What to Know About Rollover Accidents

Car accidents can happen in a number of ways. Sometimes vehicles actually tip over onto their roof or side due to the impact. When this happens, it’s known as a rollover. Depending on the circumstances, a vehicle may roll just once or multiple times before coming to a stop. Rollovers are most common in single-vehicle accidents and are more likely to happen with SUVs, trucks, and vans because they have a higher center of gravity.

Reasons for Rollovers

There are multiple reasons a vehicle may roll over. They include the following:

• Vehicles frequently roll over due to tripping. This occurs when a car’s tire hits a curb, ditch, or other object. This shifts the vehicle’s weight to one side, causing it to lose balance and roll.
• Going too fast around a curve or turn can cause a vehicle’s tires to lose their grip on the road, causing a rollover.
• Inclement weather. Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery. This makes it easier to lose control of your vehicle, skid off the road, and roll over.
• A collision with another vehicle can tip over your car if the force from the other vehicle is strong enough.

What Happens to Your Body?

Rollover accidents are dangerous because as your car rolls, you will be tossed around the car. You may make contact with various objects before coming to a rest, which is especially dangerous if you neglect to wear a seat belt. You could be ejected from the vehicle and suffer serious injuries such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), head injury, neck injury, broken bones, and internal bleeding.

Depending on the crash’s severity, there may be cabin intrusion, which occurs when the structural integrity of the car folds inward, like a crumpling effect. Fortunately, modern vehicles have safety features like airbags and crumple zones to reduce the force and keep you safe in a rollover accident. Still, many people are seriously injured or killed in rollover crashes, so they are not 100% foolproof.

Preventing Rollover Accidents

To prevent rollovers, always exercise proper safety measures when driving. These include:

• Wearing your seatbelt.
• Paying attention to road and weather conditions.
• Avoiding drowsy or distracted driving.
• Driving defensively.
• Staying at or below the posted speed limit.
• Making sure your tires have the proper tread and inflation.
• Making sure you don’t keep heavy, unsecured items in your vehicle.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

A rollover crash can be catastrophic or even deadly. An occupant can be thrown around the vehicle if they are not properly secured.

A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC will help you get through this situation. Let us guide you through physical and financial recovery. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.

Source:

progressive.com/answers/what-is-rollover-car-accident/