Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
There are numerous car accident scenarios that can lead to serious bodily harm for victims, but a rollover crash is one of the most likely to result in catastrophic injuries. Statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that rollovers cause more fatalities than most other types of collisions: While the number is low at 2.1%, rollovers are responsible for causing almost 35% of all deaths due to motor vehicle crashes.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in such an incident, you do have rights under Florida law. A Miami car accident lawyer will help you enforce them, but some information on rollover crash claims may be useful.
Factors That Contribute to Rollover Accidents
Many of the same factors associated with other types of motor vehicle crashes also contribute to rollovers, but there are some that are unique to rollovers. A vehicle is more likely to flip side-to-side, end-over-end, or a combination of the two, based upon:
- Vehicle Design: Higher profile vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, tend to rollover more often because their center of gravity is higher than cars. Slippery road conditions, uneven surfaces, and other factors put such a vehicle at risk of flipping.
- Tripping: Just like you may stumble over an object low to the ground, a car can trip over a curb or bump in the road. The contact interferes with the vehicle’s forward motion, leading to a rollover crash.
Catastrophic Injuries are More Common in Rollover Crashes
Gravity creates havoc in a rollover crash, as the driver and passengers may be tossed about the vehicle’s interior if they are not wearing seatbelts; occupants may even be ejected in a serious collision. A roof cave-in is another risk, since the structure is not intended to support the weight of the entire vehicle. The five areas of the human body that sustain the most trauma are:
- Head, neck, and spinal cord;
- Torso;
- Abdomen;
- Upper extremities; and,
- Lower extremities.
The severity and nature of injuries to these areas can vary widely, from minor scrapes to bodily harm that affects multiple systems of the body. Rollovers are much more violent than other types of crashes, which is why catastrophic injuries are more common – especially the head and spinal cord. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may occur if your head strikes a surface within the vehicle or is struck by a flying object. Your spine and neck can sustain injuries as your body twists and contorts during the collision, possibly leading to paralysis or other permanent injuries.
Count on a Miami Car Accidents Attorney for Legal Help
Rollover crashes are serious and all too common when another driver is careless behind the wheel. Because you could sustain severe injuries and incur astronomical medical bills, it is important that you pursue all options for getting the compensation you deserve. To learn how our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA can help, please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. We can schedule a free consultation to review your circumstances and determine the best way to proceed with your claim.