The higher the center of gravity, the higher the likelihood that a vehicle will rollover. Accidents and sudden turns can sometimes prove to be too much for trucks and SUVs to handle, which can result in one of the scarier – and deadlier – kinds of crashes. If a vehicle rolls, common results are that occupants are ejected and/or the roof is crushed. Catastrophic injuries may occur such as multiple fractures, back or spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. And in the worst case scenarios, fatalities may result.
It’s recommended that, after a rollover, a vehicle’s owner preserves the vehicle so it’s available for a thorough inspection. Someone who knows what to look for may find evidence of defective parts or design that were key causes of the crash. If that can be proven, then the victim can bring a suit against the manufacturer of the defective vehicle or part, and hold them liable for damage, loss and injuries suffered as a result.
What other factors can cause trucks and SUVs to roll?
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while distracted
- Aggressive, reckless, or careless driving
These factors can singly or in combination result in rollovers that can cause terrible injuries and death, not just to the driver but passengers and/or other vehicles’ occupants involved. When a driver loses control in any way, there is not much other drivers can do to respond in time, if they happen to be in the path of that out of control vehicle. A rollover accident with a truck or SUV can happen because of its driver’s poor or dangerous decision making, that puts other lives on the line. This is why victims have the right to financial compensation through civil litigation.
Another factor that can result in rollover accidents is overloaded truck beds. Pickup trucks are handy for hauling things in their beds, but an improperly loaded haul or one that is too heavy for that particular make and model can be too hard to handle safely while driving. An overloaded bed can create visibility issues for the driver, or items that aren’t carefully tied down may become debris and impact other cars in its vicinity. If another car has to swerve quickly and rolls as a result, the at-fault driver who caused the obstacle in the road in the first place can be held accountable, for example. Overloading can also mean the truck takes longer to slow down, risking a rear-end collision, one that nearly always results in whiplash for the victims. All pickup drivers are responsible for monitoring the weight limit of their trucks and abiding by the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pickups and SUVs also are great vehicles to hook trailers too, but not when those trailers come loose. That can be a deadly wreck for any innocent victim. Someone using a trailer must load it properly to keep it from being too hard to handle, and maintain the proper speed for such use.
If you’ve been involved in a rollover crash there is probably more to your crash than meets the eye. A skilled attorney who is familiar with investigating cases and finding what isn’t so obvious can be your best advocate in finding fair, full and fast compensation for your losses. You can bet the insurance company is not going to act fast to get you the highest settlement possible, because it is in their bottom line’s interest to avoid doing so. Contact Bill Coats. Bill Coats Law is a personal injury law firm dedicated to helping accident victims. Located in downtown Bellingham, Washington, Bill Coats Law works with clients all over Whatcom and Skagit Counties and beyond, providing dedicated, hands-on support every step of the way. You can reach Bill through this form, or at this number, 360-303-0601.
Additional information:
Center of Gravity Explained
Washington State Patrol info on load loss regulations