It might be no surprise to New York drivers that more people died in rollover traffic collisions across the United States when the popularity of SUVs increased. Rollover crashes more commonly involve SUVs than cars and pickup trucks. However, the 2012 rate of driver deaths per million in rollover crashes is far lower than the same figure in 2000.
In 2012, rollover accidents caused 55 percent of SUV crash deaths while only being cited as an issue in 46 percent of pickup deaths and 24 percent of car deaths. SUVs and pickup trucks are involved in more rollovers than cars because of the differences in height. Vehicles that have higher centers of gravity are more prone to rollovers, and this increases further when cargo and passengers occupy them.
A majority of rollovers happen when the drivers lose control and the vehicles begin to slide sideways. A rollover occurs when, during the slide, an object trips the vehicle. The object may be uneven ground, a tree stump, a curb, or a guardrail. Pickup and SUV rollover accidents happen more on rural roads, and fewer occupants wear seat belts, putting them at higher risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries.
A rollover could also happen when the driver turns the vehicle with too much aggression, causing a frictional force between the road and tires and making the vehicle tip over. Another cause is the force involved in multiple-vehicle crashes, but about 75 percent of rollover fatalities occur in single-vehicle accidents.
Fatal traffic accidents, whether they involve cars or SUVs, often leave the surviving relatives in emotional turmoil. At the same time, many of them have financial matters related to their losses that have to be resolved. Although it cannot bring back their loved ones, the survivors may file wrongful death claims to recover some of the associated financial damages. If you or a loved one is a victim of a rollover car accident call Raphaelson & Levine at 212-268-3222 they can help get you the compensation you deserve.
