A rollover crash is identified as a vehicle flipped onto its side or roof. Although rare, they often cause severe injuries and even fatalities. It’s critical after such an accident that injured parties work with a qualified car accident attorney to start an investigation into the incident right away. This helps preserve evidence, identify the negligent party, and present a claim for full compensation.
Top Causes for Rollover Crashes
One of the reasons why rollover crashes are so catastrophic is because in many accidents, the vehicle doesn’t flip just once, but multiple times. Even if a motorist is wearing a seat belt, that type of force causes serious damage. Here are some of the main reasons for rollovers:
- Reckless driving. Making risky moves on the road, such as speeding or taking sharp turns, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and flip.
- Defective parts. Vehicle defects that cause tire failure, such as tread separation, can increase the risk of a rollover crash.
- Multi-vehicle crashes. Typically, rollover crashes are single-vehicle accidents. However, when crashing with another vehicle at high speeds, the impact can cause a severe force, resulting in a vehicle turnover.
Who’s Most at Risk of a Rollover Crash?
Any vehicle is at risk for rolling over, but higher profile vehicles are more likely to, such as:
- Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
- Large trucks and other commercial vehicles
- Vans
- Buses
The weight of larger vehicles also makes it harder for a driver to maneuver safely if they suddenly have to veer out of the way to avoid an obstacle.
How to Prevent Rollover Crashes
To avoid the risks of a rollover, here are some preventative measures that might help:
- Slow down. Speeding can make it more difficult to control your car, and if you lose control, you're at greater risk for a vehicle rollover.
- Focus on vehicle operation. Distracted driving is a huge contributing factor to car accidents. So put your phone away or use cell phone blocking technology, and keep your eyes on the road ahead and your hands on the wheel.
- Properly load your vehicle. Overloading makes the car too heavy and less stable, so don’t exceed the manufacturer’s recommended limits. Also, avoid carrying cargo on the roof of already high-profile vehicles so they’re not too top-heavy.
- Maintain the tires. Keep your tires in good shape. Proper balancing and inflation provide better stability, as does the right amount of tread.
- Choose advanced safety features. Many vehicles now have factors such as electronic automatic stability control.