Seattle SUV Accident Attorneys
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) provide motorists with a high level of comfort and convenience. Under the right circumstance, an SUV can also provide a substantial amount of accident protection. There are, however, accidents involving SUVs in which the design of the SUV does more damage than it prevents. These large vehicles, when faultily or defectively designed, can leave occupants with catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington SUV rollover accident, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney regarding your legal rights and options.
Washington SUV Rollover Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers are dangerous accidents that have a higher fatality rate than other kinds of crashes. Occupant ejections and roof crush are two common results of rollover accidents. In fact, while only three percent of all vehicles in 2002 were involved in a rollover crash, this type of accident accounted for 33 percent of all traffic accident fatalities.
This means that victims of SUV rollover accidents in Washington have a much greater chance of suffering fatal injuries. The NHTSA goes on to report that approximately 10,000 people were killed in rollover accidents in 2002. Also, 72 percent of the fatally injured victims of these crashes were not wearing a seatbelt. Very often, we see that poorly built seat restraint systems can fail in the event of a rollover crash.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
SUVs have a higher center of gravity and narrower track width, which makes them more prone to rolling over, especially under circumstances where a driver is forced to take unexpected action. There are many potential causes of this type of sudden action:
- Defective auto product: When a defective tire, for example, blows out and makes an SUV veer out of control, there is always the risk of a devastating rollover accident. Once a tire blows out on an SUV, it is very difficult even for an experienced driver to regain control of the vehicle.
- Dangerous roadway: Large potholes, uneven surfaces, and sharp turns can force the driver of an SUV to make a sudden adjustment that can lead to the vehicle rolling over.
- Negligent drivers: Drivers often have to react to other motorists who have made a dangerous lane change or turn. When an SUV driver has to quickly maneuver out of the way of another vehicle, there is the potential for a rollover accident to occur.
- Broadside crashes: Many rollover accidents involve a vehicle being broadsided and forced onto its hood or side. In cases where a normal passenger car may spin out of control, an SUV may flip over, which may cause occupants to suffer devastating head injuries, particularly if the roof collapses.
Rights of Washington Drivers
Victims of SUV accidents in Washington may have it in their best interest to speak with a skilled attorney to ensure their rights are properly protected. Occupants of SUVs that rollover may be able to seek financial compensation for their injuries. In addition to the negligent driver who caused the rollover accident, the automaker can also be held liable for failing auto parts and defective design. The experienced Washington SUV rollover accident lawyers at Hardwick & Pendergast have a long history of successfully handling SUV accidents and we know how to get our clients the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. Call us today to find out how we can help you.
