Tips for Avoiding Rollover Accidents

 Posted on February 10, 2017 in Personal Injury

Rollover accidents can happen in any vehicle, in any weather, and under any circumstances. However, they are more common in certain situations and in specific vehicles. You can improve your chances of surviving such accidents by understanding these situations, and knowing which vehicles may be problematic.

How Serious is the Problem?

Estimates from Consumer Reports suggest that only about three percent of all serious crashes involve the rollover of a vehicle. However, these accidents account for about 30 percent of all traffic accident fatalities. Those at the greatest risk are those who are unbelted since rollovers can result in one being tossed throughout the cabin or ejected from the vehicle. Yet, even belted drivers can suffer serious injury or death.

Understanding Why Rollovers Happen

Rollovers are most likely to happen in vehicles that are considered “top-heavy.” These are vehicles with a higher center of gravity, like SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks. Tire grip is sometimes a factor, particularly when tire tread is low. Avoid this by ensuring you keep a careful eye on tire tread.

Overloaded vehicles—particularly SUVs and pickup trucks—can also be problematic. This is especially true if the load is on the roof of the vehicle. Make sure that you check your vehicle’s load recommendations and always try to keep the heaviest part of your load close to the floor and as far away from the tailgate as possible (closest to the center of the vehicle).

Speed, soft ground, and overcompensation are common contributing factors as well. Watch your speed, avoid over-maneuvering, and be careful on country roads where the ground may be less firm. You should also be careful of curbs and potholes, which are some of the biggest contributors to tip-over accidents in susceptible vehicles. Above all, make sure you always wear your seat belt.

Pursuing Compensation After an Accident

Even if you take every precaution possible to prevent a rollover, they can and may happen. Should one happen to you or someone that you love, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Unfortunately, accident victims are not always treated fairly by insurance companies or the justice system. With that in mind, victims are encouraged to seek experienced legal assistance for their accident injury cases.

At Martoccio & Martoccio, we fight to get you and your loved ones the fair settlement that you deserve. Dedicated to your best interests, we will protect your rights every step of the way. Contact an experienced DuPage County personal injury attorney for assistance. Call 630-920-8855 for a free consultation at either of our two convenient locations.

Source:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/02/rollover-101/index.htm