest amount of alcohol. Even if turning too quickly when sober is problematic, doing it while intoxicated is far riskier and more challenging. Keep in mind that alcohol is a factor in over 50% of fatal rollover incidents.
Understand your vehicle. Under the correct circumstances, any passenger or commercial vehicle has the potential to roll over. The NHTSA states that a sedan is less likely to flip over than an SUV, van, or pickup truck. Because of their heavier weight and greater center of gravity, larger vehicles are more prone to instability and have more difficulty stopping their sideways motion. You should be mindful of the possibility of tipping if you operate a vehicle with a high center of gravity.
Maintain proper speed. According to NHTSA, excessive speed contributes to 40% of all fatal rollovers. Furthermore, most rollovers occurred in regions with 55 mph or faster-stated speed restrictions. So here’s a simple lesson: Don’t speed. Keep in mind that, depending on the circumstances, the posted speed limit may not be safe. Instead, adapt your speed to the circumstances.
Concentrate on the road. That’s all you should be doing while driving. Always have the road in mind and nothing else. When you’re driving, you shouldn’t text, talk on the phone, eat, read, or do anything else that isn’t directly relevant to driving. This is especially true while traveling on rural roads with a 55 mph or higher speed limit. Since approximately 75% of all rollover incidents on rural roads result in fatalities, these roads are particularly risky.
Rollover car accidents are particularly terrifying since they typically involve a single vehicle and frequently happen on country roads. You must take the initiative to contact emergency services in these situations, as they may be spread out and require some time to arrive. The following are some crucial pointers for people hurt in rollover car accidents:
Be composed. Take a moment to collect your thoughts once the dust has settled and you are certain the car has stopped. You recently experienced a traumatic situation, so you have every right to be terrified. Despite this, you should try to maintain your composure.
Evaluate yourself. Give yourself a quick pat down and look over your hands, feet, face, and torso. Next, you must assess if your injury will prevent you from moving freely. Additionally, you must confirm that you are not confined to your car.
Check on every passenger. Make sure everyone in the car, including any passengers, is safe by calling out to them. To reassure them, if you can, reach out and touch them. Then, until help arrives, keep talking to one another.
Leave the car. If possible, get out of your vehicle. If you exit your car, it will be simpler for you to evaluate the situation, inspect the damage, and assist your passengers. Additionally, it will be simpler to call for assistance.
Call for help. If you can find your phone, dial 911 and ask them to send aid immediately. The issue is that you might not be sure of your current location, what occurred, or when it occurred. That’s normal; even with vague instructions, assistance will still be provided.
Rollover accident cases could be challenging. Different car types are more likely to roll than others, endangering and killing passengers. Inadequately built and/or maintained roads can also contribute to rollover incidents.
You should speak with a St. Louis personal injury lawyer if you were involved in a rollover accident and believe that your vehicle was particularly prone to rollovers or that the state of the road contributed to your accident. Even though mounting medical bills and lost pay can be stressful, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for your injuries. To talk with one of our skilled car accident attorneys at Goldblatt + Singer, the St. Louis Injury Law Firm, call (314) 888-1000 or contact us online for your free legal consultation.