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Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are being purchased in greater numbers every year, which has increase the number of SUV accidents. Because of the vehicle’s narrow track with, and higher center of gravity, a SUV rollover accident is more likely than a rollover with any other vehicle type. In fact, a rollover accident involving an SUV tends to be more dangerous than traditional automobile accidents, because of the higher number of head injuries involved, which produce non-fatal and fatal injuries.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to securing the most favorable recovery for people injured in Chicago SUV rollover accidents. Our attorneys will investigate the circumstances behind your accident to determine if a case should be brought against another driver or vehicle manufacturer. Regardless of the parties involved, you can rest assured that our law firm works with your best interests in mind-- all of our Illinois sports utility vehicle accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis where a legal fee is charged only when there is a recovery for you.
Purchasers Unknowing of Risks Associated With SUV RolleroversMany purchasers of SUVs enjoy the driving experience of sitting higher in the driver seat when compared to most automobiles. However, this provides a false sense of security that often leads drivers to speed dangerously during poor weather conditions. In fact, statistics from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) tends to exemplify the seriousness of an SUV rollover accident. Their statistics state:
- SUV rollover accidents tend to generate approximately 11,000 fatalities each year
- A rollover crash in an SUV increases the chance of serious injuries by more than 36 percent
- Rollover accidents and SUVs accounted for more than fifty percent of all deaths involving a single vehicle crash
- Ninety percent of all single vehicle accidents involve rollovers
Even though SUV statistics indicate that sport utility vehicles are more prone to rollover, when compared to other automobiles, not many manufacturers install a basic roll bar in the vehicle. Consequently, anytime a sport utility vehicle flips, the roof tends to collapse through the brute force of the accident. To date, many SUVs have been recalled due to the ongoing likelihood of rolling, or as a result of not meeting the roof safety standards set forth by the NHTSA.
Run Off the Road AccidentsBecause of their ability to roll, SUV accidents with a high number of fatalities and serious injuries are the result of run off the road crashes. Many of these accidents happen due to wet or icy roads, poor weather conditions, speeding, ditches, or varying pavement materials that change the traction of the road surface.
Typically, SUVs involved in run off the road accidents tend to fishtail, causing an uncontrollable scenario where the driver loses the ability to steer the vehicle. Often times, the motorist will over correct steering, and the SUV will simply run off the road with an increased potential of rolling over.
The most common types of SUV rollovers produce potentially fatal and dangerous scenarios. The four specific types of rollovers include:
- Ramp Rollover – The SUV will roll when one side drives up a ramp or other high object
- Lateral Force Rollover – When the SUV is going too fast around a curve, the vehicle often is forced into a roll due to its high center of gravity
- Sideways Skid Rollover – The SUV can easily spin the rear end when traction is lost on the rear wheels. This results in tires hitting objects including curbs that cause a rollover
- Site-Slop Rollover – Driving the SUV in an off-road condition, or unintentionally leaving the road, can roll the vehicle when the surface becomes uneven
Because of its poor roof design and construction, when an SUV rollover crash happens, the roof of the vehicle tends to collapse inward, and cause serious harm to the passengers and driver, or a wrongful death. Drivers and passengers that are fortunate enough to survive the serious crash often suffer lifelong disabilities and injuries that could include:
- Back injuries
- Lower cervical neck fractures
- Spinal cord injuries that are often partial or full paralysis
- Brain injury
Manufacturers of SUVs are responsible for their manufacturing defects and safety design. Automobile makers can be held liable for designing a weak roof structure and a high center of gravity on their SUVs.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyer protect client’s rights when involved in a Chicago SUV rollover crash that involved a safety design defect or driver negligence. The skilled attorneys can analyze the crash and determine if the manufacturer is responsible for the injuries and damages involved. Holding the manufacturers responsible can improve vehicle safety for consumers.
A skilled attorney can file a claim or lawsuit against the responsible manufacturer so all injured victims receive fair and adequate compensation for their pain, suffering, injuries and damages. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation and evaluation of the case.
