Vehicle Rollovers

Though movie enthusiasts may associate rollover accidents with an exciting sequence in an action film, these types of auto accidents are more common than some may think and are the deadliest risk for occupants of SUVs (sport utility vehicles), trucks, or minivans. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 280,000 rollover accidents occur each year, resulting in more than 10,000 fatalities. SUVs unfortunately have the highest risk for rollovers as they often carry heavy loads, which may make them more top heavy, increasing the likelihood of the vehicle rolling over in an accident.

As explained by Howstuffworks.com, rollover accidents are directly related to a vehicle’s stability in turns, and this stability is influenced by the relationship between the center of gravity and the distance between the left and right wheels, also known as the track width. A high center of gravity and a narrow track may cause a vehicle to be unstable when there is a turn or sharp change in direction, all of which can increase the odds the vehicle will tip over once it begins to skid sideways. This particular problem is more pronounced in SUVS and pickup trucks with 4-wheel-drive because both have a higher ground clearance for off-road driving.

Presently, cars and trucks are not subject to federal rollover standards despite pressure to do so. However, the NHTSA introduced a rollover rating system in 2001 to help predict which vehicles may have the greatest risk of a rollover. In the rating system, one star indicates a greater than 40 percent risk of a rollover, while five stars is less than a 10 percent risk. The ratings are based on an engineering analysis of each examined vehicle’s center of gravity and the width between the front tires.

A few vehicle models that received a low rollover crash test ratings, with up to a 30 percent risk of a rollover accident, include: Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and a Dodge Dakota. Two cars with less than a 10 percent risk are the Subaru Impreza and the Acura TL.

The main cause of rollover accidents may boil down to science, but a defective car design can absolutely be a factor in a rollover crash as well. If you have been injured in a rollover accident that was caused by a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to compensation. The skilled Maryland vehicle rollover accident lawyer Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is committed to holding any at-fault parties responsible for a rollover crash liable so that you receive the compensation you need to recover. Call (877) 228-4878 for a no-cost consultation.

The early Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) were descendants of military and commercial vehicles, like the Land Rover and Jeep, but have evolved to include a variety of styles and sizes. SUVs are popular vehicles and, as such, can be seen often on U.S. roadways. They are usually high-powered and have a high occupant capacity, making them especially popular with young drivers and families, but they are also more dangerous than typical passenger cars.

SUVs are built on a light truck chassis, or body frame, which means that an SUV is higher off the ground and has a higher center of gravity than normal passenger cars. This, in addition to the fact that many drivers do not know how to properly handle an SUV, is the general reason why SUVs tend to be involved in serious rollover crashes. The reason why a higher center of gravity and a higher road-chassis height makes more of a difference in an SUV than a pick-up truck, for example, is because of its high occupant capacity.

In short, SUVs can easily become excessively top-heavy. In an SUV, the vehicle occupants are in the top half of the vehicle. With that extra weight, everyday maneuvers, especially turning, can be unusually difficult to perform safely. Taking a turn too quickly in an SUV can easily result in a rollover accident. Drivers of SUVs cannot operate the vehicle like it is a four-door sedan, but often try to, which is a common cause of rollover accidents in Maryland and across the nation.

Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is an experienced rollover accident attorney in Baltimore and is committed to holding negligent drivers responsible for the losses and damages that result from their actions. If you have been injured in a Maryland rollover crash and wish to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, contact Mr. Heisler today to learn more about your legal rights and options at (877) 228-4878.

Fifteen-passenger vans are used by many organizations to carry groups of people to and from events. However, the larger size, height, and high center of gravity in a fifteen-passenger van make these vehicles more likely to roll over than passenger cars, especially when they are fully loaded. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) provides the following tips for minimizing the risk of a rollover in a 15-passenger van.

• Check tire pressure. Worn or improperly inflated tires make the van more likely to roll. Check the tires’ pressure and treads before each use.
• Choose an experienced driver. Drivers should be familiar with driving larger vehicles, including 15-passenger vans. The driver should also be well-rested and avoid substances that impair his or her judgment or reaction time.
• Never overload the van. Cargo should always be loaded in front of the rear axle. If the van has fewer than 15 passengers, they should also ride in front of the rear axle. Check the owner’s manual before loading the van to ensure it is not carrying too much weight.
• Safety first. Make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt before putting the van in motion. While driving, obey speed limits and leave plenty of extra space to change lanes, turn, and pass other vehicles.

Van rollover accidents are terrifying for those who experience them, and they may leave passengers with serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a van accident, please don’t hesitate to contact experienced Maryland rollover accident lawyer Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer.” To learn more or to schedule a free and confidential consultation, call Steven H. Heisler today at 877-228-4878.