Why SUV Rollover Accidents Can Be Deadly

After the tire blew out on an SUV, the driver lost control and crashed into the grassy median on Texas State Highway 130. The SUV rolled over, ejecting the driver and passenger from the vehicle. The passenger sustained injuries and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Although rollover accidents only occur in approximately 3 percent of all crashes, they account for roughly 30 percent of all people who lose their lives in fatal vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 280,000 reported rollover accidents claim more than 10,000 lives each year.

How Do Rollover Accidents Happen?

Trucks, minivans and SUVs are the most susceptible vehicles to rollover accidents. These vehicles lack stability due to a high center of gravity, are top-heavy and have a narrow distance between the right and left wheels. This means any sharp turn can make for a deadly accident. The issue is particularly prominent with SUVs and trucks that have four-wheel drive.

More often than not, deadly rollovers often occur in single-vehicle accidents. In these instances, the accident is not caused by a steering maneuver, but rather when the vehicle “trips” on something. This can include a pothole, roadside shoulder, curb or even a blown tire.

Who Can I Hold Responsible for Injuries Sustained in a Rollover Accident?

Many do not know that the roofs of some SUVs are structurally unsound. More often than not, they are made with weak points and a thin sheet of metal that can collapse in a rollover accident. This is called a roof crush and it causes more than 600 deaths each year, according to NHTSA. If a roof crush causes injury, it is possible to hold the manufacturer accountable. If another driver caused the accident, it’s possible to hold that driver accountable as well.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison is an Austin personal injury law firm that helps those injured in SUV rollover accidents.