Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous when they happen in California. In these accidents, vehicles tip over onto their sides or their roofs. Because of the interaction of the vehicle with the road, other vehicles and the environment, rollover accidents carry a high risk of injuries and deaths. People who have been seriously injured in rollover accidents that were caused by the negligent driving behaviors of others might benefit by getting help from an experienced rollover accident attorney in San Jose. Our attorneys have assisted victims of rollover accidents, and we understand the importance of conducting thorough investigations in order to help them to recover the compensation that they deserve.
Causes of rollover car accidents in San Jose
According to SaferCar.gov, any vehicle has the potential to roll over in an accident. However, taller vehicles that have higher centers of gravity have much greater risks of rolling over in accidents. Other common causes of rollover accidents include the following:
• Speeding
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Driver inattention
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Driving on undivided highways or roads
• Single-car accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 85 percent of rollover accidents happen in single-vehicle accidents. Passengers who are injured in vehicles that roll over may have liability claims against the drivers for their negligence.
How rollover accidents differ from other car accidents
Rollover accidents carry much higher risks of fatalities and catastrophic injuries than do other types of motor vehicle collisions. This is because the vehicle occupants may be tossed around the inside of the vehicles, and some may be thrown from the vehicles when they are rolling over. In 2010, for example, rollover accidents accounted for just 2.1 percent of the total number of accidents that happened during the year. However, these accidents accounted for 35 percent of all of the traffic fatalities with 7,600 deaths.
Common injuries in rollover accidents
In rollover accidents, it is common for victims to suffer numerous injuries. According to a study that was published in the journal “Orthopaedic Proceedings,” rollover crashes typically involve injuries to five primary regions of the body as follows:
• Injuries to the head and neck – 60 percent
• Injuries to the thoracic region – 23.8 percent
• Injuries to the abdominal region – 15.4 percent
• Injuries to the upper extremities – 47 percent
• Injuries to the lower extremities – 34 percent
People who are injured in rollover accidents often suffer injuries in multiple regions of their bodies. They may suffer serious head injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, internal organ damage and crushing injuries.
The frequency of rollover accidents
While rollover accidents occur infrequently, they have a much higher chance of resulting in fatalities. As previously noted, they account for around 3 percent of all of the accidents that happen each year but as much as 35 percent of the fatal crashes. The risks of these accidents make it very important that people take care to prevent having a rollover accident. People should make certain to observe all posted speed limits, avoid drinking and driving, avoid using their cell phones and engaging in other distracting behaviors and drive at speeds that are appropriate for the weather conditions.
When to contact a San Jose rollover accident attorney
If you have been injured in a rollover accident because of the actions of the driver of the vehicle in which you were riding, you may need legal help. It is equally important to contact a lawyer if your rollover accident was caused by another car’s colliding with your vehicle. Experienced rollover accident lawyers in San Jose have the requisite legal knowledge and skill that may be necessary to help you to thoroughly investigate and prove your claim. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
Back to Car Accident Main Page