Statistics show that most U.S. drivers will be in an auto accident every 8 years. If you have ever been in an accident, then you know how traumatic even the small ones could be. A vehicle rollover accident is one of the scariest and deadliest types of auto accident. Only 8 percent of vehicles involved in an accident end up in a rollover, yet they are responsible for 20% of serious auto accident injuries and 30% of auto accident deaths.

Deadly Statistics

Data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows there are 4,000 fatal auto accidents every year in Florida.

• Of the 4,000 fatal auto accidents, 350 are fatal large truck accidents.
• An average of 55% of semi-truck fatalities occur during a rollover.
• Of the people in single vehicle fatal rollover accidents, 78% were not wearing their seat belts.
• 64% of people involved in rollover fatal accidents were partially or completely ejected from their vehicles.

Factors that can contribute to a rollover accident

Some of the primary factors that can cause a vehicle rollover include the following:

• Tire traction
• Your vehicle’s center of gravity
• Curves or sudden turns
• Speed
• Poor weather or road conditions

What you can do to prevent or survive a rollover accident

• Wear your seat belt: Nearly three quarters of people ejected during a rollover are killed. The other 25% would probably have preferred to stay in the vehicle.

• Check your tires: Make sure your tires are in good shape and are properly inflated to the pressure that is recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Check the tire pressure at least once a month. When you replace your tires, make sure they are similar to the vehicles original set of tires.

• Newer is better: Government data shows that newer vehicles have a much lower fatality rate than older vehicles. This could be because of Electronic Stability Control (ESC technology) in newer vehicles, stricter government testing, better vehicle design or other safety steps that car manufacturers are taking.

• Don’t overload your vehicle: The more weight a vehicle has, the more its stability decreases. This is even more dangerous with SUVs and Pickups. Try to stay within the load ratings of the manufacturer. Try to place the heavier load of the cargo lower to the floor, closer to the center of the vehicle and as far away from the tailgate as possible.

• Watch how fast you are going: The faster you drive, the more likely your vehicle will rollover. Around 40% or fatal auto accident rollovers involved excessive speed.

• Beware of rural areas and undivided highways without barriers: Almost three quarters of fatal rollovers occur in rural areas on roads where the speed limit is faster than 55 mph or undivided highways that do not have barriers.

• Avoid panic-like steering: When people have panic reactions they tend to overcorrect their steering – at highway speeds this can easily cause a rollover. If your vehicle leaves the roadway, gradually reduce your speed and then ease your vehicle back on the road.

If you are involved in an auto accident and are the victim of a vehicle rollover, then you need to contact a firm that understands and has a success rate with these complex cases. If we take your case, we will take care of all the legal fees and you will not be billed unless we win your case. Contact the vehicle rollover accident attorneys at MADALON LAW for your free consultation and get answers to your questions today.