Rollover accidents are violent and catastrophic accidents. They can cause serious and horrific injuries to all the occupants in the vehicle. In fact, rollover accidents only account for 3% of all accidents; however, they account for 30% of all fatalities. They are the second most deadly type of car accident, only second to head on collisions. While there are many factors that can contribute to rollover accidents, such as weather, road conditions, and driver error, a big factor in whether or not you will experience a rollover accident is whether or not you drive a rollover prone vehicle.
In a rollover accident, auto manufacturers and sometimes tire manufacturers can sometimes be held responsible for designing unsafe or defective vehicles. However, the majority of rollover accidents are a combination of high speeds mixed with rollover prone vehicles.
Rollover Prone Vehicles
SUV – The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that 50% of all SUV fatalities involved rollover accidents. These vehicles tend to be more prone to rollover accidents because they have a high center of mass and are taller.
PickUp Trucks – The IIHS estimated that 45% of all pickup truck fatalities were caused by rollover crashes. Many of the fatalities when pickup trucks rollover is caused by drivers and passengers who were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident.
Cars – Only 24% of all fatal car accidents involved a rollover crash.
Related Reading: Seeking Treatment for a Concussion After an Accident
Models Most Likely to Rollover
While any car can be involved in a rollover accident, some model vehicles seem to be more prone to rollovers. Some of those include:
- Suzuki Samurai
- Jeep CJ
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Isuzu Trooper
- Buick Rendezvous
- Ford Ranger
- Nissan Frontier
- Ford E-series
- Ford Escape
- Sprinter 2500 Van
- Ford E-350 P15 Van
- Nissan NV3500 Passenger Van
- GMC Sierra
- Jeep Patriot SUV
- Ford Expedition
- GMC Yukon
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 85% of all rollover crashes are single car accidents. Yet, despite these statistics, there are times when a vehicle defect or other negligent driver causes your crash. If you have been involved in a rollover accident, it is important to speak to an experienced attorney immediately to review your case and examine all of your legal options.
