When a vehicle rolls over during a car accident, most West Virginia residents immediately understand the severity of the situation. After all, vehicles are supposed to operate with their tires planted firmly on the ground, and when a vehicle overturns or rolls multiple times, it is likely that the individuals inside that vehicle will suffer injuries.
You may wonder what would cause a rollover accident, and really, various factors could play a part in whether a vehicle overturns. Some of those factors may seem obvious, but others could come as a surprise to you and others.
What causes a vehicle to roll?
Some common aspects can contribute to rollover accidents, and if you are not aware whether these aspects apply to the vehicle you drive or ride in, you could find yourself more at risk for an accident than you believe. Some causes of rollover accidents include the following:
- Higher center of gravity: Some vehicles, like SUVs, RVs, minivans and trucks, have higher centers of gravity because they stand higher off the ground than more compact cars. SUVs are often involved in rollover accidents due to this higher center of gravity and the greater likelihood of overturning in a crash.
- Unsafe driving behavior: Though unsafe actions behind the wheel could contribute to any type of accident, it can cause rollover crashes as well. If a driver speeds or takes curves in the road too quickly, for example, almost any vehicle has a greater risk of rolling.
- Overloading a vehicle: You may think it a good idea to cram as many supplies into a car or onto the roof rack as possible when going on a trip, but if a vehicle is loaded past its weight limit, it could result in you or another driver having a more difficult time keeping the vehicle under control, which could increase the chances of a rollover.
Of course, other factors could also contribute to a rollover accident, such as the direct impact of collision from another vehicle or driving on uneven roadways.
What if you are injured in a rollover?
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for serious injuries to result from rollover accidents. If you suffer injuries in such an event caused by another driver, you may worry about the medical expenses and other costs you will endure as a result. Luckily, you may have cause to file a personal injury claim against the driver considered responsible, and a successful case could result in you receiving a monetary reward for permissible damages.