Many Californians prefer to drive sports utility vehicles for a variety of reasons. SUVs have more room, can carry more passengers, luggage and other items, and have a higher height which improves visibility. Whether they are being driven by soccer moms transporting the neighborhood kids to and from games, the local garage band headed for a gig, or weekend warriors going off-roading, SUVs have become increasingly popular.
While these vehicles may be convenient, SUVs are also more prone to rollover accidents which can be extremely dangerous. The personal injury law firm of J&Y helps SUV rollover accident victims obtain compensation for their injuries in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Francisco County, Sacramento County and all of California.
Causes of SUV Rollovers
While any vehicle can roll over, SUVs are taller and narrower than typical cars, have a higher center of gravity and are more top-heavy — all of which make them more susceptible to rollovers. Driving with a larger number of passengers can also increase the risk of a rollover because of the added weight. While steering maneuvers can contribute to accidents, single-vehicle rollovers are generally classified as tripped and un-tripped.
A tripped rollover occurs when an SUV “trips” or swerves into a curb, pothole, or soft roadside shoulder. An un-tripped accident involves speed, steering input and ground friction and is often caused by poor vehicle design. One of the key factors in the performance of these vehicles is the tires. SUVs should ideally grip the road with all four wheels, while not building up excessive sideways forces that can lead to a rollover.
In any event, the auto industry often tries to blame rollovers on drivers or road conditions rather than the vehicles, many of which have design defects, tire flaws, weak support structure or poor seatbelts. While federal government regulators have strengthened roof strength requirements, there is still a risk of roof crush in an SUV rollover accident. Obviously, a rough crush can lead to extreme injuries and even death of those in the SUV.
Avoiding SUV Rollovers
There are a number of steps drivers can take to reduce the risk of rollover accidents and injuries. In particular, drivers should use extra caution or rural roads that tend to have uneven surfaces and tighter curves. Driver should never speed since speeding increases the risk of a rollover. It is also important to ensure that the tires are not worn and that they are properly inflated. It goes without saying that drivers and passengers should use common sense and wear seatbelts. Lastly, an SUV should not be overloaded as excessive weight can increase the possibility of a rollover.
How the law firm of J&Y Handles SUV Rollover Accidents
The law firm of J&Y will evaluate your case to determine the amount of financial compensation you deserve. Our SUV rollover accident attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. If the insurer does not offer you appropriate compensation, we will litigate the matter to enforce your rights so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. If you have been injured in an SUV rollover accident in California, call our office today at 888-806-6722 for a free evaluation of your case.