Types of Car Accidents: Car Rollovers
Accidents are traumatic events that can leave a lasting impression on everyone involved, especially if the accident included a car rollover. Car rollovers are not incredibly common but tend to cause significant damage whenever they occur. Fortunately, there are ways to educate yourself and prevent these types of incidences. What is a Rollover Accident? Rollover accidents happen when a car flips on its side or rolls over to its roof during a collision. Car rollovers are the most dangerous type of accidents due to the high number of vehicle ejections and head injuries that result. These types of accidents only account for about 3 percent of all crashes, yet are responsible for over 35 percent of all motor vehicle occupant deaths. Common Causes There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a rollover accident. Here are a few of the most common causes: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity – While any type of automobile can experience a rollover, those with a higher center of gravity are more at risk. The most common culprits are SUVs, vans, pickup trucks, and commercial trucks. Overcorrection – It’s not unusual for drivers to overcorrect to avoid an accident or object in the road. The problem with overcorrection is that steering the wheel too sharply can lead to a rollover. Risky Maneuvers- Reckless driving such as speeding, taking a corner or curve too fast, or driving aggressively all contribute to car rollovers. Location – These types of accidents most commonly occur in rural areas that lack a divider between directional traffic lanes. Driving Under the Influence – Nearly half of all rollover accidents involve alcohol or drug impairment. Driving under the influence inhibits speed control, reaction times, and the ability to avoid hazards on the roadway. Tripped vs. Untripped There are two different types of rollover accidents- tripped and untripped. Tripped – Tripped rollovers, which account for 95 percent of rollover accidents, happen when a car leaves the roadway hitting some object that serves as a tripping mechanism. This is usually a curb, median, or guardrail. Untripped – Untripped rollovers are much less common and generally happen to top-heavy vehicles. They are caused by high-speed collision avoidance maneuvers. Preventing and Surviving a Rollover Common sense and safe driving can greatly increase your odds of avoiding a rollover and being able to survive one if it happens. Here are a few tips: Always wear safety belts Regularly inspect your tires Don’t overload your vehicle Follow the speed limit Beware on country roads Always drive sober Be aware and avoid distractions Share the road What to Do if You Are Involved in a Rollover Accident No accident is enjoyable, but rollovers can be particularly scary, especially if you’re in the middle of nowhere on a rural road. Below are some important tips to remember if you ever find yourself in this situation: Stay calm Assess your injuries Check on all passengers Exit the vehicle safely Call 911 or flag down help Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You Car rollovers are traumatic for all involved, but Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help to ease some of your burdens. Our skilled attorneys will help you understand the legal options you have for obtaining compensation and will ensure you receive the money you need to recover. We have offices in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us to discuss your options today.
Auto Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving
Whether you drive a car or truck or ride a motorcycle, you take a true risk every time you get on the road. You may be the safest driver in the state of Utah, but your vigilance will only provide you with so much protection. There are still thousands of drivers out there who are checking out the latest Facebook posts on their cell phones, adjusting their hair in their rearview mirrors, and trying to scarf down Big Macs when they should have their eyes on the road. They think they’re in total control, but in actual fact, they’re car accidents waiting to happen. Unfortunately, auto accidents caused by distracted drivers do happen, and they’re often devastating. If you or a member of your family has been injured by an accident caused by a distracted driver, or if you have tragically lost a family member in such an accident, the personal injury attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can provide you with the exceptional legal representation you need to obtain the compensation you deserve. When it comes to litigating claims involving auto accidents and distracted driving, our Provo, UT lawyers have the experience, skills, and resources to handle even the most complex cases successfully. Don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury law firm today to arrange for an evaluation of your auto accident case. Common Driver Distractions That Result in Auto Accidents Many drivers think that they can take their eyes off the road for a few seconds without consequence, but a lot can happen in a short amount of time. Consider how long even two seconds actually is, especially if you’re driving at, say, 60 miles per hour. How long does it take for the car in front of you to slam on its brakes and come to a sudden halt? How long does it take to accidentally swerve into an adjacent lane of traffic? Sadly, many drivers have to learn the answers to questions such as these the hard way. Yet, many drivers take several seconds to perform such actions as these: Use their cell phones, whether to talk, text, access the Internet or look up directions Adjust their portable music device, CD player, or radio Engage in a conversation or argument, whether with a passenger or with someone on a hands-free calling device Read billboards, bumper stickers, windshield decals, license plate holders, and road signs Fix their hair, apply makeup, or simply admire themselves in their rearview mirror or a handheld mirror Eat or drink Try to read handwritten directions, a traditional map, or some other written material Use a GPS or other dashboard device Our personal injury lawyers use all of the investigative and accident reconstruction resources at their disposal to collect evidence and present the strongest case possible on behalf of those injured by distracted drivers. Arrange for an Evaluation of Your Auto Accident Case Today To arrange for an evaluation of your auto accident case, please contact our personal injury law firm today.