What is a vehicle rollover accident?
Vehicle rollover accidents occur when a vehicle rolls onto its side or roof.
Rollovers can occur in single-car accidents. Although the impact from another car can lead to a vehicle rolling over, some cars can tip over while taking a sharp turn due to their high center of gravity. SUVs and pickup trucks are at high risk of this occurring.
Langdon & Emison knows how traumatic a catastrophic Chicago vehicle rollover accident can be. Not only is it terrifying, but it can also result in long-lasting injuries for the victim. Insurance companies attempt to reduce the amount they have to pay out, offering far less than the victims require for their pain and suffering.
Our Chicago, IL personal injury lawyers will help support you through this difficult time. Call (312) 872-3389 to find out how we can help you get maximum compensation today.
Liability in Rollover Accidents
Determining liability in many Chicago rollover accidents is similar to determining liability in any sort of car accident involving more than one vehicle. Police, insurance, and legal teams work to evaluate the evidence of the crash to determine which driver was negligent.
However, single-vehicle accidents make determining liability considerably more difficult.
Typically, victims injured in a rollover accident will seek out third parties that caused or worsened their injuries. These can vary greatly, depending on the circumstance.
Three examples of third-parties that could be liable for your single-car rollover accident are:
- Car designers may have created a car that is more likely to tip over. Poor design can lead to a rollover accident in normal driving conditions.
- Car manufacturers who installed faulty components or did not adequately add safety measures, such as airbags or seat belts. A car with defective safety features can cause additional injuries to a victim, thereby adding to their pain and suffering.
- Local government officials who designed a hazardous road system. If a road has sharp curves, inadequate signals, is poorly maintained, or has uneven terrain, a government representative could be held liable for causing your car to roll over. Additionally, not having safety measures like guardrails could lead to further injury for those in the car.
Vehicle Rollover Accident Injuries
Vehicle rollover accidents cause extreme injuries that can result in life-long consequences for the victim. This severe type of automotive accident jars victims physically and emotionally, often scarring them for life.
After a rollover accident, victims may not recognize their injuries immediately. The trauma can cause a rush of adrenaline that masks pain. That is why it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. If your injuries are severe enough, you may require medical attention on site.
Do not attempt to extract yourself from a rolled car if you cannot do so safely, such as by opening a door. Breaking glass or contorting your body could exacerbate your injuries, leading to further damage.
Look out for the following common rollover crash injuries:
- Contusions, lacerations, and fractures
- Concussions
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Skull and rib fractures
- Leg injuries
- Torso injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, especially if the victims were not wearing seatbelts
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety or depression
These rollover accident injuries can affect you for the rest of your life. If you’ve suffered any of those common Chicago rollover accident injuries, or lost a family member due to a rollover accident, contact Langdon & Emison for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Causes of Vehicle Rollovers
The primary two reasons for this type of accident are driver negligence and factors outside of the driver’s control. For example, a driver cannot control poor weather conditions or a collision caused by another driver. These multiple factors could lead to the need for a Chicago, IL personal injury lawyer.
These are the most common causes of vehicle rollovers:
High speeds.
Driving at high speeds increases the chances of a rollover accident when coupled with reckless driving choices, sharp turns, and uneven roadways. Stay alert when driving at high speeds to avoid these risk factors.
Multi-vehicle accidents.
Multi-car collisions can result in extreme injuries. Cars strike other vehicles at varying speeds and angles, which can cause a vehicle to tip over. Many cars hit a multi-vehicle collision without braking, which can push another vehicle into rolling over.
Negligent driving.
Rollover accidents are often the result of a driver losing control of their vehicle due to negligent driving. Driving under the influence, falling asleep at the wheel, or driving recklessly can all lead to a single or multi-car rollover accident.
Manufacturer error.
A poor design can result in a car that easily tips over, even when the user is driving it safely and following road signs. In this case, the car itself is the issue. Turning in a car with a high center of gravity can often cause rollover accidents.
Faulty parts.
Vehicles with faulty tires can lead to a rollover accident. Worn tires can lead to vehicles tipping when they lose their balance during turns or on icy roads.
Unsafe roadways.
Sometimes vehicles and drivers do everything right, but they still end up rolling over. Poor road design can lead to turns that are too sharp, a lack of signage to indicate turns, or uneven pavement that can cause a vehicle to rollover.
Vehicles Most Likely to Roll Over
Typically, SUVs and pickup trucks have the highest risk of rolling over due to their design. They are built with a high center of gravity, which means that they can easily be tipped.
Any vehicle can roll over in an accident. Under the right conditions, even the sturdiest tank can be tipped. We understand that anyone can be the victim of a rollover accident. Langdon & Emison’s compassionate and experienced attorneys are here to assist you if you’ve been involved in a traumatic accident.
Tests done on several vehicles have revealed a high likelihood of rolling over for the following vehicles:
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Cadillac Escalade
- Jeep Renegade and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Toyota 4Runner
- Hyundai Accent
- Dodge Nitro
- GMC Yukon
- Ford F-250
- Ram 2500 4×4
- Nissan NV3500
Rollover Prevention
Although accidents can happen to anyone, there are several steps that you can take to prevent a rollover accident. The simplest steps are to drive safely and stay up to date on your car’s maintenance.
Here are some tips for preventing a Chicago vehicle rollover accident:
Buy a newer model of car.
Developments in safety and design have led to improvements in safety and balance. These vehicles have a lower chance of tipping over and have increased safety features, like side-curtain airbags and electronic stability. Ask your car dealer about the rollover rating when purchasing a new car.
Wear seat belts.
Although seatbelts can’t prevent a rollover accident, they can save your life. In the event of a rollover accident, the passengers inside will be thrown about as the car moves. Without a seatbelt, you could be ejected from the car.
Check your tires.
Deflated or worn-out tires can be a culprit for rollover accidents. The lack of grip can lead to a driver losing control of their vehicle. Deflated tires can throw off the car’s stability or result in a burst tire that could flip the car. Maintain your tires and check their pressure regularly.
Don’t drive in poor conditions.
If you can avoid driving during winter storms where visibility and the likelihood of black ice are a risk, do so. Stay home and wait until it is safe to drive rather than risking your life on dangerous roads.
Don’t overload your vehicle.
SUVs and pickups are often used for carrying heavy loads. Overloading your vehicle decreases its stability, particularly if items are tied to the roof. Check the load ratings in your car’s user manual and don’t exceed them.
Avoid speeding.
Speed can increase the number of times your car rolls if you are in a rollover accident. According to government reports, 40% of fatal rollovers involve excessive speed. Drive within the speed limit and stay vigilant.
Be careful on rural roads.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that almost 75% of fatal rollovers occur on rural roads with a maximum speed of 50 mph. These roads tend to be uneven and lack barriers. If you are driving on these types of roads, make sure you are focused and driving safely.
Contact a Chicago Vehicle Rollover Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in a Chicago vehicle rollover accident, don’t wait to call an expert attorney today. Langdon & Emison can support you through the complicated process of dealing with your insurance company, sorting your medical expenses, and getting the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Call (312) 872-3389 today to get started on your case.