Rollover Accidents: Causes, Injuries, and Legal Options

Rollover accidents are some of the most devastating crashes, often leading to severe injuries and extensive vehicle damage. These crashes can happen in an instant, leaving victims with long-term consequences. Understanding what causes these accidents, the injuries they can lead to, and your legal options can help you navigate the aftermath of a rollover car crash. If you’ve been involved in one, consulting with a Houston car accident lawyer can provide you with the guidance needed to seek compensation.

What Is a Rollover Accident?

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof due to external forces, driver actions, or road conditions. These crashes often involve a loss of control, sharp turns, or collisions with obstacles that cause the vehicle to overturn. Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous because they can result in ejections, crushing injuries, and fatalities.

Certain vehicles, such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to vehicle rollovers, especially in high-speed or sharp-turn situations.

Common Causes of Rollover Accidents

Various factors contribute to causes of rollover accidents, including:

1. Speeding – High-speed crashes are a leading cause of rollovers, particularly on highways and rural roads.
2. Tripping Hazards – Hitting a curb, pothole, or uneven pavement can cause the vehicle to tip over.
3. Sharp Turns – Overcorrecting or making abrupt lane changes at high speeds can destabilize a vehicle.
4. Vehicle Design – Taller vehicles like SUVs and trucks are more prone to rollovers due to a high center of gravity.
5. Road Conditions – Wet or icy roads increase the likelihood of losing control and rolling over.
6. Driver Distraction or Impairment – Alcohol, drug use, or distracted driving can impair reaction times and increase the chances of a car flipped over scenario.

Odds of Surviving a Rollover Car Accident

Survival rates in rollover accidents depend on several factors:

• Seatbelt Use – Staying buckled significantly increases the chances of survival by preventing ejection and reducing impact injuries.
  
• Vehicle Safety Features – Features like electronic stability control (ESC) and reinforced roof structures help minimize rollover risks and protect occupants in a crash.
  
• Crash Speed and Impact – High-speed rollovers tend to result in more severe injuries, while lower-speed incidents often have higher survival rates.
  
• Ejection Risk – Being ejected from the vehicle drastically lowers survival chances, as it exposes occupants to life-threatening trauma.

Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents

Rollover crashes often result in life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head trauma from impacts with the roof or windows.
• Spinal Cord Damage – Compression fractures or paralysis due to the force of the crash.
• Broken Bones – Arms, legs, and ribs are frequently fractured.
• Internal Injuries – Organ damage from blunt force trauma.
• Lacerations and Burns – Cuts from shattered glass or fires caused by fuel leaks.

Rollover Accident Statistics

Rollover accidents are among the deadliest types of crashes, disproportionately contributing to fatalities despite making up a small percentage of total collisions. Here are key statistics that highlight the risks:

• In 2022, 7,418 passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover crashes, demonstrating their ongoing danger on the roads.
• 77% of rollovers involve a pre-rollover impact, 23% of vehicles flip over without hitting another object first.

• According to a study, 68% of rollover accidents involve a single vehicle, often caused by loss of control or striking an obstacle.
• 30% of rollover crashes involve a driver under the influence of alcohol, making impairment a significant risk factor.
• 40% of rollover occupants are ejected from the vehicle, with 87% of those ejected being unbelted.
• 60% of ejected occupants exit through side windows, emphasizing the importance of seatbelt use and proper vehicle safety measures.

Who Is Liable in a Rollover Crash?

Determining liability in a rollover accident depends on the specific circumstances leading to the crash. Multiple parties may be responsible, including:

• Negligent Drivers – If another driver’s reckless or careless actions—such as sudden lane changes, excessive speeding, or failing to yield—caused your vehicle to roll over, they may be held accountable for the crash.
  
• Vehicle Manufacturers – Design flaws or mechanical defects can contribute to rollovers. Issues like defective tires, faulty brakes, or a vehicle’s high center of gravity can increase the risk of overturning. If a manufacturing defect played a role, the automaker or parts manufacturer may be liable.
  
• Road Maintenance Authorities – Poorly designed roadways, inadequate signage, sharp curves, or potholes can lead to rollover crashes. If hazardous road conditions contributed to the accident, the city, state, or agency responsible for road maintenance may bear liability.

What to Do After a Rollover Accident

If you’re involved in a rollover accident, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 – Emergency responders can provide medical assistance and document the crash.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions may not be immediately apparent.
3. Gather Evidence – Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries.
4. Obtain Witness Information – Statements from bystanders can help prove liability.
5. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer – A legal expert can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Get Legal Help After a Rollover Accident

A rollover accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. Pursuing legal action can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.Our experienced legal team is ready to fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.