Rollover accidents have a higher fatality rate than other types of crashes, according to statistics from the National Highway and Transportation Administration. Every week, tragic headlines of fatal rollover accidents remind us of how dangerous these types of auto accidents can be.
What is a rollover accident?
A rollover accident occurs when driver loses control of the vehicle, tries to over-correct, runs off the road, and causes the vehicle to “roll over.” Such an accident may result in passengers being tossed around the vehicle or even ejected from it.
Causes of rollover accidents
Rollover accidents have a number of causes. One cause of rollover accidents is the type of car one drives. While all types of cars can roll over, taller vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans (automobiles with a lower center of gravity) are more likely to roll over if they are involved in a single-vehicle crash. The more passengers who are in the vehicle, the more likely the vehicle is to roll over due to the extra weight. Because of this weight imbalance, drivers who try to over-correct unfortunately put their vehicles in a rollover position.
Another reason these types of accidents occur is driver behavior and driver location. For instance, the federal government reports that 40% of fatal rollover crashes involve excessive speeds, generally faster than 55 miles per hour. Additionally, alcohol is usually involved in rollover crashes because drivers whose mental and physical reactions are slowed are more likely to crash their vehicles. Perhaps you were involved in a roll-over crash while swerving to avoid hitting a drunk driver.
What to do if you were injured in a rollover accident
If you or your loved one were injured in a rollover accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries. To help determine whether you may be able to file a claim against the other driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Woodland Hills to discuss your specific accident, the resulting injuries, and the associated medical bills and other expenses.
For more information on the types of financial recovery available to auto accident victims in Woodland Hills, reach out to auto accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.