Practice Areas

Blog

News

Library

The Frightening Facts about Virginia Rollover Accidents

It’s hard to control a crash as it is happening. We’re taught methods in Driver’s Education, such as turning into a skid or aiming for a soft target—but the reality is, a vehicle will react according to its weight and speed. Too often, a heavy vehicle at a high speed can result in a highway rollover accident.

A few facts about Virginia rollover accidents:

• Nearly 300,000 rollover accidents are reported each year.
• Due to their top-heaviness, SUVs are 20% more likely to be involved in fatal rollover crashes.
• Doors and windows may be blocked or damaged as a result of the roll, making it difficult to escape from the vehicle.
• In three out of four cases, drivers in rollover crashes were killed as a result of not wearing a seatbelt.
• Rollover crashes carry an increased risk of traumatic brain injuries, as the roof is more likely to collapse under the weight of the car.
• The highest number of DC rollover crashes occur on weekends, and alcohol is usually involved.

As with any accident, the easiest way to avoid a rollover is to know the risks, and be aware of the behaviors of the drivers around you. Here are some common causes of Fairfax rollover crashes—and how to avoid them:

• Speed. Rollover crashes are caused when a vehicle is moving too fast, and the weight is too high, causing the car to tip over. Vehicles are far less stable at high speeds, since the weight of the car is no longer focused on the ground.
• Turns. The most common start of a rollover accident is a sudden turn, or even a jerk of the wheel. This will cause the weight of the car to be suddenly thrown in a new direction, causing it to tip over.
• Type of vehicle. Pickup trucks and SUVs have a high rate of rollover accidents due to their weight distribution. Convertibles are at similar risk to sedans, but do not offer roof protection in the case of an accident.
• Seatbelts. The simple act of wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of death in a rollover accident by up to 75 percent. Always buckle up!
• Teen drivers. About a quarter of fatal rollover accidents involve teen drivers. This may be because they haven’t had enough road experience, make sudden wheel movements, or are more likely to speed.
• Alcohol. If a car is showing erratic behavior, always give the vehicle a wide berth. If the driver veers off the road or makes sudden corrections, call 911 to report the driver to authorities.

Due to the severity of impact, the injuries sustained in rollover accidents can be much more severe than everyday collisions. If you or someone you love is suffering after an accident, the advice from a trusted DC personal injury attorney can get you the help you need. Call Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067 for your free consultation.

Let us help you