We have all heard of, seen, or worse yet, been involved in a rollover auto accident. A rollover is a type of vehicle crash in which a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. All types of vehicles can rollover. However, taller, narrower vehicles such as SUVs, pickups, and vans have higher centers of gravity, and thus are more susceptible to rollover if involved in a single-vehicle crash. What’s more, rollovers have higher fatality rates than other types of crashes. So what causes a rollover accident in the San Fernando Valley?
Common causes of rollover accidents
Read on for common factors that can lead to a tragic rollover accident…
- Speed – about 40 percent of rollover accidents involving deaths are marked by excessive speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – Nearly half of all fatal rollover crashes involve alcohol
- Location – Such as rural roads that don’t have dividers
- Tire grip
This list is not exhaustive. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover crash that occurred as a result of another person’s negligence, it is important to discuss your potential case with an experienced auto accident attorney.
Rollover accidents are often very violent
Studies show that rollover accidents are “particularly violent in nature,” for many obvious reasons. When vehicles flip over, often several times, they have the potential to leave road and careen down embankments or into oncoming traffic. Drivers and passengers are tossed around and many lives are put in danger.
A few tips to prevent rollover accidents include:
- Drive a newer car with more updated technology, airbags, and safety systems
- Wear safety belts.
- Check your tires to make sure they are all in good shape and properly inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
- Watch the load. Overloading any vehicle, particularly SUVs and pickups, decreases its stability. Try to place the heaviest cargo low on the floor and as far from the tailgate and as close to the center of the vehicle as possible.
- Drive at a safe speed.
For more information on how to file an injury claim after being hurt in a rollover crash caused by someone else, contact experienced Woodland Hills personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
