Causes for SUV Rollovers

There is some variance among the different makes and models of SUVs, but generally speaking, many SUVs were not designed to remain sufficiently stable – or upright – during specific problematic driving situations (such as when an SUV driver swerves).

Listed below are a few of the key causes for SUV rollovers:

• SUVs tend to be top-heavy, with a higher center-of-gravity than a standard passenger car
• In a single-vehicle accident, a top-heavy vehicle is far more likely to roll than one with a lower center-of-gravity
• Many SUVs have tall, narrow vehicle bodies

What can cause an SUV rollover?

As noted, a Virginia SUV rollover accident might occur for any number of reasons, and can happen as part of a single-vehicle crash, or during a multi-vehicle accident.

Statistics indicate that a majority – as much as 85% – of rollover accidents occur as a single-vehicle crash.

Here are some common factors in rollover accidents – for both SUVs and cars – as identified by SaferCar.gov:

• Speed – Excessive speed, or speeds that are too fast for the road condition, can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a rollover accident.
• Alcohol – Consumption of alcohol greatly increases the risk for rollover accidents.
• Swerving – Also known as overcorrecting, this can refer to when a driver drifts onto the shoulder or median of a roadway and “jerks” the wheel to re-enter the roadway.

SaferCar.gov also states that the majority of single-vehicle rollover accidents happen under “normal driving” conditions, such as when the driver is traveling straight ahead or taking a curve in the road.

Other Causes of SUV Rollover Accidents

Though some SUV rollover accidents can be attributed to driver error on behalf of the SUV operator, there are other causes to consider.

Here are some other potential causes for Virginia SUV rollover accidents, aside from operator error:

• Swerving to avoid another vehicle, such as one driven by a distracted driver
• Swerving to avoid a road hazard, including debris or unsafe pavement
• Dangerous road conditions, such as ice, snow or wet pavement 

Whatever the cause may be, an SUV rollover accident can completely change your life. As the victim of a Virginia car accident, until you retain an attorney, the representatives of the insurance company know that they are dealing with someone who is not adequately prepared and thus are unlikely to offer you fair compensation.

If you, or your loved one, have been injured in an SUV rollover accident in the Northern Virginia area, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer who will protect your rights and ensure you get the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Virginia has a statute of limitations that may prohibit you from filing a lawsuit if too much time has passed. Contact The Parrish Law Firm today for a FREE evaluation of your case – 571-229-1800.