Rollover accidents are destructive and deadly. Many factors contribute to a car rolling over. Being aware of them can help prevent tragedy from striking yourself or those around you. Rollover accidents do not happen as much as other types of car accidents, but they account for a disproportionate amount of fatalities.
If you were involved in a rollover accident in Atlanta, you may be entitled to financial compensation. While there are many instances of driver negligence being responsible for rollovers, if you believe that unsafe conditions or the negligence of others caused your accident, you should seek a lawyer that can help you get a settlement for your damages.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers can fight for your case. We have decades of experience in personal injury law and have helped many clients get justice. Your success is our top goal. If you do not win any compensation, you pay us nothing. Call us today at (404) 341-6555.
How Rollover Accidents Happen
Rollover accidents occur due to many different reasons. They can generally be narrowed down into two categories. The driver is negligent, or external factors caused the driver to lose control. A list is provided below to describe each of the causes.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
According to SaferCar, these are the main causes of rollover accidents in the United States:
- Type of Vehicle – Larger vehicles such as vans, trucks, and SUVs are at a higher risk for rollovers. This increased risk is due to the fact that larger vehicles tend to have a higher center of gravity. In a single-vehicle crash, larger vehicles tend to be more likely to rollover.
- Location – The location of where you are driving can be responsible for a rollover accident. A majority of rollovers take place on rural roads. Rural roads are more likely to be unmaintained or hazardous compared to urban roads.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Driving intoxicated is a significant risk factor not just for rollovers but for car accidents in general. Almost half of all rollover accidents involve alcohol. Never drive while drunk, high, or on prescription medicine that may impair your driving skills. DUIs are serious offenses and can result in fines, suspension of license, and jail time.
- Speeding – Asides from DUI, speeding is also another major cause of accidents on the road. Excessive speeding is one of the most common causes of fatalities in rollover accidents. Always obey the speed limit.
- Routine Driving – When done improperly, routine driving maneuvers, such as navigating a curve on the road, can cause rollovers. When distracted, routine driving maneuvers become dangerous and uncontrollable.
Most of the rollover accidents that occur in the United States are single-vehicle crashes. Single-vehicle crashes refer to crashes that only involve one car. Careful driving can prevent rollovers from happening, but sometimes there are factors outside of your control that may cause them. Even if you were involved in a single-vehicle accident, you may still want to consult a rollover accident lawyer. A legal expert can increase your chances of receiving higher compensation for any injury or damages you suffered.
Preventing Rollovers
You are not powerless when it comes to stopping rollovers. While you cannot stop a rollover from happening once your car starts to tip over, you can stop them before they start. All it takes is diligence, attention, and safe driving techniques
There are simple precautions you can take that can reduce the chances of a rollover happening to you. They are not too difficult to follow and can also help prevent other accidents from occurring as well.
Check Tire Grip
According to Consumer Reports, you should check your tires. Having less grippy tires can prevent rollovers from occurring, as too much tire grip can increase the buildup of excessive sideways force that can cause rollovers.
Remember, grip on a tire is essential for safety. You should have a good grip on your tires, but not to the point where it is excessive. While it may seem counterintuitive to have less grip on your tires, extremely grippy aftermarket tires can contribute to your risk of rollover during an emergency maneuver on large vehicles such as SUVs.
As Consumer Reports explains, the tires that already came with your car were the tires that were part of the original safety design of your vehicle. Whenever you get a new set of tires, always make sure you get new ones identical to the original ones you had.
Do Not Overload
Always be mindful of how much you are loading your vehicle. Overloading can throw your vehicle off balance and can cause rollovers. Try to keep heavy items low near the center and not at the end of your car. Remember, convenience should not compromise the safety of you, your passengers, and others around you.
Drive Carefully
Be especially cautious with older vehicles. If you can afford to, it is best to get a newer car instead of driving around in older ones. Newer cars have better safety features, safety ratings, and overall are in better condition to handle the stresses of the road. If you must drive your old car, drive defensively, maintain speed limits, and always be mindful of your surroundings.
Even if you have a newer vehicle, always remember to drive safely. DUIs and distracted driving are some of the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes. Be mindful of the road, pedestrians, and stay focused while driving.
Get Help for Your Rollover Accident Today
Rollover accidents are scary, damaging, and extremely dangerous. If your rollover accident was caused by others’ negligence, get an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer that can help you recover damages. You are entitled to compensation and should not have to pay for the mistakes of others.
Our team Atlanta car accident lawyers can assist you in your personal injury lawsuit. We will handle all aspects of your accident and remove the burden of dealing with the stress of a court case. We will negotiate and fight to get you the best settlement possible. For a free consultation, call us today at (404) 341-6555 to learn about all of your options.
