Rollover Car Accident Attorney in Irving TX, Serving DFW
Automobile crashes are a major cause of death in the United States, and rollover accidents are a serious source of fatal traffic accidents. Texas has more car accidents than other parts of the country, and the problem is growing. Even with public awareness and a state and national campaign, traffic accidents are a serious problem in Texas, where someone dies in a crash about every two hours.
There are about 32,000 fatal rollover crashes per year in the United States. A rollover crash is when a vehicle actually rolls over at least once during the crash, usually going off the roadway and often onto completely different, uneven terrain. Rollover crashes are very dangerous, accounting for about one-fifth of all traffic fatalities.
Rollover accidents are particularly violent, with often unrestrained drivers thrown around the vehicle or actually thrown from it. While rollover accidents were only 3 percent of all accidents in 2000, they accounted for 20 percent of the fatalities of passenger vehicles.
Almost half of these accidents are reported to have occurred because of a driver trying to overcorrect the vehicle, or by using other methods such as braking to bring the vehicle back under control. Almost all of the rest of these had no attempt to prevent the accident by the driver, with no attempt to brake or steer the vehicle back on course before the disaster.
Rollover Accident Statistics
Rollover accidents made up about 42,000 of the fatalities every year from 1991 to 2000. Passenger death fatalities by rollover accident fell about 15 percent during that time, but light truck rollover crashes rose 35 percent.
About 3 out of 4 of the fatally injured were not using passenger restraints, and about 2 out of 3 were completely ejected from the vehicle. While rollover accidents are inherently dangerous because they literally roll the entire vehicle over, many of the fatalities could probably be prevented if the victims of these crashes were properly restrained.
Most drivers of fatal rollover accidents were males under 40, with the speed limit in the area being at least 55. Most rollover accidents were also single-car accidents, with no other known vehicle involved. A significant number of roller accidents are single vehicles, which has other possible implications.
Vehicles Most Likely to Roll Over
While the number of passenger vehicle rollover fatalities has been decreasing over the years, the number of rollover fatalities for SUVs and light trucks has been rising. The number of SUV rollover fatalities has doubled since 1991. The number of light trucks involved may simply be because there are more of these kinds of vehicles on the roads compared to smaller passenger vehicles. Even though passenger vehicle rollover deaths declined significantly, the other vehicles replaced those numbers so that there was no significant overall change.
Theoretically, any vehicle can rollover. SUVs and vans are more susceptible because they are more top-heavy and have a higher center of gravity. A turn can cause the center of gravity to shift and the vehicle to go off balance.
Rollover Car Accident Injuries
Because of the serious nature of rollover accidents, they can easily result in traumatic injury or death. Minor injuries would only be associated with someone who was properly restrained.
A rollover crash would more likely result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, a neck injury, or a traumatic brain injury. A victim could lose limbs or have other permanent injuries.
Hiring Legal Help after a Rollover Auto Accident
If you have been injured in a rollover accident, you may be dealing with traumatic injuries. You may need care and need help managing your resources. Your insurance company might want you to accept a settlement before you are sure that you are fully recovered.
At The Dashner Law Firm, our attorneys understand what you are going through. We realize how difficult the road to recovery can be and want to help you coordinate your benefits so that you can receive the care and compensation you need while you are recovering.
If you are the victim of a rollover accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for all you have suffered. We welcome your call at The Dashner Law Firm where we will discuss your case and start working for you for no charge.
