SUV Rollovers
SUVs have a unique center of gravity; because of their larger size, they are more prone to rollovers and vehicle instability. While many motorists believe SUVs are safer vehicles than smaller cars, SUV accidents also pose additional risks. Flaws in the design of the SUV can result in dangerous, and sometimes even fatal accidents. SUVs are designed to have a high center of gravity, with a wheelbase that is not wide enough to balance the vehicle’s load during sharp turns and maneuvers, which makes them prone to rolling over. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, SUVs have the highest rollover rate of any other vehicle in fatal and injury crashed during 2006. These accidents pose serious risks to the SUV drivers and passengers, as well as other drivers on the road. Children and infants have the highest risk and can suffer injuries in an SUV rollover, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and broken bones.
There are several difference instances in which SUVs can rollover and cause serious injuries, including:
- Lateral-force rollover, which occurs when a vehicle is going too fast around a curve, causing it to roll over
- Ramp rollover, which occurs when one of the vehicle’s sides rolls onto a ramp or other object
- Side-slop rollover, which occurs when the vehicle rolls over when driving in off-road conditions
- Sideways skid rollover, which occurs when the SUVs rear end spins due to lose traction on the rear wheels and the tires hit a curb or other object, causing the SUV to roll over
- Defective tires which cause the SUV to roll over
SUVs are prone to “untripped” rollovers, which commonly happens when drivers suddenly or sharply turn the wheel to avoid hazards in the road. Many SUV manufacturers blame these rollover accidents on driver error but even normal accident avoidance maneuvers can result in deadly rollover accidents. Tests indicate that under certain circumstances, SUV rollovers can result from a slight turn of the wheel.
Higher speeds increase the chances of being involved in a SUV rollover accident and often result in more serious injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that an SUV has a 26% chance of rolling over when travelling 60 miles per hour. However, an SUV traveling 30 miles per hour only has a 3% chance of rolling over.
SUV rollover accidents almost always result in serious injuries or death. Some of these injuries include: lost limbs, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, internal organ damage and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often result in costly medical bills. The Miami SUV rollover accident lawyers at Friedland | Carmona are experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers who have recovered millions of dollars for their clients. If you or your loved one has been injured in an SUV rollover accident, contact the Broward SUV rollover accident lawyers today. The Miami personal injury lawyers will work diligently to ensure you or your loved one receives compensation for medical costs, past and future lost wages and pain and suffering.
Many victims never get the recovery they deserve because they do not contact a personal injury lawyer. Do not let this happen to you! Call the Fort Lauderdale SUV rollover accident lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona today! Call 305-661-2008 to schedule your free consultation today! The attorneys will meet with you to discuss your options. Contact the Palm Beach personal injury lawyers today and let our family take care of your family!