Rollover accidents are among the deadliest vehicle crashes that can happen. Vehicles that roll over can burst into flames, the roof can get crushed, or victims who are not wearing seat belts can be thrown from the vehicle. Many victims who are fortunate enough to survive a rollover crash are often left with severe injuries and up with significant medical expenses and a long-term recovery period.
If you or a loved one was injured in a rollover accident caused by another driver, contact a Hampton, VA personal injury lawyer to see what legal options you may have to obtain financial compensation for the losses the injuries have caused.
Extreme Danger
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while rollover crashes account for a small percentage of vehicle accidents every year (less than 3 percent), they are responsible for more than one-third of all traffic accident fatalities.
One of the main reasons for these disproportionate percentages is that the weight of the vehicles, combined with the dramatic way a vehicle flips over causes much more damage than other types of collisions, such as rear-end or sideswiping. And while seat belts may not provide complete protection from rollover crash injuries, they certainly can help save the lives of vehicle occupants by preventing them from being thrown from the vehicle, which almost always results in the death or catastrophic injury of the victim.
Why Do Rollovers Occur?
Studies have shown there are multiple reasons why rollover crashes occur. The type of vehicle being driven can play a significant factor. SUVs and passenger vans have gained in popularity among consumers over the past several years and so, too, has the number of rollover crashes. This is because these vehicles have a higher center of gravity and are more likely to roll over in a crash than sedans, which have lower centers of gravity.
One of the most common causes of rollover crashes is when a vehicle swerves into an object like a curb, median, or pothole. This is referred to as tripping because as the vehicle swerves into the object, it trips over the object and is thrown off balance. This can cause the vehicle to roll over.
Another cause of rollover accidents is speeding. This can be especially true if the driver is attempting to negotiate a curve or is distracted. In fact, almost 40 percent of rollover crashes involve excessive speeding.
Alcohol also plays a major role in rollover crashes, responsible for almost 50 percent of these accidents.
Have You Been Injured?
If you have been injured in a rollover or any other type of crash, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp before you speak with the other driver’s insurance company. Our skilled Hampton, VA car accident attorneys provide the professional legal guidance you need to protect your rights in a claim. Our firm has a solid track record of obtaining financial compensation for our clients for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, permanent disability, scarring, disfigurement, and more.
Contact our office today to request a free and confidential consultation to find out what type of damages you may be entitled to.
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