Rollover Accidents: Types of Vehicles and Contributing Factors

Although there are many causes of fatal accidents, rollover accident tend to have a high rate of fatalities. Oftentimes this is because of occupants being partially or completely ejected from the vehicle.

Another reason for deaths in rollover accidents is the easily crumpled roofs and crushed sides, as occupants get crushed or pinned inside the vehicle. If a truck accident in Colorado is caused by another person, victims or their families can pursue a claim with help from a truck accident lawyer in Denver.

What types of vehicles are more likely to be involved in a rollover accident?

Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have an increased risk of rolling over in an accident. This is because of the higher center of gravity in the vehicle design and also the vehicle sits higher off of the ground. The more occupants or cargo, the more this contributes.

The same is true of pickup trucks, which are also known to roll over. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2011 55 percent of SUV occupants who were killed in accidents were in rollovers, and 46 percent of pickup occupants who were killed were in rollovers. This is compared to 24 percent of standard car occupants.

Large trucks are also at risk of rolling over. Oftentimes this is caused by driver error, such as taking a curve too fast. Poor distribution of the truck’s load may also make it susceptible to a rollover accident. If in a truck accident in Colorado, a truck accident lawyer in Denver will investigate the cause of the crash to determine liability.

Are there factors that increase the likelihood of a rollover accident?

Beside the type of vehicle, there are other factors that tend to increase the risk of a rollover. One of the most common is speeding. This type of driving behavior can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which can put it at risk of rolling over, especially if it hits a curb or other object that causes it to tip.

Another contributing factor to a rollover is impairment. Oftentimes it is a combination of impairment and speeding. In addition to speeding and drinking, other factors that could increase the risk of a rollover are distracted driving (texting, talking on a cellphone, reaching for an object) or just a failure to pay attention to the road.

If another driver, such as a large truck operator, engaged in these driving behaviors and it caused an accident, a claim for the truck accident in Colorado may be filed. The claim will require evidence that a truck accident lawyer in Denver will use to establish the other driver’s negligence. Establishing distracted driving through cell phone records is one way this would occur.

Who can be held liable in a rollover accident?

The cause of the truck accident in Colorado will need to be determined. If it was a single vehicle accident and the victim was the occupant, it may be possible to file a claim against the driver.

Or if it was an accident involving more than one car, the other driver could potentially be held liable. If a large truck operator caused the accident, the trucking company may be liable, as well as any parties who loaded the vehicle if improper load balancing is found to be a contributing factor.

Contact a Colorado Truck Accident Lawyer in Denver

The specifics of the case can be evaluated by a Colorado truck accident lawyer in Denver who can present evidence to establish what caused the accident and demonstrate liability for the rollover accident. Contact D.J. Banovitz at 303-300-5060.