What Are the Dangers of a Rollover Car Accident?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), rollover car accidents make up less than three percent of all accidents. Yet, they account for close to 35 percent of all highway fatalities. Rollover car accidents can have devastating consequences. Too often, these serious, potentially fatal accidents can be prevented if motorists obey the rules of the road and take the necessary steps to avoid a rollover accident.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Rollover Car Accidents?

While all vehicles can be involved in a rollover accident, certain vehicles are at greater risk of rolling over, including pickup trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles with a higher center of gravity and a narrower track width. The following are examples of the common causes of rollover car accidents:

• The driver turns too quickly or sharply
• The vehicle hits a curb, guardrail, uneven pavement, or some other object, causing it to tip over
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Impaired driving
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Lack of familiarity with the road
• Aggressive driving
• Oversteering
• Poor road conditions

What Types of Injuries Do Rollover Accidents Cause?

Due to the severity of a rollover accident, they can cause severe injuries, particularly if the vehicle was traveling at a high speed at the time of the accident. Common injuries from rollover accidents include the following:

• Broken bones: The extreme impact of a rollover accident can cause broken bones. If the break is severe, the bone is crushed, or the skin punctures, the injury is even more severe.
• Internal bleeding: If the impact of the accident causes organ damage and internal bleeding, it can be life-threatening.
• Brain and spinal cord injuries: When a vehicle rolls over, the force of the impact can cause severe damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, this can lead to partial or total paralysis. Serious head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are also common.
• Amputation: In some cases, a rollover accident can cause extensive damage to a limb, where the only treatment option is to amputate. The force of an accident can also cause a limb to be severed, which is a life-threatening injury.

How Can I Avoid a Rollover Accident?

While you cannot control how other motorists behave when they are behind the wheel, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of a rollover accident. For example, obey the speed limit and adjust your speed when approaching a curve in the road or making a turn. This is particularly important if you drive an SUV, a small truck, or any other vehicle with a higher center of gravity. You can also reduce the risk of a rollover accident by focusing on the road and avoiding distractions. You must also maintain your vehicle regularly to ensure it is safe to operate.

Our Macon Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Advocate for Victims of Rollover Car Accidents

If you or someone you love suffered a serious injury in a rollover car accident, it is recommended that you contact our Macon car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call 478-254-2007 or contact us online. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.