What you’ll learn from reading this article:

• What causes rollover accidents
• Common injuries that can occur from a rollover
• How to stay safe and prevent these accidents in the future

Getting into an accident, no matter how serious, can result in both mental and physical trauma — but rollover accidents are often the worst and most deadly types of car accidents that can occur. Because of the often fatal nature of these types of accidents, it’s important to stay safe and vigilant when on the road to avoid flipping or rolling your vehicle.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 35,000 deaths occur annually due to car accidents, with a majority of the fatalities being due to ejections and rollovers. The higher death rates also often come from accidents that occur on local rural roads as well as interstate roadways. Because these types of rural roadways are remote and see less condensed traffic, drivers are more likely to drive recklessly and disobey traffic laws. However, rollovers can happen anywhere at any time, so it’s crucial to drive safely no matter where you are driving.

Top Causes of Rollover Accidents

Rollovers tend to occur when there is a sudden shift in weight or center of gravity of the vehicle when it is traveling at high speeds. When this occurs, the vehicle can flip on its side, flip completely upside down, or in the worst case, it can complete several full rotations. When an accident like this occurs, passengers can be ejected from the vehicle or trapped and crushed inside.

Though high speeds and reckless driving are often the cause, several other factors can lead to rollovers, including the following:

• Taller or larger vehicles with a higher center of gravity: Any vehicle can roll over, but large trucks, SUVs, vans, and tractor-trailers tend to be the most susceptible.
• Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to swerve and drive recklessly, causing themselves or other vehicles nearby to make sudden changes that can easily shift the weight and throw off its center of gravity.
• Speeding: Excessive speeds and aggressive driving are more likely to result in the driver causing a rollover accident. When traveling at high speeds, sudden stops and turns, as well as impacts with other vehicles, will easily throw off the weight of the vehicle and cause it to flip.
• Tire blowouts: When tires blow it can result in a sudden loss of control. When this happens, drivers may quickly swerve or turn to try to gain back control, but doing so can cause the vehicle to flip.
• Tripping: Tripping is a term used to describe what occurs when a car hits a guardrail, a curb, or dirt and grass off the side of the road. When drivers attempt to overcorrect to get back on the road, it can cause the tires to “trip” which then causes the car to lean or completely tip onto its side. If there is a hill or other drop off the side of the road, the car can complete multiple rotations until it comes to a stop at the bottom.

Risks and Injuries Associated with a Rollover

Due to the serious and aggressive nature of these types of accidents, the resulting injuries can be quite severe and even fatal. Some of the most common types of injuries that result from rollover accidents include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Neck and spinal injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Broken bones
• Crushed limbs
• Deep lacerations
• Damaged internal organs

How to Prevent Accidents and Serious Injuries in the Future

Though rollovers tend to happen suddenly and can be hard to prevent in the moment, there are some steps you can take to remain vigilant and prevent the likelihood of these accidents occurring in the future:

1. Buckle up: This may seem obvious, but despite being one of the number one rules of safety when driving, many drivers still go without a seat belt or forget to put it on when in a rush. Wearing one reduces your chances of being ejected or flung around inside the vehicle if a rollover does occur.
2. Avoid speeding: Another obvious point here, but as high speeds and aggressive driving are some of the leading causes of rollovers and other accidents, maintaining safe speeds is your best way to avoid them.
3. Stay alert: Many drivers think that if they’re a safe driver, they won’t get into an accident, but being a good driver yourself is only half the battle. It’s important to pay attention and be mindful of other drivers around you as well. If you notice someone driving recklessly, it’s best to avoid driving near them if possible.
4. Buy new: We understand this isn’t an option for everyone. New cars do come with a higher price tag, but that’s because they also come with some of the newest and best safety features. Older vehicles do come with an increased risk of accident susceptibility.
5. Check your tires: To avoid blowouts that can lead to rollovers, it’s important to have your tires checked regularly. If they seem like they are getting worn down, it’s a good idea to replace them.
6. Be mindful of weight distribution: If you have a larger vehicle or truck and are carrying a lot of weight, be careful not to distribute all of the weight to one area of the vehicle. For example, placing a lot of heavy items on the roof can result in easier tipping and leaning if the vehicle’s balance gets thrown off while driving.

Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery — Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you love has been in a rollover accident and sustained injuries, contact the accident recovery experts at Poynter & Bucheri. Our fee is only 25% compared to the higher 40% rates with other attorneys. We will ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries and losses. Don’t hesitate — one of our experienced attorneys can assist you right away. Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.