In 2017, SUV sales rose 12% while overall auto industry sales rose only 3%. As more and more people choose to purchase SUVs instead of passenger cars, it is important to consider SUV safety. SUV drivers and passengers face all of the same risks as other drivers and passengers in other vehicles. However, SUV occupants are at greater risk of being involved in a dangerous rollover crash.
What Causes SUV Rollovers?
SUVs are more likely to roll over than other cars because of their size, their shape, and their weight distribution. The design of SUVs gives these vehicles a higher center of gravity. This makes it harder for drivers to steer, to control their vehicles, and to control sudden braking. Accordingly, an SUV may roll over if an SUV driver:
- Has a tire blowout or other tire issue
- Faces a road hazard that must suddenly be avoided
- Is T-boned or rear-ended by another vehicle
When an SUV is involved in a rollover accident, serious and potentially fatal injuries can result because:
- The roof may collapse inward
- Seatbelts may unlatch and fail to protect occupants
- Airbags may fail to deploy
- Doors may open, and occupants may be ejected
SUV Rollover Injuries
The specific injuries that may be suffered depend on the particular rollover accident. Some of the risks faced by people involved in this type of crash include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Death
It is important to accept prompt medical attention at the scene of the accident. Some injuries may not result in immediate symptoms, and other injuries may get worse if you do not receive immediate treatment.
Liability for SUV Rollover Accidents
The SUV crash that left you injured may not have been your fault. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, the accident and your resulting injuries may have been caused by:
- The SUV manufacturer if the rollover occurred because of the negligent design or manufacturing of the vehicle
- A mechanic whose work on your vehicle was negligent
- Another driver who hit you
- Another party involved in the design, manufacturing, or maintenance of the vehicle
A full investigation is needed to determine why your accident happened, who was at fault, and how you should recover damages.
Fatal Car Accident Statistics in Northern Virginia
We all understand that car accidents are a very real possibility, even as we do our best to avoid them. Sometimes it is simply beyond your control: one reckless driver trying to cross four lanes of traffic without a turn signal could cause a car accident. In other instances, there may not even be reckless driving involved. A freak occurrence such as a blown-out tire or unexpected hydroplaning could make even the safest of drivers lose control of their vehicles.
Certain Areas Are At A Higher Risk for Car Accidents
Still, while accidents tend to be random and unpredictable, statistics do indicate patterns. For example, did you know that where you live could mean that you are more likely to get into an accident? According to data compiled between the years of 2008 and 2012 in the state of Virginia, urban areas could be at a higher risk of fatal traffic accidents, as could people in passenger cars between the ages of 20 and 29.
Across this four-year period, the total number of fatal car accidents remained fairly steady, excluding the year 2008. Despite this, the number of fatal accidents in rural areas trended downward, while the number of urban fatal accidents jumped by over 100 between 2011 and 2012. On a year to year basis, occupants of passenger vehicles made up over 40 percent of accident fatalities.
Our Fairfax Car Accident Trial Attorneys Can Help
While this data may help you avoid accidents, the fact of the matter remains that there is truly no way to predict where or when an accident will occur. The one thing we can control is how we react to car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the Northern Virginia auto accident lawyers of Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC at 703-691-8333 to schedule your free consultation.
The investigation into the cause of your rollover crash may be complicated and require expert witnesses such as SUV design engineers and accident reconstruction engineers. Our experienced accident lawyers know how to thoroughly investigate your claim; we know when to involve expert witnesses to help you prove your case; and we will fight for your full and fair recovery of damages.
Depending on your unique injuries, your damages may be very significant. Your damages may include compensation for things such as past, current, and future:
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
Our lawyers will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. However, your time to file a case is limited by the Virginia statute of limitations. In most cases, you will have two years from the time of your crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. If you fail to file your case before the statute of limitations expires, your case will be dismissed upon a motion from the defendant, and you will not recover any damages.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact an experienced Virginia personal injury accident lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your rights and potential recovery. You can reach us anytime via this website or by phone, and at the time of our meeting, we would be pleased to welcome you in our conveniently located Fairfax office.
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