A rollover accident takes place when a vehicle is out of control and balance is lost with the four wheels on the road, so it flips over onto its roof or its side and sometimes rolls over many times. Rollover accidents can be serious and involve fatalities. In the last decade or so, unfortunately, these types of accidents have risen dramatically.
Any type of motor vehicle is susceptible to a rollover, but bigger vehicles, e.g. SUVs, buses, minivans and trucks, are far more susceptible to a roll over because of their greater center of gravity. Additionally, some specific SUV models are far more likely to rollover and also passenger vans loaded with 15 or more people.
Often injuries inflicted in a rollover accident can be potentially serious as passengers are often thrown out of the vehicle or hit parts of their body with great force which could result in serious spinal or head injuries.
How does a rollover accident occur?
Often rollover accidents are the result of high cornering speeds when turning. All vehicles when in motion have 3 forces to contend with while they are turning: tire forces, gravity and inertial effects. When in the turning motion the tire forces direct the vehicle into the curving motion on the ground, and the inertial forces direct the vehicle’s mass at the higher level in the completely opposite direction. These two forces, when united, let the vehicle roll towards the outer edge of the turn while gravity exerts a downward force on the vehicle directing it towards the road.
Sometimes the gravitational force does not have the strength to offset the actions initiated by the tire and inertial forces, so the vehicle will start to tip towards the outer edge of the curve ensuring that it will rollover.
Tripping rollovers often happen on slippery roads
Rollovers can take place when a vehicle is sliding in a sideways motion when on a slippery substance like ice and then hits the curb. Rollovers such as these are often referred to as tripping rollovers, because the wheels of the vehicle suddenly stop while the upper part of the vehicle is still moving and the mass of the upper portion is still in motion.
Crashes into other vehicles or hard objects often cause a rollover and also driving on slopes that have a gradient of 33 percent.
Sometimes a rollover accident is due to design defects of the vehicle and manufacturing defects as well, for example, defective tires and loose steering columns.
Rollover accident data
At least 8,000 people die every year because of rollover accidents.
It might be surprising but they are responsible for an estimated 1 out of 4 motor vehicle deaths in the United States while at least a quarter of a million motor vehicle accidents are rollovers accidents.
Furthermore, at least 10,000 passenger vehicles yearly are affected by a rollover accident, often resulting in deaths.
Passengers who are unfortunate to be involved in a rollover accident have a 36 percent higher chance of sustaining a serious injury than in other types of road traffic accidents. Ejection out of the vehicle was a common reason for a fatality. The roof becoming crushed also inflicts serious injuries on the vehicle’s occupants
The physical injury to a person can include back and neck injuries burns, fractured broken or smashed bones, spinal cord injuries which could lead to paralysis, head injuries which may mean serious brain injuries.
If you have been involved in a rollover accident and it was not your fault, you maybe entitled to compensation to cover any financial hardships while recovering and also any medical expenses. A rollover attorney will have the experience to assess your position and put up a strong case in your favor.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, learn how to protect your rights with a free consultation. Contact an experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer.
