Rollover Accidents in Delaware

Rollover accidents can occur due to a variety of causes. Common reasons include:

• Tripping: This common cause of rollovers occurs when a car’s tire hits an object, causing it to roll forward or sideways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that tripping causes 95 percent of all rollover accidents.
• Speed: Rollover crashes more frequently involve excessive speeding than non-rollover crashes, especially where posted speed limits were over 55 miles per hour, according to NHTSA crash statistics. As with all types of car accidents, speed contributes to the severity of the crash and resulting injuries.
• Vehicle type: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as sports utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, and trucks, are more likely to be involved in a rollover accident than normal passenger vehicles. Generally, the taller and narrower the vehicle, the more likely it is to roll over if it is involved in a single-vehicle crash.
• Road type: The NHTSA reports that rollover crashes are more likely to occur on undivided, two-way roads or divided roads without barriers. Fatalities are therefore more likely to occur on rural roads because they are typically undivided and lack barriers. Additionally, rural roads present increased risks due to obstacles on the road, uneven road surfaces, and more opportunities for speeding.
• Losing control of the vehicle: Drivers may cause a rollover accident when they lose control of their vehicle and it strikes a curb or other obstruction. This may occur for a number of reasons, including alcohol/drug use, distractions, or fatigue.
• Worn, defective, or improperly inflated tires: As the weather changes, it is important to monitor tire pressure and tire tread to reduce the risk of a tire-related car accident. Other tire problems, such as manufacturer defects and tire blowouts, can also lead to rollover accidents.