- Car Accidents
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 8,730 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the first three months of 2021. Rollover accidents are one of the types of traffic crashes. They contribute to the number of injuries and deaths in Atlanta, Georgia, and the United States.
A vehicle rolls over when it tips to the side or rolls over to its roof in a collision. This article looks at rollover accidents and the most common causes. We’ll also share safety tips to follow to avoid collisions of this nature. However, no matter how careful you are, you might still get in a crash.
When this happens, contact our Atlanta auto accident lawyers immediately. We offer excellent legal advice and representation and will get you the maximum compensation.
Why Do Rollover Accidents Happen?
A rollover crash results from an impact with another vehicle or with a fixed object. Many rollovers occur after a vehicle leaves the roadway and may lead to occupants being ejected from the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a fatality. In 2019, a total of 6,358 passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover crashes.
So, what exactly are the causes of rollover accidents? Below, we discuss some of them.
High Speed
Traveling at a high rate of speed is one of the leading causes of rollover accidents. When a vehicle travels over the speed limit, they have less reaction time, and the impact is more devastating in the event of a collision. High-speed collision may tip the vehicle to the side or cause it to completely roll over. Consequently, it entraps the car occupants or ejects them fully or partially.
Drugs or Alcohol
When drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it affects their ability to operate their vehicle efficiently. In addition, excessive drug or alcohol consumption affects a person’s cognitive abilities. As such, they cannot entirely focus on the task at hand and drive carefully and diligently. This would, in turn, likely cause a rollover accident.
Vehicle Defects
A vehicle is defective if any of its parts are not functioning optimally. Cars either have design or manufacturing defects. Thankfully, many vehicles today have an electronic stability control (ESC) device that keeps the car from rolling over in a collision. However, this feature fails to work sometimes, making vehicles prone to rollover crashes. Notably, SUVs are more prone to rolling over because of their design.
Tire Problems
Tire blowouts are pretty common causes of rollover accidents. This is exceptionally standard with SUVs and 15-passenger vans. When a vehicle loses a tire at high speed, it would likely fall to the side. If it’s a tire-tread problem, it would be more challenging for the driver to regain control.
Taking Turns Too Sharply
When speeding drivers take turns too sharply, they would likely lose control of their car. This is the case when the car travels at 55 miles per hour or more. The sudden curve causes the car’s center of gravity to get thrown off, thereby forcing the car to tip over and roll.
Swerving
Swerving is a common cause of rollover accidents in rural areas. A driver who happens upon an animal, road hazard, or debris would likely swerve at too sharp an angle. When they do, the car’s center of gravity becomes imbalanced, and the force of the curve can push the car over.
Safety Tips for Avoiding Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents have severe consequences that sometimes lead to death. While, indeed, you cannot control the action of other drivers, you can do the following to avoid or reduce the chances of rollover crashes:
- Properly maintain your car and ensure it is up-to-date on safety regulations
- Regularly check the tires and change them if they look worn out
- Replace your tires only with the type identical to the vehicle’s original equipment
- Avoid overloading your vehicle
- Avoid speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Carefully take corners and be extra careful when driving in rural roadways.
Contact Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Today!
Were you involved in a rollover accident that you did not cause? If yes, our attorneys at the Bethune Law Firm would represent you to the fullest extent of the law. In addition, we will get the financial settlement you deserve and return you to the state you were in before the crash. You don’t have to pay us until we win, so contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
