A rollover auto accident refers to vehicles tipping over onto their side, perhaps even flipping over onto their roof. In the latter instance, there is a risk of the roof crushing from the car accident, which can lead to severe and even fatal injuries. Oakland, CA attorneys Richard T. Bowles and Michael P. Verna know just how serious rollover accidents are, which is why our law firm is here to help.
The team at Bowles & Verna LLP would like to consider some facts about rollover accidents that reveal how serious they are and why seeking legal help is crucial after such a collision has occurred.
Rollover Accident Statistics
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a total of 23,973 vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2016. Of those fatalities, 7,488 occupants lost their lives in rollover crashes.
Statistics have found that rollovers are more likely in certain kinds of vehicles. Of 2016 fatality numbers, 47 percent of deaths in SUVs involved rollover accidents; for pickup trucks, the figure was 43 percent, and for traditional passenger cars, the figure was just 22 percent.
Rollovers in Traffic Collisions
Rollovers in traffic collisions tend to be the result of a vehicle swerving or being turned suddenly in some fashion. This increases the chances of the vehicle skidding and tipping over. Sideswipe collisions and partial side crashes could make rollovers more likely.
In addition, rollovers can occur when a vehicle strikes a curb or object at the certain angle, or when a vehicle tips over the edge of a steep hill or embankment.
Rollovers Due to Vehicle Design
There are some instances in which the design of a vehicle makes it more prone to rollover accidents. In such instances, the high center of gravity and height of the vehicle makes it more likely to skid and turn over. SUVs are among the most well-known at-risk vehicles for rollover accidents. In addition to SUVs, other at-risk vehicles include full-sized vans, large commercial trucks, and even pickup trucks.
Reducing the Likelihood of Rollover Accidents
Since the dangers of rollover accidents were brought to attention the public’s attention in a big way two decades ago, major strides have been made in the auto industry to reduce the likelihood of rollover accidents. This includes automakers paying greater attention to the static stability factor (SSF) of vehicles. Additionally, automakers have also developed electronic stability control (ESC) to prevent skidding that might contribute to rollover accidents.
These changes in the industry have led to a noticeable decline in the rates of rollover accidents. In 2000, the estimated rollover fatality rate was 27 driver deaths per million; as of 2016, the number has dropped to 5 driver deaths per million.
Who Is Liable for a Rollover Accident?
Legal liability in a vehicle rollover accident can vary. In some cases, a negligent motorist may be at fault for the accident, particularly if they were driving in a reckless manner. In other cases, a vehicle maker could be to blame if they have made an automobile that is at risk for rollovers.
Whatever the case may be, our attorneys can help. We will go over the circumstances of your case and determine the ideal legal action to take. That could mean injury litigation against the negligent driver, or perhaps even a product liability lawsuit against an automaker. Rest assured that no matter what the case may be, we are here for you.
Contact Our Team of Lawyers
For more information about car crash lawsuits and how our team can help you, be sure to contact an experienced auto accident attorney. The attorneys of Bowles & Verna LLP are here to help. You can reach our law office by phone at (925) 935-3300.