SUVs have gained popularity over the years among consumers across the nation, with their spacious interior and ability to traverse over nearly any terrain. Unfortunately though, these vehicles are actually more likely to be involved in rollover crashes than passenger cars for their very design.
A 2007 analysis of vehicle rollovers performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 25 percent of single-vehicle SUV accidents were rollovers, significantly more than passenger cars, vans, and pickup trucks, respectively. SUVs also had the highest rate of ejection in this type of crash.
Debilitating injuries may result from SUV rollover accidents. We can help victims seek compensation for their damages if another party is liable for the accident. Drivers may also rely on their own personal injury protection (PIP) regardless of fault.
What causes SUV rollover accidents?
Human error may contribute to some SUV rollover accidents. In fact, according to information presented by SaferCar.gov, a car safety website related to the NHTSA, excessive speeding, alcohol use, and even simply the location of the driver at the time may all play a part in an SUV rollover.
Beyond that though, there are other specifics within the car that may contribute to the crash as well. The size and design of an SUV makes it more likely to be involved in a rollover crash than other vehicles. Because the center of gravity of an SUV is much higher above the ground, smaller amounts of lateral momentum are required to make it roll over than other, low-to-the-ground cars.
With this, some SUVs may also possess certain characteristics that may ultimately contribute to or exacerbate any injuries sustained in an SUV crash, or even lead to fatalities.
These characteristics may include.
- an overall lack of safety devices.
- defects in seatbelts.
- poor structural crash-worthiness.
- airbag malfunctions.
Each of these specifics could be a sign of a defective product, which may be a result of negligence on behalf of the car manufacturer.
How our Attorneys Can Help
Of course, the most important thing to do directly after an SUV rollover crash is to seek medical attention and focus on your recovery.
Injuries from SUV Rollover Accidents often include the following.
- head or brain injuries.
- neck or spine injuries.
- broken bones.
- fractures.
- strained muscles.
These can all come with extensive periods of medical treatment and rehabilitation. But also be sure to speak with us about your crash and options to recover damages.
In the event that another driver on the road caused your SUV rollover accident – for example, cutting you off, slamming on the brakes, and leading you to swerve out of the way and subsequently roll – we can help you file a claim for damages to hold them accountable.
With this, if you were involved in a single-car SUV rollover accident, we can help uncover facts that may point to manufacturer or design errors that contributed to the crash, which can be used as evidence in a claim against a manufacturer.
Whatever the circumstances of your crash, contact us at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. We can discuss your case in an initial consultation and decide on the best course of action to pursue damages to which you are entitled. Call us today at 800-550-0000 or contact us online.
