Vehicles With the Highest Rollover Risk

The brute force involved in a rollover vehicle accident is shocking to anyone who witnesses it.

That’s why it’s a favorite of Hollywood filmmakers who want to provide an exciting jolt to their audience. Of course, in movies, the hero always manages to walk away from a rollover accident.

Unfortunately, in reality, these accidents are often extremely dangerous and deadly.

According to the most recent data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 280,000 rollover accidents are reported annually, resulting in the loss of approximately 10,000 lives among drivers and passengers.

If you or someone in your family has been the victim of a rollover accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should share your story with Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC.

We are a team of Jackson car accident attorneys dedicated to helping our clients obtain the compensation they are due for an accident that wasn’t their fault. In accidents involving rollovers, there might also be an issue with the car design, which could make the auto liable.

Before you proceed with your claim, it is essential to understand which vehicles have the highest rollover risk and how they occur.

What Causes a Vehicle to Rollover?

Crash investigators divide vehicle rollover accidents into two categories: tripped and untripped.

A tripped rollover happens when a vehicle collides with an external object. That can mean hitting a curb at a high speed or colliding with another vehicle. It is important to note that a tripped rollover can be part of a chain reaction collision.

For instance, you could swerve to avoid hitting a car that is driving into your lane. In that scenario, the other driver could be at fault even if they don’t hit your car.

An untripped rollover occurs as a result of speed and inertia when making a sharp turn. This can happen if a car drives too fast around a street corner or an off-ramp. While it may seem that an untripped rollover would be the driver’s fault, there could be preexisting design flaws that contribute to the accident.

Which Vehicle Types Have the Highest Rollover Risk?

Before a car is put on the market, it undergoes a rigorous set of driving tests to determine its safety. The NHTSA conducts tests and collects data to help consumers with their decision-making processes.

You can enter the make and model of your car or a car you’re planning to buy to see how it rates for frontal, side, and rollover crashes.

The following vehicle types have the highest rollover risk:

SUVS

In a collision, an SUV might be more structurally sound to withstand the impact of the other vehicle. However, the same vehicle weight that protects you in a collision can make the SUV more prone to a rollover.

That’s because they have a higher center of gravity that is more susceptible to forces of inertia.

Pickup Trucks

Much like an SUV, pickup trucks are also designed to be top-heavy. When you add cargo that contributes to the truck’s weight, it increases the risk of a rollover.

Passenger and Cargo Vans

The large size of these vehicles, combined with the potential for increased weight when transporting goods or passengers, can increase their instability and rollover risk.

Semi-Trucks

A semi-truck that finds itself driving in high winds or making sharp turns is also at increased risk for a rollover due to its weight. A rollover truck accident can also involve many other vehicles.

Their large size and speed can make semi-trucks susceptible to tipping over, especially in high winds or during sudden movements.

If the truck is hauling a trailer that is coupled, that risk goes up even higher.

How Can You Avoid a Rollover Accident?

One of the best ways to minimize your risk of getting in a rollover accident is to trade in your older car for a newer, safer model. Newer models of SUVs have been built with improved safety systems. They also come with side curtain airbags, which provide additional protection in the event of a rollover accident.

It is also vital to maintain the recommended tire pressure and tread quality. The better grip that your tires have, the better off you’ll be able to avoid an untripped rollover. It is also crucial not to overload your SUV. That can create an imbalance.

The most important way to avoid a rollover is to watch your speed, especially on the many rural roads you’ll find yourself driving on in Mississippi.

What to Do When Rollover Accidents Happen

If you’ve been involved in a rollover accident, your priority should be to receive medical attention. You’ll probably be dealing with the total loss of your vehicle. These are all expenses you can recoup if another driver’s negligence caused that rollover.

The attorneys at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, can provide you with guidance about the best options you’ll have for moving forward with your claim.

Call to set up a consultation. You don’t have to go through this alone.