Rollover accidents are some of the most dangerous crashes on our roads, primarily due to the severity of injuries and the likelihood of death. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are more susceptible to rollover accidents than other automobiles due to their higher center of gravity.
Rollover accidents involving SUVs often lead to:
- Brain and head injuries
- Neck damage
- Fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
SUV Rollover Accident in Orange County, Florida
A recent SUV rollover crash in Orange County highlighted the dangers of such auto accidents. According to WKMG-TV, two people died in an SUV rollover accident on State Road 417. The devastating accident involved three adults and three children.
The SUV was traveling north when it left the roadway onto the shoulder. Eventually, the vehicle crashed into a pole and overturned. As a result of the collision, all six occupants were ejected out of the SUV. Two adults died on the scene, while another adult suffered catastrophic injuries. The three children under the age of 6 were also injured. None of the children was restrained at the time of the crash.
Causes of SUV Rollover Crashes
While any vehicle can roll over, SUVs are more prone to rollover accidents than traditional passenger cars. Causes of SUV rollover accidents vary greatly, but some of the most common reasons why these crashes occur are:
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Swerving from one side to the other
- Reckless driving
- Putting too much weight in the SUV (exceeding the maximum number of passengers)
- Inadequate distribution of weight in the SUV
- Hitting a curb or pothole
- Distracted driving
- Defective tires
- Faulty automobile parts or components
- Turning too quickly
- Traveling too fast around a curve
Types of SUV Rollover Accidents
Generally, there are four types of rollover accidents involving SUVs:
- Ramp rollover. A vehicle is more likely to roll over when one side of the SUV drives up a ramp.
- Lateral force rollover. An SUV can rollover due to the higher center of gravity when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds around a curve.
- Sideways skid rollover. When the rear wheels of the vehicle lose traction, the SUV is likely to spin and cause a rollover accident when the tires hit a curb or other objects.
- Off-road rollover. When you drive a sport utility vehicle off-road or leave a paved roadway, the terrain or uneven surface can cause the SUV to roll over.
Safety Tips to Prevent SUV Rollover Crashes
Now that you are aware of the likelihood of rollover accidents when driving an SUV, it might seem that the safest thing to do would be to avoid driving altogether. However, there are ways to prevent an SUV rollover crash if you are exercising due care.
Safety tips to minimize the risk of SUV rollover accidents are:
Regardless of how your SUV accident occurred, you should speak with an Orlando auto accident attorney to determine liability and obtain compensation. Contact our lawyers at The Turnbull Firm for a consultation. Call at 407-612-6464 or 863-324-3500.
Resource:
clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/23/fatal-crash-on-state-road-417-in-orange-county-officials-say/
/impaired-motorist-may-not-be-the-only-at-fault-party-in-a-florida-drunk-driving-crash/