More than 90 percent of SUV rollover accidents occur when a vehicle runs off the road after a driver has hit a guardrail, veered off into a ditch, or otherwise lost control of the vehicle. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 6,000 individuals die in SUV rollovers each year (this is roughly 60 percent of all rollover deaths in the U.S.).
While such serious sports utility vehicle accidents may be caused by a variety of factors, the results are usually the same: severe injury, significant property damage and, in the worst cases, death. Victims of SUV rollover accidents may have a legal claim and will likely be entitled to compensation when the negligence of another driver or an equipment manufacturer has played a role in the crash.
Get a free evaluation of your case by meeting with an experienced injury attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates. We will investigate the details of your case and fight to ensure you recover the compensation you need and deserve.
Rollover Resistance Ratings
All SUVs are granted “Rollover Resistance Ratings” that measure a vehicle’s static stability factor, an indicator of how top heavy the vehicle is. In general, the vehicles most likely to rollover are SUVs that are taller and narrower. Passenger cars that are wider and lower to the ground are the least likely to rollover. It’s important to note, however, that even vehicles with the safest Rollover Resistance Rating still have as much as a 10 percent risk of rolling.
Equipment Defects & SUV Rollovers
While human error (including DUI, reckless driving and driver fatigue) attribute to most SUV rollover accidents, equipment defects may also play a role in causing a crash and serious injuries. Equipment defects that have been reported to cause or intensify SUV rollover accidents include:
- Airbag malfunctions
- Brake malfunctions
- Gas and fuel tank defects
- Floor mat defects
- Lack of safety devices, such as airbags
- Poor structural crash-worthiness (i.e. having weak roofs, etc.)
- Seat belt defects
- Steering problems
What You Should Do Following an SUV Rollover
It’s essential that victims attend to both their medical needs and legal rights as soon as possible following a SUV accident. Emergency medical attention, along with necessary follow-up treatments, will be necessary when SUV rollovers result in severe, life-threatening injuries. Once a victim’s health is stable, it’s then crucial that he/she speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer to find out if they qualify to seek and recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a SUV rollover accident, contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates for experienced representation. We are committed to helping injured victims and their families recover the maximum amount of money they are entitled to and will make sure all responsible parties are held accountable. Contact our offices to schedule a free consultation.
