Rollover Car Accidents: How To Avoid Such Accidents
Any type of car accident can leave you with serious injuries. However, some car accidents are more dangerous than others. A rollover accident is one type of accident that is extremely dangerous. Rollover accidents may not happen as often as other kinds of accidents, but such accidents are often more fatal. According to the NHTSA, while rollover accidents account for only 2% of crashes throughout the U.S., such crashes account for more than 30% of all fatalities from passenger vehicle crashes.
Rollovers happen when motorists lose control of their vehicles because of various reasons. The following are the main reasons why drivers lose control of their cars and end up in rollover accidents.
- High speed
- Vehicle defects
- Drugs or alcohol
- Tire problems
Avoiding Rollover Accidents
Even though you can’t be 100% sure that you will never be involved in an accident, you need to take precautions to reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
Below are four safety precautions you should take to reduce your chances of being involved in a rollover accident.
Understand Your Car
Some vehicles are more prone to rolling over because of their design. For instance, if you own an SUV, keep in mind that such a vehicle is more prone to rolling over. SUV cars have a higher center of gravity and are heavier at the top. These features make SUVs more prone to rollover accidents. Understand your vehicle so you can remain aware of its rolling or tipping potential.
Regularly Check the Pressure and Condition of Your Car Tires
Enough tire pressure in your tires can prevent you from being involved in a rollover accident. Poorly inflated tires increase your chances of being involved in a rollover accident. A blowout, for instance, can destabilize your vehicle and cause a rollover accident. Therefore, check the pressure in your tires regularly and ensure you replace worn-out tires on time.
Drive Within the Speed Limit
According to the NHTSA, 40% of fatal rollover accidents occur due to excessive speeding. Therefore, always drive within the speed limit to reduce your chances of being involved in a rollover accident.
Slow Down for Curves and Turns
When you speed around a turn or a curve, you increase your chances of being involved in a rollover accident. Thus, always slow down for curves and turns.
On top of taking the above safety precautions, always wear your seat belt. Most people end up dying in rollover crashes because of not wearing seat belts. If you get involved in a rollover crash while your seat belt is off, you might end up being ejected from the car.
Get Help if You’ve Been in a Rollover Crash
Unfortunately, even after taking all safety precautions, you might still find yourself involved in a rollover accident because of another party’s negligence. If you got injured in a rollover accident that occurred due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to receive compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers at the Pendas Law Firm can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law represents clients also in the Orlando, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach areas.
Resource:
safercar.gov/Vehicle-Shoppers/Rollover/Fatalities
