How Fatal Rollovers Happen

Although vehicles are much safer across the board than they were decades ago, accidents are still happening. Some of them are fatal. In 2010, only 2.1 percent of car accidents were rollovers. However, of those, almost 35 percent of all fatal crashes were rollovers. Rollover accidents are some of the most complicated and violent accidents that can occur on the road. Many factors can contribute to a fatal rollover accident. Unfortunately, some are related to the negligence of other drivers. If you recently lost a loved one in a fatal rollover accident, a skilled Round Rock wrongful death lawyer can help you. 

Causes of Fatal Rollover Accidents on Texas Roadways

Rollover accidents can arise from several different factors. These include:

  • Vehicle Type: While any vehicle is at risk for rolling over in an accident, those that are taller and narrower at an increased risk. Vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are at a greater risk for rolling over due to their higher centers of gravity.
  • Vehicle Speed: Speed is a greater contributing factor to fatal rollover accidents than non-fatal ones. As many as 40 percents of all fatal rollover accidents involved excessive speeding. Almost 75 percent of fatal rollover crashes happened in areas where the posted speed limit was 55MPH at a minimum.
  • Alcohol: Any alcohol in a driver’s blood can cause impairment when driving. Almost half of all rollover crashes involve alcohol. It does not take large amounts of alcohol to impact your vision, coordination, control, and judgment, which leads to an accident. 
  • Location: Fatal rollover accidents occur more frequently in rural areas because these roads are often undivided and lack barriers. Nearly three-quarters of fatal rollover crashes happen in rural areas, typically in areas where the speed limit is 55MPH or higher.

A knowledgeable Round Rock wrongful death attorney can help determine which factors lead to the cause of your loved one’s rollover accident. When this determination is made, they can file a claim against the liable parties for wrongful death.

How Fatal Rollover Accidents Happen

Just as there are numerous contributing factors to rollover accidents, there are many causes as well. The most common ones relate to how the vehicle interacts with the road and other objects around it. Fatal rollover accidents can happen when the vehicle trips over an object, such as a curb, guardrail, or uneven pavement that causes it to tip over. If a vehicle turns too quickly or makes a sharp turn, it can roll over if its rate of speed is too high. This is especially true for vehicles with a higher center of gravity. When a vehicle falls over an embankment, a rollover is likely to occur or when it is hit on the side by another vehicle. No matter how a fatal rollover accident occurs, it is always prudent to meet with a Round Rock wrongful death attorney to find out if you have a case.

Turn to a Round Rock Wrongful Death Lawyer for Help

Fatal rollover accidents change many lives forever. We are here to help those that are impacted by them. At the Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC, we believe legal services should be accessible to anyone who needs them. We are a small firm by choice, so each individual client gets the personalized attention they deserve. Schedule your consultation with a Round Rock personal injury lawyer today by calling (512) 766-4529 or completing our online contact form.