Of all types of Atlanta motor vehicle accidents, rollover accidents are among the most deadly. In a rollover accident, a vehicle overturns onto its roof or side. When this occurs, objects and occupants are flung about inside the vehicle. If the occupants are not wearing seat belts, they may be ejected onto the road. Because occupants are thrown in multiple directions, they are especially prone to serious injury.
Common injuries sustained in Georgia SUV rollover accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, paraplegia, and quadriplegia
- Loss of limbs
- Fractures
- Disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
- Head injuries and brain damage
- Death
In 2009, there were 8,732 fatal rollover accidents in the United States; 361 of these fatal accidents occurred in Georgia.
All cars can roll over, but vehicles with high centers of gravity, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, are most vulnerable to Georgia rollover accidents. The Ford Explorer, Jeep CJ, the Jeep Wrangler, and the Jeep Cherokee have the highest risk of rollover accidents.
SUVs manufactured after 2005 often come equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) which can help prevent SUV rollovers.
Rollover accidents often occur when a driver turns the wheel to avoid a roadway hazard or reckless driver. The vehicle becomes unbalanced by the sudden move and overturns. Car manufacturers try to blame the driver for these types of accidents; however, vehicles should not overturn when a driver is reacting appropriately to a near-accident situation.
Rollover accidents also occur when a vehicle "trips" on an irregularity or obstacle in the road or when a defective tire causes the vehicle to lean to one side and tip.
Because these types of accidents are caused by vehicle design, you may be eligible for compensation for your Georgia SUV accident even if it seems like you are at fault. However, the manufacturers of SUVs have extensive resources to fight your claim. They are willing to spend millions of dollars to show that their vehicles are crash-worthy. You will need an experienced Atlanta auto injury attorney on your side.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Atlanta vehicle rollover, it is important that you discuss your potential Georgia injury claim with an Atlanta auto injury attorney. Contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 to schedule a free consultation.