A rollover accident refers to any auto accident where a vehicle flips on its side or rolls over completely. It could mean that one vehicle rolled over. It could mean that a vehicle rolled over and crashed into another vehicle or another vehicle crashed into the rolled-over vehicle. Regardless of the specifics, rollover accidents can be extremely scary and very serious to all involved, particularly those occupying the rolled-over vehicle.
If you have been injured in a rollover accident, you may have suffered physical and emotional trauma that will not be long forgotten. Take care of yourself and let the trusted personal injury team at Pringle & Herigstad take on the legal burden of pursuing full and fair compensation on your behalf.
What Causes a Vehicle Rollover?
Vehicles do not just tip over of their own accord. Something causes these accidents and the most common cause of a vehicle rollover is known as “tripping.” A vehicle “trips” when the car’s tire hits something. Oftentimes, it will hit something like a curb. As a result, the vehicle’s weight shifts to one side and it tips over before it can regain its balance. Other causes of vehicle rollover accidents include:
- Collisions: It’s not just hitting curbs that can cause a vehicle rollover. Vehicle collisions, such as when one car crashes into another, can cause a vehicle involved to roll over. The force of impact may be so strong and at the right angle that the car is pushed over onto its side or pushed completely over one time or even multiple times.
- Excessive speeds: Speeding can make it difficult for tires to effectively grip the road. It can also make it easier for the vehicle to become imbalanced and unable to regain that balance. For instance, when a vehicle speeds, particularly around a corner or taking a turn, the vehicle may roll over as a result as the vehicle tips and is unable to regain its balance.
- Bad weather: Inclement weather leading to roads slippery with ice, snow, or rain, can make it all too easy for a driver to lose control of their vehicle. As a result, a vehicle may careen off the roadway or make an impact with something it will “trip” over leading to the vehicle rolling over.
Rollover Risk Factors
There are certain things that may increase the risk of a rollover accident occurring. For instance, there are some types of vehicles that are more prone to rolling over than others. This is most often true of vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs as they tend to have higher centers of gravity than other vehicles. They can also be more top heavy which can also increase the risk of a rollover accident. Incidentally, lighter passenger cars are also more likely to be involved in rollover accidents.
Tire grip can also be a big contributing factor to rollover accident risk. Too much tire grip or too little tire grip, such as tires that have been excessively worn, can both increase the risk of the vehicle rolling over. Some SUVs and pickup trucks end up with aftermarket tires meant to be sportier and better for things like going off-road. They have more tire grip than your standard tired. These aftermarket tires, however, may be great for off-roading, but dangerous on paved roadways. Too much tire grip can create excessive sideways force on the vehicle, increasing the risk of it rolling over.
Conversely, worn tires that lack adequate grip can also increase the risk of a rollover. These bald or worn tires can prevent the car from being able to properly grip the road. This is particularly true in bad weather when the roadway is slick. Should the car skid and be unable to grip the road, the vehicle could roll over.
Rollover Accident Injuries
Being in a vehicle that has rolled over in an accident or hitting or being hit by a rolled-over vehicle can lead to really tragic injuries. It is not uncommon for fatalities to occur in such crashes. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that it is far more likely for fatalities to occur in rollover crashes than in non-rollover crashes.
Those that survive a rollover crash can be left with devastating injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Amputated limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Internal injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
North Dakota Rollover Accident Injury Attorneys
Being involved in a rollover accident is scary. In addition to physical pain, you may also be suffering from anxiety and emotional trauma from such an experience. You have been through enough. Now is the time to focus on yourself and your recovery. Our team at Pringle & Herigstad is committed to helping our clients the best way we know how to fight for them and their legal right to receive monetary compensation for the harm they have suffered in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. For dedicated legal counsel, you can count on, contact us today.
