Rollover Car Accident Lawyer Washington D.C. Car Accident Attorney
Rollover car accidents are a rare, but especially deadly type of accident. The data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that while rollovers account for only two percent of traffic crashes, they account for nearly 35 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.
There are two types of rollover accidents: tripped rollovers, and untripped rollovers.
Tripped Rollovers
Ninety-five percent of rollovers are tripped rollovers. They occur when something “trips” the vehicle, like a curb, collision with another car, guardrail, or soft soil. In soft soil tripped rollover car accidents, the tires can cause the vehicle to rollover after the tripping force is applied.
Untripped Rollovers
The other five percent of rollovers are untripped rollovers. In untripped rollovers, a foreign object did not cause the accident, rather, the accident results from steering input, speed, and/or friction with the ground. They are usually due to collision avoidance.
Vehicles most likely to rollover are those that are top-heavy, or those that have a high center of gravity, like semi-trucks. Rollover accidents are so severe because they impact your body from several angles. Among other things, a driver might get thrown from the car, or struck and cut by flying debris.
Types of Injuries
In a rollover over accident, the driver and passengers might suffer a variety of injuries. There could be injuries to the head, neck, and spine. Spine injuries are often the most severe, and include spinal fractures and/or herniated and ruptured disks.
Vehicle occupants might also suffer injuries to the upper body or legs. Injuries include broken collarbones and broken ribs and collapsed lungs, and broken arms and legs. Sometimes, exposed flesh might become infected, leading to possible amputation of a limb and sepsis.
Overall, causes of rollover accidents include speed, overcorrection, risky maneuvers, vehicle type and weight distribution, and alcohol. The majority of rollover accidents are due to excess speed.
The best way to avoid a deadly rollover accident is to drive safely. This means to always be focused on the road, and to not drive distracted. You also should control your speed while driving. Do not drink and drive. If you are fatigued, pull over and rest.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our attorneys have, since 1993, settled over 10,000 cases Cohen & Cohen. We can help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (202) 955-4529 for a free, zero-obligation case evaluation.
