Drivers and owners of SUVs should be aware that the growing popularity of those popular SUV model vehicles also has unveiled new and dangerous problems. SUVs are more prone to rollover accidents because of their shape. Rollover accidents are more likely to result in fatalities than other types of single vehicle crashes. Rollover accidents that involved SUVs from 1991 to 2002 more than doubled, which is a rate higher than that of other classes of light trucks.
Safety in an SUV has two areas of concern. First, in an accident, the SUVs are more likely to tip and rollover, which can result in fatalities. Secondly, when the SUVs are involved in accidents with smaller vehicles, they are more likely to cause fatalities to occupants of the other vehicle.
Part of this issue is design of the SUV. Compared to other types of larger vehicles like sedans and station wagons, the center of gravity is higher in an SUV. They also can carry more weight. When they are loaded with extra weight of passengers, equipment and luggage, it causes the SUV to become less stable than other types of vehicles, due to their higher center of gravity. This makes tipping over happen more easily with the SUV.
Recent SUV fatality rates are going down from a peak in 2006, when 4,973 passengers and 3,347 drivers of SUVs died. In 2014, 4,097 passengers and 2,939 drivers were killed in SUV accidents. Safe driving practices are the best way to avoid becoming part of these statistics. SUV drivers and passengers should always follow these safe driving practices:
SUVs have a design that is different from other vehicles. The center of gravity is higher, as the vehicle is generally taller and longer than a typical car or pickup truck. Even smaller sized SUVs have this type of design. Most of the weight of an SUV is below the center of gravity, so when it tips even slightly, the vehicle is likely to rollover or up on two wheels. This instability can panic a driver and they may overcompensate with quick steering, thus causing additional stress on the wheels and it could lead to a rollover. When drivers have a high BAC from drinking or drugs, they are more likely to panic and fail in their attempts to get the SUV under control.
SUVs are often used for vacationing or travel that also involves carrying extra passengers and/or addition weight of luggage or equipment. This also adds to the weight of the vehicle. While passengers and drivers have more protection in an SUV in a front or side collision, any time the SUV tips and rolls on its side or top, that extra weight can cause more harm to the driver and passengers. An SUV rollover accident may also cause roof crushing, due to the force of the tipped over weight above it. This can easily cause fatalities to occupants. When passengers neglect to wear their seatbelts, they also may be ejected from the vehicle and thrown into other objects or vehicles, or become trapped or crushed in the rollover of the SUV.
Many vehicle accidents result in legal action by those who are harmed or by survivors of people killed in accidents due to negligence or product failures. An experienced Personal Injury Attorney knows how to investigate and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and to help you deal with insurance companies and the court system. If you or a loved one has been in an SUV accident, there may be options for pursuit of fair compensation for injury and damage claims.
Rollover SUV accidents can cause great personal injury and property damage. You may be able to recover monetary compensation for expenses like work loss, medical care and some property damage claims. Consult with our Personal Injury Attorney to determine what course of legal action will bring you best results. When injury is caused by negligent behavior or product defects, this is your best method to obtain justice. Call today to arrange a free consultation.
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