There is no good kind of car accident. It’s a fact, however, that certain types of accidents have the potential to cause more injury. Rollover accidents, during which your vehicle tips on to its side or roof, are perhaps the most terrifying kinds of car crashes. There are several different ways a rollover accident can occur, and these crashes are divided into two categories based on these causes. Rollovers are more likely to cause extensive damage and injuries than car crashes in which none of the vehicles involved tip or flip over.
When you’ve been in any car accident the best initial step you can take is to reach out to an attorney. You may not have had time to consider compensation for your damages or injuries at the time of your accident, and a skilled Alabama car accident lawyer can help explain what you may be entitled to after a crash. To schedule a free consultation of your case, contact Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500.
External Objects Do Not Cause Untripped Rollovers
It is possible to be involved in a rollover accident without hitting another car or structure. Most commonly, this takes place during a turn. Depending on various factors including your speed and the grip of the tires and road, the force of your turn can overpower your car and cause it to roll over. The best way to avoid an untripped rollover is to drive cautiously, and always remain aware of external conditions.
Tripped Rollovers are Caused by Hitting Something Before Your Vehicle Flips
Tripped rollover accidents are caused by forces outside of your vehicle. Some examples of these forces include:
- Sliding into a curb or barrier
- Losing control due to additional items on the road
- Colliding with another car or structure
Some of the most common causes of tripped rollovers are distracted driving and driving under the influence. The best way to avoid these accidents is to always remain sober while behind the wheel and to not use electronics while operating your vehicle.
Trucks and Rollovers
While trucks move slower than regular cars, their increased size means that a collision with such a vehicle carries immense force. As a result, your vehicle may flip over simply because you hit something so large. To avoid rollover accidents, it is best to exercise increased caution while driving near a truck.
Tips for Avoiding Rollover Accidents
There are several choices you can make as a driver that will help decrease your chances of getting into rollover accidents, including:
- Driving a vehicle with a lower center of gravity. While a new vehicle is not in everyone’s budget, a car that is lower to the ground is likely to roll than a truck or an SUV.
- Ensuring proper use of seat belts. In addition to limiting injury in the event of a crash, un-belted passengers can add weight to one side of a car during a crash, increasing the likelihood of tipping.
- Slowing down for turns. Fast turns are one of the leading causes of untripped rollovers.
- Keeping your tire pressure balanced. If your tire pressure gets low on one side, it causes your vehicle to lean, increasing the chance it will tip during a turn or collision.
- Leaving adequate distance between other vehicles. You cannot control what other drivers do. Leaving yourself enough time to react to others’ mistakes decreases your chance of an accident and, by extension, a rollover.
- Cutting down on your distractions. In addition to not drinking or texting and driving, you should avoid eating playing music at a distractingly loud level while you drive.
If You’ve Been in a Rollover Accident, Call Us Today
If you or someone you know has been in a car accident in Alabama, contact Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. right away. Rollover accidents can cause a lot of anguish. After going through such a situation, fighting a legal case is likely the last thing on your mind. Our experienced attorneys can handle every aspect of the process so that your focus can be on recovery. Reach out via our online form, or call (205) 933-1500 today to set up your free consultation.
