On Tuesday, July 9th, members of the Suffolk Fire & Rescue squad were dispatched to the 5800th block of Whaleyville Boulevard following reports of a two-vehicle rollover accident shortly after 4:00 p.m. Upon their arrival, crews discovered that an SUV had overturned on impact with a pick-up truck towing a full-sized trailer. Responders managed to extricate one victim from the overturned vehicle who, along with one other person, was taken to an area medical facility for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Their current conditions are unknown.
It is important for Virginia drivers to understand the serious injuries and the high risk of fatalities associated with rollover car accidents. A study that was conducted in 2004 revealed that vehicle rollovers accounted for roughly 3% of all vehicle accidents but comprised a whopping 31% of fatal accidents. In fact, even with improved airbag and seat belt designs, vehicle passengers are almost 11 times more likely to be killed in a rollover car accident than any other kind. If you were injured in a rollover car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you seek fair financial compensation by negotiating a settlement with the insurance company or filing a car accident claim on your behalf.
What Causes a Rollover Accident?
Multiple factors can result in rollover car accidents, such as:
- Vehicle type: Vehicles that have a high center of gravity tend to overturn more easily, and more often. The vehicles most likely to overturn are SUVs, vans, and pick-ups. Passenger vehicles are the least prone to rolling over.
- Improperly inflated/Defective tires: Tires that are overinflated, underinflated, or in any way defective can result in the vehicle becoming unstable and rolling, particularly if the driver strikes a fixed object, such as a median or curb.
- Driver Intoxication: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous. So much so, that almost 50% of all deadly vehicle rollovers involve a driver who is intoxicated. Drugs and alcohol both impair judgment, decrease reaction times and increase the chances of unsafe driving.
- Poor road conditions: Poor roadway conditions, such as uneven road surfaces, loose gravel, and potholes, can also contribute to vehicle rollovers. Conditions like these mean that the majority of vehicle rollover accidents take place on rural roadways.
Who is Liable for a Rollover Accident?
Depending on the specific circumstances of the crash, multiple parties could be held financially responsible for your injuries and other damages incurred during a rollover accident, such as:
- The person driving the car, if you were injured as a passenger
- The driver of the car that struck you
- A part or vehicle manufacturer, if the rollover was due to a defective product
- The government agency responsible for the maintenance, construction, or design of the roadway where your rollover occurred
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
The experienced Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at the personal injury law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have over 70 combined years of experience helping those injured in rollover accidents gather compelling evidence and build strong cases for considerable financial compensation, including the $3.5 million jury award we achieved for a woman who sustained permanent physical disabilities and brain damage when her vehicle was hit head-on by a drunk driver in Newport News. To schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Virginia Beach car accident lawyers, please call us at (833) 997-1774 or fill out our quick, online contact form. We have offices in Virginia Beach Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Hampton.