Rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. As your car rolls, you’ll be tossed around in the car and make contact with all sorts of objects before coming to a rest. During a rollover accident, you go wherever the car goes.
With head-on collisions, rollover accidents are some of the most deadly traffic crashes. That’s because the vehicle’s energy buildup may be impacted by factors, such as the vehicle speed, how effectively you react and hit your brakes, as well as the road conditions.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
These accidents have a lot of causes. But they typically happen when a vehicle’s balance is thrown off by an outside force or by a displacement of energy. An example is when a car changes directions too quickly. When a rollover car wreck happens in a single-car crash, it may be in large part because of the rate of speed at which the automobile was traveling. Some other factors can include:
In addition to speeding around a curve or taking a turn too fast when the car’s tires lose their grip on the road, some of the other reasons a vehicle may roll over include tripping. This happens when a car’s tire hits something—such as a curb—that transfers the vehicle’s weight to one side… that causes the car to roll before it can regain its balance.
Of course, if you’re in an accident and the force from the other vehicle is strong enough, this can cause your car to roll over.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has found that driver error is the primary reason trucks roll over, and this causes more than three-fourths (78%) of rollover truck accidents in the United States.
Which Types of Vehicles Are Most Likely to Roll Over?
A rollover car accident can occur with any car, but SUVs, light trucks, and vans will roll more easily than other vehicles. This is due to their higher center of gravity. But automakers have redesigned many models and implemented advanced safety features to help minimize the risk, making newer models less likely to roll over than older vehicles.
But according to research, these vehicles are most likely to rollover in an accident:
What Injuries Are Commonly Sustained in Rollover Crashes?
Rollover accidents have the potential severe injuries and damage. If a driver or passenger doesn’t wear a seat belt, they may be at risk of suffering severe injuries if they’re ejected from the vehicle. Plus, with loose objects inside the car and the sheer force of the impact itself, people in the car may suffer serious or life-threatening injuries, such as:
How Do I Prevent a Rollover?
Today’s vehicles are much safer than in the past; as a result, rollover accidents result in fewer deaths. Even so, they still accounted for more than 6,000 occupant fatalities in 2019. Many rollovers happen when a driver loses control of their vehicle and they’ve driven off the road. But there are some things you can do to help prevent a rollover accident.
Drive a Vehicle with Advanced Safety Features: Before buying your next vehicle, see what types of safety features are included, such as electronic stability control.
Maintain Your Tires: Your tires are the only thing that comes between you and the road. Be certain that your tires are properly inflated, balanced, and have sufficient tread to keep your car stable.
Don’t Overload Your Car: The heavier an auto is when loaded down, the more unsteady it will be when driving. Don’t pack cargo into your vehicle that’s more than the manufacturer’s recommended limits. Ans don’t strap items on the roof because that makes the vehicle top-heavy.
Don’t Speed. Traveling at a high rate of speed can make it harder to control your vehicle; and if you lose control, there’s a greater chance of a vehicle rollover.
Watch the Road: Distracted driving results in millions of automobile accidents every year. Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your electronic devices packed away when you’re driving.
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Rollover accidents are preventable in many cases. Serious injury may also be reduced by wearing seat belts, as crashes where vehicle occupants aren’t restrained are more likely to result in fatalities than are other types of crashes. And of course, don’t drink and drive: positive and elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) have been associated with fatal rollovers, and particularly fatal single vehicle rollovers.
If you or a family member are involved in an auto accident in Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for serious injuries. You need a reliable Michigan auto accident attorney that understands the Michigan no-fault insurance laws and can get you what you deserve.
For a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney in Michigan, contact Buchanan Firm. Our firm proudly serves people all across Michigan, including major cities like Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Detroit, Lansing, Holland, St. Joe, and Ann Arbor, and rural towns such as Lowell, Ada, Fremont, Newaygo, Grand Haven, Rockford, and Cedar Springs. We will meet you after hours, at home, or in the hospital to accommodate you.