The rollover accident is the deadliest type of accident, according to a report from the National Highway Transportation Administration. Each year, rollover crashes account for around two percent of all accidents, yet they make up over 35 percent of all fatalities which comes to 12,000 people.
One of the primary factors in rollover deaths is that ejections are more likely, and once a person is ejected, they have an 85 to 90 percent chance of being killed. A common denominator in rollover ejections is the lack of seat belts being worn by the victims.
A rollover collision is an accident where one car rolls over on its roof after striking another vehicle or an object. In some rollovers, the car might roll over several times while in others, it flips over on its roof and comes to a rest.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
- The NHTSA cites several primary causes for rollover accidents. These are:
Speed 10 or more over: 40% of Rollovers involve excessive speed, and 75 percent happened when posted speed was 55 or above - Alcohol: As in other types of crashes, alcohol plays a key roll in rollover accidents. Half of all rollover fatalities involve at least one driver being impaired.
- Rural Roads: Neary 75% of rollover fatalities occur on rural, undivided highways.
- Vehicle type: Vehicles that are taller and narrower such as SUV’s some pick-ups and vans, are more likely to be involved in a rollover. Out of all rollovers, 90% of the time, the driver was involved in “routine driving” meaning going straight or negotiating a turn.
- Single-Vehicle Crashes: 85% of all rollover fatalities are from single-vehicle accidents.
Injuries Common to Rollovers
Wearing a seatbelt is a critical factor in surviving or avoiding a serious injury in a rollover accident. When a seatbelt is worn. The injuries are typically bone fractures, airbag burns, contusions and deep bruises. However, if a seatbelt is not worn, the chance of serious injury or death rises significantly. Also, in all rollovers, ejections accounted for over half of the deaths. These injuries are commonly:
- Head Trauma
- Compression Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Compound Fractures
- Multiple organ trauma/failure
What if I’m Involved in a Rollover Injury?
If you are involved in a rollover injury, you may be entitled to compensation from the driver who caused the rollover. Also, if you were a passenger who was in a rollover where your driver was at-fault, you may be able to get compensation from him or her.
Many ask if they need an attorney especially if there really is no question who was at fault. The answer is almost always yes. The insurance company might try to tell you that if you weren’t wearing your seatbelt, then you are at fault for the severity of your injuries.  Under Washington law, proof of quilt of a traffic violation—including failure to wear a seatbelt—is not an indication of civil liability. This means the insurance company has to prove that the fault of the injury was somehow yours and not their insured before they can legally deny compensation.
Talk to An Attorney Today
You need talk to an attorney that knows the laws regarding rollover accidents and can advise you and evaluate your case. The attorneys at  Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S., serve clients in Spokane, Washington, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and surrounding communities. They can go toe-to-toe with the insurance companies and their lawyers to get you fair compensation for your injuries. Call them at (509) 926-4900, or send them a message by clicking here.
