Rollovers happen when a car or truck overturns onto its side or roof in a motor vehicle crash. Rollovers are among the most dangerous consequences of a noncollision or accident and often result in traumatic injuries and fatalities. According to statistics by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 6,358 people died in 2019 as a result of a rollover. Almost half of those people died in a rollover as a result of a head-on collision. Learn more about the dangers of rollovers from our experienced Myrtle beach rollover accident lawyers below.
What Vehicles Are Most Likely to Experience a Rollover?
Light pickups, vans and SUVs are more likely to be involved in a rollover than other passenger vehicles. This is because these vehicles tend to have a higher center of gravity. However, if the impact or driver error is just right, any vehicle can flip over. Tendencies to rollover include how sensitive the steering is, vehicle speed, axle width and where the center of mass is in the car.
Help Following a Rollover Accident
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers offers the experience and ability to resolve an injury case involving a rollover successfully when negligence by another person or entity was the cause. Our job is to help our client recover damages caused by the at-fault party, including all their medical expenses, lost wages and their pain and suffering. Please phone us at (843) 232-0944 from the area around Myrtle Beach.
Rollovers Cause Worse Injuries
In a collision, the vehicle's seat belts and airbags help protect those inside from worse injuries. However, the airbags deflate in a rollover, offering no further protection, and seat belts break if they are weak or contain defects. As the person inside is tossed around the interior of the vehicle, more injuries occur. In some vehicles, the roof crushes in, leading to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
Roof Crush Dangers in a Rollover
Roof crush in a vehicle causes devastating injuries and occurs when the top of a car or truck and its lateral supports are not strong enough to support the weight in a rollover. Federal standards dictate that a vehicle roof supports 3.5 times the weight of the car or truck. Vehicles with poor design and weaker structural strength occur due to lower manufacturer standards. When an accident occurs, the windshield shatters and side pillars fail, causing ejection of the occupants and serious injuries.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
Although some rollovers are caused by driver error, many are the result of a negligent motorist or other entity. Some of the ways in which rollover collisions occur are:
- A driver runs through a red light and broadsides another vehicle.
- A motorist passing another vehicle without a clear view up ahead causes a head-on collision, resulting in the other car rolling over.
- A drunk driver strikes another vehicle, which causes a rollover.
- Distracted drivers can cause a rollover accident because they are texting or talking on a cell phone, which prevents them from taking evasive action to avoid a collision.
- Speeding can cause a rollover accident when the driver strikes another vehicle.
- Defective auto parts lead to a rollover in some cases when a tire blows out, the steering wheel locks, brakes fail, or other problems prevent the driver from controlling their vehicle. Examining a vehicle following a rollover accident can uncover whether a defect in the auto itself led to the accident. The manufacturer, designer and others may be held liable through a product liability claim.
- Improper road maintenance can cause a rollover accident. Roadway debris, soft shoulders and weakened or aged guardrails may cause this type of accident. The injured party may place a claim against the government agency, city, county, or state responsible for the roadway's upkeep under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. Although injured parties in South Carolina cannot claim damages because of streets or roads that are improperly maintained, there are many exceptions. In these cases, consulting an experienced lawyer can make a difference in whether you can obtain damages.
Investigation of a Rollover Auto Accident
We at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers send our investigators to the scene of the accident to collect evidence to support your claim and determine fault. From performing accident reconstruction and seeking surveillance footage from nearby traffic and business cameras to taking witness statements and checking the police report, we ensure that the evidence is collected to support your claim. When you or a loved one suffers an injury, there is no time to lose in collecting the information to resolve your case successfully.
You can reach out to us at (843) 232-0944 or online to have your questions answered, have your case reviewed and find out what options are available to collect the compensation you need and deserve.
