You've probably seen countless movie scenes featuring a car flipping over on its side or roof. In action movies, they may even "barrel roll" multiple times. While these dramatic moments may be thrilling to watch, rollover car accidents can have serious and even fatal consequences in real life.
Rollover crashes account for only about 3% of all auto accidents but remain particularly concerning because they're responsible for a full 30% of all passenger fatalities related to motor vehicle incidents.
So what causes cars to flip over in the first place? Knowing the causes behind rollover accidents can help prevent them and save lives.
What Is a Rollover Collision?
Rollover car accidents are widely considered to be one of the deadliest incidents that can occur between motor vehicles. In these accidents, a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof due to various factors leading to loss of control.
Unlike head-on or rear-end collisions, which typically involve impact from another vehicle or stationary object, rollovers often result from drivers' actions or unsafe road conditions.
How Often Do Rollover Car Accidents Occur?
As stated earlier, rollovers aren't that common among vehicle crashes in the United States. Advancements in automotive design and safety have helped reduce the number of rollover fatalities. However, when they do occur, the results can be disastrous.
What Are the Common Causes of Vehicle Rollovers?
Several factors contribute to these frightening incidents happening on our roads. Some common causes include:
- Speeding: High speeds make it difficult for drivers to maintain control over their vehicles during sudden maneuvers or sharp turns, leading to rollovers. Because your center of gravity shifts so quickly during a high-speed turn, the force can cause your car to tip or rollover.
- Alcohol impairment: Driving under the influence diminishes reaction times, reduces motor function, and impairs judgment – dangerous factors that significantly increase the likelihood of a rollover car accident.
- Tire grip and condition: Worn or damaged tires don't grip the road as they should, making it harder for drivers to maintain control in hazardous conditions. This lack of grip can be especially troublesome when taking turns or encountering wet surfaces.
- Vehicle type: SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more susceptible to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity compared to standard cars. Their higher propensity for rollovers highlights the importance of driving with extra caution in these vehicles.
- Road conditions: Uneven or unstable road surfaces can exacerbate vehicle instability during maneuvers, raising the risk of a rollover car accident. Potholes, unpaved roads, unexpected debris — all these can lead to disaster if drivers don't remain vigilant.
Common Injuries Associated With Rollover Accidents
Injuries sustained in rollover collisions are often severe because of the sheer force exerted on occupants during such events. Inertia — the resistance of an object to a change in motion — is a major factor behind these types of accidents. During a rollover, occupants are thrown around violently, leading to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): The head may collide with objects inside or outside the vehicle while rolling over multiple times – potentially causing life-altering or fatal injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI): Sustaining damage at any point along your spinal cord can have serious consequences ranging from partial paralysis to full quadriplegia.
- Broken bones and fractures: Limbs may become trapped or crushed amidst the chaos that ensues during a rollover incident, leading to painful breaks and fractures requiring extensive recovery time.
- Soft tissue injuries: Seat belts and airbags cannot always prevent passengers from being tossed around like rag dolls during a car rollover, leading to bruises, lacerations, and internal organ damage.
- Cuts and scrapes: Rollovers generate broken glass from the windows, leading to cuts and other deep abrasions in occupants.
Recovering from these severe injuries is far from easy. High medical bills and lost wages can worsen the burden of physical and emotional pain. That's where Bart Durham Injury Law can make a difference in your life.
Let the Experts at Bart Durham Injury Help You
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident, the compassionate team at Bart Durham Injury Law is here to guide you through this challenging time. Our small firm is all about personal service and attention, ensuring you get the care you deserve.
Armed with decades of experience fighting for injury victims, we work diligently to hold those responsible accountable – whether it's other drivers who may have caused the crash or auto manufacturers who failed to meet safety standards.
Reach out to a car accident lawyer so we can help you get back on your feet with the support you deserve. Call us now for a free consultation!