Rollovers are a dangerous type of car accident in which a car tips over onto its side or roof during the crash. According to information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, vehicles roll over in only about one percent of crashes. However, rollovers account for about one-third of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths. Three-fourths of single-vehicle crashes are rollover accidents. If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a rollover accident in Nebraska, you may be eligible for compensation. An experienced car accident attorney may be able to help.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
There are two types of rollover accidents: tripped and untripped. Tripped accidents are more common, and occur when the vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes an object or soft soil, which makes it “trip.” While there are only two types of rollovers, there are several causes of rollover accidents, including:
- The driver loses control of the vehicle, causing it to slide sideways. While sliding sideways, the vehicle makes contact with a “trip” object such as a curb or a guardrail, which causes it to roll.
- The driver attempts to make a turn at a high rate of speed or a tight turning radius.
- The vehicle slips down an embankment, causing it to roll.
- The forces of a multi-vehicle crash cause one or more of the vehicles to roll, such as when one vehicle is struck on the side and pushed over.
- A high center of gravity, such as what is seen in SUVs and some pickup trucks, which makes the vehicle more likely to roll over.
- Tire failure, which can cause the vehicle to “trip”.
- Roadway hazards such as poor road maintenance or poorly executed road construction.
- Reckless or negligent driving behaviors, including alcohol impairment, speeding, and distracted driving.
Common Injuries From Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are not only a major cause of death, but of injury as well. Some of the injuries more frequently seen in rollover accidents are:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries, typically occurring in vehicle occupants who were unrestrained at the time of the crash.
- Neck injuries, including whiplash, slipped or herniated discs, or nerve damage.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Broken bones, including arms, legs, and ankles.
- Lacerations and bruises.
How Can Rollover Accidents Be Prevented?
Accidents present a lot of unknowns, making it impossible to completely eliminate your risk of becoming injured in one. However, there are several things you can do to lower your risk of becoming involved in a rollover accident, as noted by Consumer Reports:
- Drive a newer car with the most up-to-date safety systems.
- Always wear your safety belt. About half of all deaths from rollover accidents are a result of the occupant being partially or completely ejected from the vehicle.
- Check your tires regularly to ensure that they are properly inflated and free from any defects.
- Do not overload your vehicle or place too much cargo on the roof of it. Loads should be placed as close to the floor and away from the tailgate in order to avoid causing an imbalance or improper center of gravity.
- Avoid speeding, which is the cause of about 40 percent of rollover accidents. It is also important to avoid alcohol impairment, distracted driving, and other behaviors that may cause an accident.
- Be cautious of rural roads that are not divided and have speed limits of 55 mph or more, as they are the place where about three-quarters of all rollover accidents occur.
Nebraska Rollover Accidents in the News
According to a report from 1011 Now, a rollover accident in Lancaster County claimed the life of a 25-year-old man in March 2019. The crash occurred when two of the vehicle’s wheels dropped off the side of the road. The driver then overcorrected, which caused the vehicle to spin, hit a tree, and rollover. Speed was believed to be a factor in the crash.
A rollover accident on an I-80 ramp resulted in a vehicle hanging precariously off of the ramp and an injured driver in Omaha, according to an article from 6 News. The accident happened in the afternoon when a driver made a sudden lane change, lost control, and struck a bridge attenuator and a guardrail. The 34-year-old driver, who was pinned in the truck for some time, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, including a head laceration and a broken hand.
A police chase in late December 2018 resulted in a rollover collision west of Lincoln and the death of a 14-year-old boy, as reported by ABC 8. The incident began when Lancaster County deputies spotted a stolen vehicle at about 8 in the morning. They tried to pursue the vehicle, but discontinued the chase because of safety issues. However, the vehicle was spotted again a short time later, and the chase resumed. The vehicle rolled over several times, and all four of its passengers were ejected. The other three passengers, also teenage boys, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The boy who was driving the stolen car at the time of the crash was also 14 years old.
Call Us if You Were Injured in a Rollover Accident
If you have been injured in a rollover accident that was caused by the recklessness or negligence of another driver, poorly maintained or constructed roads, or a vehicle defect, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to obtain compensation for your injuries.
The Robert Pahlke Law Group has extensive experience in aggressively representing our car accident clients to help them to recover awards or settlements for comprehensive economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. Additionally, we help our clients receive compensation for non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, disability, and loss of companionship.
We are pleased to offer potential clients such as yourself a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Many times, we are also able to represent our clients on a contingent fee basis, meaning we won’t charge attorney fees until we have successfully secured your settlement or court award. To schedule your consultation, contact The Robert Pahlke Law Group online or by calling (308) 633-4444.