Many drivers in greater Sarasota are following a national trend: abandoning smaller sedans for larger sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Many drivers prefer the appeal, increased horsepower, and safety features afforded by SUVs.
There is a catch, though – SUVs are more likely to roll over than smaller sedans. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS, HLDI), the United States saw a staggering fatality rate involving rollovers in 2016.
Rollovers were the cause of 47 percent of SUV occupant fatalities, compared to 43 percent of pickup truck fatalities and just 22 percent of sedan fatalities. The overall number of deaths caused by rollover accidents reached 7,488 across the nation.
Rollover accidents result in serious injuries
SUVs are the most susceptible to rollovers because of their high centers of gravity, but any vehicle can roll over in a crash. This usually happens for the following reasons:
- The vehicle slides sideways and is tipped by a curb or other low-lying structure
- The vehicle contains too much weight from cargo or passengers
- The vehicle’s weight is unevenly distributed
- A mechanical failure, such as a tire blowout or brake failure, occurs
- A driver overcorrects steering
- A vehicle is struck from the side at a high impact
- A driver approaches a curve or turn at an excessive speed
Rollovers don’t always happen independently. In some cases, they can result from lane-departure accidents, sideswipes, and head-on collisions. They often result in serious, life-threatening injuries when occupants are ejected from the vehicle or crushed inside. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Cuts, bruises, contusions
- Damage to internal organs
- Damage to limbs
- Paralysis
- Death
Complex car accidents require a skilled attorney
Rollover accidents can leave crash victims confused and frustrated. Proving who was at-fault can be a difficult task that may require a thorough investigation. Your rollover accident could have been caused by another driver’s negligent actions, but if it only involved a single vehicle, an experienced Sarasota auto accident attorney may have to dig deeper.
Your vehicle manufacturer may be found liable for a defect that caused your vehicle to roll over. It could be the design or a glitch with the wheels, brakes, or steering. Maybe you were a passenger riding in a vehicle with a negligent driver.
No matter what the cause may be, your rights as an accident victim must be upheld. The legal team at Farrow & Pulice, P.A. has over 20 years of experience handling complex accidents like yours. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
