A rollover crash, where a car tips onto its side or roof, ranks among the most catastrophic types of car accidents in South Carolina and across the U.S. The risk of injury is exceptionally high as the vehicle tumbles and collides with the road and other obstacles.
Even when these terrifying accidents involve only a single vehicle, the consequences can be devastating, potentially resulting in permanent disabilities or fatalities for the occupants.
How dangerous are rollover crashes?
Rollover accidents are less common than other types of crashes, but they can be significantly more fatal.
While rollovers are a factor in only about 3% of serious crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that they account for about 20% of accident fatalities.
According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the likelihood of occupant fatalities in rollover crashes increases with the size and weight of the vehicle. In 2021, it reported that 52% of large truck occupant deaths were the result of rollovers, a higher rate than that of SUVs and pickups and significantly more than the 21% of car occupant deaths involving rollovers.
Data source: https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks
What is the most common cause of rollover accidents?
A rollover accident is any accident in which a car rolls onto its side or roof. These accidents make up a small percentage of the total number of auto accidents, but they are becoming more common as SUVs, trucks, and vans become increasingly popular. These vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more prone to rollover accidents.
Any vehicle can experience a rollover accident, and there are several factors that can contribute to a rollover. Those factors include:
- Speed. According to the NHTSA, excessive speed is a factor in approximately 40% of rollover crashes, and almost 75% of rollovers occur in areas with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour or higher.
- Hazards. Rollovers often occur when a vehicle trips over an obstacle, such as a pothole, curb, soft roadside shoulder, or other debris.
- Curves in the road. Making turns or rounding sharp curves can cause a vehicle’s gravity to shift, putting it at risk of tipping.
- Poor road conditions. Rollovers can occur more easily on slippery roads, but they are also common on rural country roads with no barriers.
- Tire grip. It is vital for tires to grip the road, especially in wet or icy conditions, but too much grip can cause sideways momentum to build up, resulting in a rollover.
- Alcohol. Almost half of all fatal rollover crashes involve alcohol, which can impair a driver’s judgment and ability to react to hazards.
Are rollover accidents more common when large trucks are involved?
Yes, cars are more likely to roll over in accidents involving trucks and large commercial vehicles. This is because the size and weight of large trucks can significantly affect the dynamics during a crash.
When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle like a car, the impact can cause the car to become unstable and tip over, especially if the collision affects the side of the car, known as a T-bone crash, or occurs at high speeds.
Additionally, the height and structure of large trucks can contribute to a higher center of gravity in the crash dynamics, increasing the rollover risk for the smaller vehicles involved.
Because rollover accidents involving trucks can be complex, with multiple parties potentially sharing liability, including trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and other drivers, it’s crucial to seek the expertise of a knowledgeable Columbia truck accident attorney to help you navigate your claim effectively.
What are the most common injuries in rollover accidents?
Due to the severity of these crashes, rollover accidents can cause many types of injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury. Rollovers can cause passengers’ heads to slam against the side or roof of the vehicle. The force of impact can impair critical functions such as speech, memory, judgment, and motor skills, either temporarily or permanently.
- Musculoskeletal injuries. Due to the violent nature of these crashes, musculoskeletal injuries that result in long-term issues like chronic back pain are also common.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Trauma from a rollover accident can compress the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib, causing TOS. This condition leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms, hands, or neck, which may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
- Broken bones. The impact of a rollover accident can cause severe fractures, which may require extensive surgery to repair.
- Spinal cord injury. Trauma to the spinal column during a rollover accident can result in partial or complete paralysis. These severe injuries often necessitate legal action to pursue compensation for the victim’s losses.
- Amputations. In certain cases, a limb may be damaged to the point where it cannot be repaired and must be amputated, or the force of the crash may sever it.
- Internal damage. Injury to sensitive areas like the abdomen can cause internal bleeding or damage to internal organs and nerves.
- Bruises and lacerations. Rollover vehicles often involve broken glass, shards of metal, or unsecured cargo that can hit passengers and cause a variety of injuries.
Lack of rollover safety standards
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts extensive testing on most new models of SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans to determine how vulnerable they are to rollovers. These tests include measurements of the vehicle’s center of gravity compared to its width, as well as dynamic testing simulating various driving scenarios. While vans and cars typically pass the dynamic testing, many SUV models have shown a tendency to tip under different circumstances.
Unfortunately, the NHTSA’s testing has yet to result in actionable regulation. The government imposes roof crush standards on vehicles based on stationary measurements but does not have any performance standards specific to rollover crashes.
FAQs about rollover crashes
Which vehicles are most likely to roll over?
Vehicles that are taller and narrower, like SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, are the most likely to roll over. These types of vehicles are higher off the ground, which makes them more top-heavy. This means that during accidents or quick maneuvers, they’re more likely to tip over compared to cars that are lower and wider.
Can a sharp turn flip a car?
Yes, a sharp turn can indeed flip a car. When a car turns very quickly, especially at high speeds, it can tilt to one side and ultimately tip over. However, this is more likely to happen with taller vehicles, like SUVs, because they’re higher off the ground and top-heavy.
Is compensation higher in rollover crashes?
Generally, compensation in rollover crashes can be higher due to the severe nature of these accidents. Rollovers often result in significant injuries or fatalities, leading to substantial medical bills, long-term rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, all of which will be considered in a personal injury settlement.
Columbia car accident lawyers at Chappell, Chappell and Newman provide skilled representation to victims of rollover crashes
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident, call the Columbia car accident lawyers at Chappell, Chappell and Newman.
Our knowledgeable, experienced lawyers will thoroughly review the facts of your case to determine what factors contributed to your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable. We understand the complexities of South Carolina legislation around auto accidents, and we will prepare a sound legal strategy to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.