What is it?
A rollover is a motor vehicle accident in which a vehicle tumbles laterally onto its side or roof, sometimes making multiple rotations. SUVs, because they typically have a higher center of gravity, are more prone to rollovers than other vehicles.
Injuries to the passengers’ head, neck, and spinal cord are common, as the roof becomes crushed during a rollover.
What causes it?
Rollovers are caused by the forces that act upon a moving SUV or other vehicle. When the lateral forces of inertia overcome the force of gravity keeping the tires on the ground, the car will begin to tip or slide. If the difference in these forces is great enough, the vehicle will roll. Rollovers can be caused by:
- Collisions
- Sudden turns at high speeds
- Changes in the road surface
- A change in the elevation of one side of the car
Any vehicle can theoretically roll over, but the higher a vehicle’s center of gravity and the narrower its wheelbase, the more likely it is to roll. For this reason, SUVs, which are built on the chassis of light trucks, have demonstrated a greater historical likelihood to roll over. SUVs accounted for 36 percent of vehicle rollovers in 2000, as compared to 24 percent for light trucks, 19 percent for vans, and 15 percent for traffic cars.
The following SUV models have historically ranked as some of the most likely to roll:
- Ford Ranger
- Cadillac Escalade
- Dodge Durango
- Chevy Blazer
- Chevy Tahoe
- Chevy Silverado
- Isuzu Trooper
- Ford Expedition
- Mazda B-Series
Design changes to the vehicles that widen their wheelbase and lower their center of gravity can reduce rollovers. Likewise, structural improvements to the roofs and sides of vehicles, including roll bars, can reduce damage to the vehicle and improve the safety for passengers in the event of a rollover. But because no Federal regulations exist mandating these changes, automobile manufacturers argue they can’t be held liable for accidents and injuries caused by rollover.
At Jacobs & Goodman:
- You always get an attorney, never a case manager like at other firms.
- We take a personal interest in your case, and help you through every aspect, including helping you deal with medical leins and debts.
- We work on a contingency basis, which means if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
If you’ve suffered injury or lost a loved one in an SUV rollover, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.