Many drivers purchase sport utility vehicles (SUVs) because they feel safer inside of them compared to a passenger car. When weather conditions become dangerous, they might feel safer, even when the SUV driver is driving in adverse weather and traffic conditions. It’s all a misconception though. SUVs are not really any safer at all, and the size of SUVs many times results in higher rates of extensive damage and injury to those in normal size cars. This is why it is imperative that you seek the counsel of an experienced car accident attorney to assist you in your SUV accident.
Rollovers
As per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, well over 250,000 rollover accidents occur every year in the United States. They comprise more than half of all traffic fatalities when only one vehicle is involved in a crash. About 90 percent of all SUV rollover accidents involve a single vehicle. When an SUV rolls over, the odds of severe injuries increase by 38 percent.
Types of Rollovers
Any number of factors might contribute to an SUV rollover crash. Here are four of the most common causes:
- Quick and abrupt turns at high rates of speed.
- Taking curves on ramps at high rates of speed.
- Skidding on wet, snowy or icy roads.
- Spinning 360 degrees.
Tripped and Un-Tripped
The NHTSA will categorize a rollover crash in one of two ways. Those are tripped and un-tripped rollovers. A tripped rollover happens when a driver loses control of an SUV and leaves the roadway and slides sideways. Then, it digs its tires into mud or a soft surface, or it strikes a guardrail or curb and rolls over. The NHTSA reports that un-tripped rollovers usually happen during collision avoidance maneuvers at high speeds in vehicles that have a high center of gravity. Tripped rollovers account for 95 percent of all SUV rollovers. If you are involved in an un-tripped rollover caused by the negligence of another driver who caused you to avoid crashing into them, you should discuss this possible case with an experienced car accident attorney. You may have a possible case against this individual, so it is important that you document everything regarding the accident so that you can provide a detailed description to your attorney.
Crushed Roofs
Regardless of the fact that many vehicle drivers and passengers were wearing seat belts at the time of a crash, the NHTSA reports that crushed roofs account for about 600 rollover fatalities every year. Although most researchers agree that roof strength is a factor in SUV rollover fatalities, some other researchers disagree with that finding. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that roof strength “definitely influences injury risk.” Federal Motor Safety Standard 216 addresses SUV roof strength. It appears as if roof strength requirements for SUVs will be increased soon.
Rollover Accident Injuries
Injuries suffered by drivers and passengers in rollover accidents can be permanent and potentially fatal. Here are some of the types of severe injuries that an SUV accident attorney will encounter:
- Traumatic brain injuries that cause permanently disabling motor and cognitive impairment from skull fractures and severe concussions.
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries. A partially torn spinal cord will render a victim a paraplegic. A completely torn cord will make him or her a quadriplegic. Both injuries are permanent.
- Traumatic amputations of limbs or surgical amputations as a result of crushed limbs.
- Organ damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver.
- Multiple fractures requiring multiple surgeries.
- Death as a result of one or more of these injuries.
There are times when the carelessness and negligence of somebody else causes an SUV rollover crash. At other times the cause of the crash might be the result of faulty design of the vehicle, a faulty brake part or a dangerously defective tire that blows out. Whatever the cause, if you were seriously injured, or if you lost a family member in an SUV rollover, you’ll want to call our offices today at any of our convenient locations. You can then arrange for a free consultation and case evaluation with an SUV accident attorney from our law firm.
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