According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover crashes account for just 3 percent of all crashes, resulting in about 35 percent of all fatalities. A vehicle that flips over on its side becomes incredibly unstable and can easily crush or trap the people inside. In this blog, we’ll discuss what causes rollover accidents, as well as the most common injuries sustained in them. We’ll also provide tips on avoiding being injured in a rollover crash.
What Causes Rollover Collisions?
Several factors can lead to a rollover accident. The most common causes can include:
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Speeding: whether it is a single-vehicle crash or an accident involving more cars, high speed is one of the most prevalent causes of rollover crashes. When a driver is going too fast, potentially making sharp turns, they may lose control of their vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and flip over.
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Reckless driving: such as weaving in and out of traffic, distracted driving, and fatigue. Driving error is also a primary cause of rollover crashes. This can include driver intoxication, driver inexperience, risky maneuvers, aggressive driving, etc. These factors can cause the driver to lose focus while driving and ultimately lose control of the vehicle, tripping on a curb or uneven pavement, causing the car to roll over on its side.
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Vehicle Type: Rollover accidents are also more common in SUVs and other taller vehicles; this is because they have a higher center of gravity, making them more likely to tip over.
Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents
Several injuries can be sustained in a rollover accident. In some cases, the injuries sustained in a rollover accident may be fatal. This is because the force of the impact can cause the vehicle’s roof to collapse, crushing or trapping the occupants inside. The most common ones are:
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Broken bones, as the occupants of the vehicle, may be thrown around or crushed by the car’s weight.
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Head injuries.
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Internal bleeding and organ damage.
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Neck injuries.
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Lacerations.
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Spinal cord injury.
How To Avoid a Rollover Crash
Unfortunately, rollover crashes are among one of the deadliest types of accidents. Although we can’t predict when an accident can occur, you can take safety precautions to decrease your chances of getting involved in this dangerous impact. If you’re involved in a rollover accident, there are several things you can do to avoid being injured.
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First and foremost, always wear your seatbelt; this will help to keep you in place and prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle.
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Maintain an appropriate speed, especially when driving on curvy roads.
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Always check your tire pressure.
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Minimize distractions while driving.
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Avoid getting behind the wheel after alcohol consumption.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a dangerous rollover crash, Raymond Ravis Law Firm can help. Contact us today at (904) 358-4004 to schedule a free case consultation.
