Rollover Auto Accidents increased in frequency from 2015 to 2016, the percentage of fatalities in multi-vehicle rollovers increased the most at 9.1%. However, the number increase for this crash type (an additional 130 fatalities) is a small increase compared to the other crash types causing fatalities. Seat belts make the biggest difference in whether an occupant of a rollover survives.
What is a rollover accident?
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle rolls onto its side or onto its roof. This type of accident is one of the most dangerous because it has the potential to cause severe and often life-threatening injuries. Victims of rollover accidents often suffer various types of injuries like head trauma, traumatic brain injuries, shattered or crushed bones, neck and back injuries, road rash, burns, whiplash and much more. Though many rollover accidents involve vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as trucks or sport utility vehicles (SUVs), any vehicle has the potential to rollover under certain circumstances.
What causes rollover accidents?
Many rollover accidents only involve one vehicle. Quite often single-vehicle rollover accidents occur when the driver loses control. However, this does not mean that the driver of the rolled-over car is always the one at fault. In fact, rollover accidents are usually caused by an outside force, though sometimes the responsible force is difficult to identify.
What is the most common cause of a rollover?
Vehicles most often roll over after they are somehow ‘tripped,’ meaning that the tire struck something and caused the vehicle to lean sideways and tip over. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 95%of rollover accidents occur due to tripping. The more momentum a vehicle has when it is tripped, the more force it will have when it rolls over and there is a greater chance it will roll onto its roof or even roll several times.
What are some of the most common factors leading to a rollover?
The following are some of the most common factors that lead to rollover accidents:
- Getting run off the road – If another driver is not watching and runs your vehicle off the road, you can hit a curb or other object that can result in tripping.
- Hazardous road conditions – If you are traveling at a higher speed and suddenly hit a pothole, large crack, an uneven patch of road, or another hazard in the road, your vehicle can trip and rollover.
- Tire blowouts – If your tire suddenly fails, your vehicle can easily get thrown off balance and can lead to a rollover.
Can other factors lead to a rollover?
Yes, other drivers, government entities, and auto manufacturers can all be negligent and lead to a rollover crash. Though you may have a suspicion regarding the cause of your accident, you may not know how to gather evidence of negligence and prove that a party was responsible after the fact. This is when the assistance of an experienced rollover accident is imperative to make sure you properly recover.
What kinds of injuries occur in rollover accidents?
Rollover accidents have the potential to cause serious bodily injuries to the drivers and occupants of other vehicles as well as truck drivers themselves. Some of the more common injuries sustained by rollover accident victims include:
Broken bones – Broken bones are an extremely painful injury that often occurs in motor vehicle accidents. In some cases, a broken bone may take months to fully heal and may require that a person miss a significant amount of work, possibly resulting in lost income. In addition, broken bones may result in physical deformities or unsightly scarring that can significantly affect a person’s self-esteem and psychological health.
Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, happen when a bump or blow to a person’s head results in a disruption in normal brain function. A concussion is the most common example of a mild TBI and can often occur if a person’s head jerks back and forth with sufficient force. In some cases, a TBI may result in long-term disabilities that can keep people from working or living independently.
Soft-tissue injuries – Soft tissue injuries are injuries that affect tendons, ligaments, muscles, or any other soft tissue in the body. They can be extremely painful and may affect a person’s range of movement or mobility. In many cases, serious soft tissue injuries may require hospitalization and even surgery.
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Anyone who has been injured in a rollover accident in Florida should talk to one of the experienced lawyers at Martin Hernandez PA Law Firm. Victims should be aware that legal claims based on truck accidents or other preventable accidents are subject to Florida’s strict statute of limitations and 14-day rule, meaning that any delay could affect your ability to recover.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call the Martin Hernandez PA Law Group today at 813.755.9500.
