Starting in the 1990s, the sport utility vehicle became one of the most popular automotive models in history. Nearly every major auto manufacturer, from luxury brands like Porsche and BMW to established American automakers like Ford and General Motors, sells millions of SUVs every year. Unfortunately, these popular models have also contributed to a high number of rollover accidents. These rollover accidents have led to thousands of deaths and injuries.
Reasons For Rollover Accidents
Many SUV models are prone to dangerous rollover accidents. Design flaws, mechanical failures and defective parts have all played roles in rollover accidents that injured thousands of drivers. These models ride higher off the road than most vehicles, so they have a higher center of gravity. When the vehicle becomes unstable, such as when tires lose their grip or when road conditions deteriorate, the high center of gravity can cause the vehicle to tilt and roll over.
Fatalities From Rollover Accidents
A report from the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration showed that more than 50 percent of all single-vehicle accident fatalities involve rollover accidents. Each year, more than 10,000 Americans die in rollover accidents. The report also stated that rollover accidents make up more than 20 percent of all fatal accidents. Rollover accidents are also more likely to result in fatalities than any other type of accident, including those involving drunk drivers or 18 wheelers.
Injuries From Rollover Accidents
Another NHTSA report examined the injury rates associated with rollover accidents. The report uses the HARM scale to measure the overall cost of injuries sustained by rollover accident victims. The study found that victims of rollover accidents in which the vehicle’s roof struck the ground just once were more likely to sustain head injuries. In accidents where the vehicle’s roof struck the ground more than once, victims sustained a higher number of thoracic and abdominal injuries, including broken ribs, punctured lungs, and internal injuries.
Rollover Accident Lawsuits
The costs of recovering from a rollover accident can be staggering. Hospital stays, physician visits, physical therapy, and prescription medications can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Injured victims of rollover accidents have successfully pursued legal action against the manufacturers to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial compensation. Families of victims who died in rollover accidents have also pursued cases to recover funeral costs, lost wages, and punitive damages.
Brands Included in Rollover Accidents List
Just as most manufacturers have developed SUVs for the growing marketplace, most of their vehicles have been cited in rollover accident reports. Some of the models that have been involved in rollover accidents include:
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Ford Bronco
- Ford Expedition
- Ford Explorer
- Honda CR-V
- Isuzu Trooper
- Jeep CJ
- Jeep Liberty
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Xterra
- Porsche Cayenne
- Toyota Highlander
- …and many more
Sources: National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration
https://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/809438.pdf (1)
https://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/809894.pdf (2)
Know Your Rights in a Rollover Accident Lawsuit
To find out how we can help you with a rollover accident lawsuit, contact us today at (713) 352-7975. Our friendly staff will ask a few questions about your case and connect you to a rollover accident lawsuit attorney. You can also fill out the “Free Case Evaluation” form at the top of this page.