Causes of Rollover Accidents

Rollovers cause over 10,000 deaths each year in the United States, which constitutes over one-third of all traffic fatalities. Although many people believe that only large trucks and SUVs can roll over, in fact, any vehicle can roll over during a crash depending on a variety of factors, such as the characteristics of the vehicle and the driving decisions of the motorist.

Vehicle Stability

Overall stability is the most important factor in rollover crashes: vehicles with less stability have an increased likelihood of rolling over. Factors that can affect the stability of a vehicle, and thus the likelihood of a rollover crash, include:

• The length of the vehicle. Longer vehicles are more likely to roll over than shorter vehicles.

• Width. Narrow vehicles are more at risk to roll over than thicker vehicles.

• Ground clearance. Vehicles that sit higher off the ground are more likely to roll over than vehicles that sit low to the ground.

• Number of passengers. In long, narrow vehicles that sit low to the ground, increased passengers decrease the vehicle’s overall stability. In shorter, thicker vehicles with a lower ground clearance, additional passengers add stability.

• Weight distribution. The manner in which weight is distributed throughout the vehicle can increase or decrease its stability.

Certain vehicles are less stable by design than other types of vehicles and are therefore more likely to roll over during a crash. However, depending on the severity of the crash, any type of vehicle can roll over. It is important to practice safe driving habits in order to avoid devastating crashes and injuries.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover crash, contact the Milwaukee car accident lawyers Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. at 800-242-2874.