Seattle Vehicle Rollover Lawyers
Rollover accidents in Washington have the potential to result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Victims of these types of crashes often suffer catastrophic injuries or even death. Anyone who has suffered a loss in a Washington vehicle rollover accident would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an attorney with experience handling rollover accidents.
Causes of Washington Vehicle Rollover Accidents
There are a number of contributing factors to rollover accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- Vehicle design: Many vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and 15-passenger vans have a high center of gravity. A vehicle with a high center of gravity and narrower track width has a greater chance of tipping or rolling over.
- Road conditions: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rollover accidents are most likely to occur on rural roads that do not have barriers.
- Speed: The faster a vehicle is going, the more likely it is to roll over, especially when there is some type of impact. The NHTSA reports that about 40 percent of all fatal rollover crashes involve excessive speeding. Additionally, most fatal rollover car accidents occur where the posted speed is over 55 mph.
- Driver negligence: Most rollover accidents are single vehicle crashes. Many of these accidents could have been prevented had the driver been more attentive or careful. Drivers who are fatigued, speeding, drunk, or distracted have a greater chance of being involved in a rollover crash in Washington.
- Routine driving: It is a common misconception that rollover accidents have to involve a reckless driver or a dangerous condition. The NHTSA has stated that over 90 percent of fatal rollover accidents involve routine driving maneuvers such as negotiating a curve. Rollovers can also occur when the drivers attempt sudden action.
- Dangerous roadway: If a driver has to veer suddenly to avoid a pothole, there is the risk of a rollover accident. Governing bodies in charge of the roadway have a legal obligation to keep it properly maintained.
- Defective tires: When a tire goes out on the highway there is a risk that the vehicle will veer out of control. In 2000, Bridgestone/Firestone had to recall millions of tires that had the potential to cause fatal SUV rollover accidents.
How Dangerous Are Rollover Accidents?
Rollover accidents only made up three percent of all vehicle accidents in 2002. During that year, however, rollover accidents were involved in 33 percent of all fatal accidents. This means that rollover accidents, while not common, are tragically dangerous to the occupants of the vehicle. One way to help prevent rollover accident fatalities is to make sure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt. Also, 72 percent of the fatalities suffered in rollover accidents that year involved a lack of safety belts.
The experienced Seattle car accident injury attorneys in Washington at Hardwick & Pendergast know how to handle all types of injury accidents. We work with accident investigators to determine the cause of the crash and liability. Our experienced lawyers are ready to provide you and your loved ones with a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation on your potential personal injury claim. Call us today to find out how we can help.
