Typically, rollover accidents account for a relatively small number of car wrecks. However, they are also vastly more dangerous according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Oftentimes, rollover crashes result in severe consequences. Per this 2004 report, 33% of motor vehicle fatalities with passenger vehicles resulted from rollover collisions. When we consider the probability of vehicles rolling over in a single-vehicle crash, the report states that a sports utility vehicle (SUV) is far more likely to roll compared to pickups. In turn, pickup trucks are more likely to roll than cars or vans. 

When you sustain an injury in a rollover accident, call the team at AP Law Group. We are here to help you understand your rights. As Houston rollover accident lawyers, we evaluate and investigate your case in order to help you pursue your legal rights. 

Generally speaking, rollover accidents lead to catastrophic damage and severe injuries. Every motor vehicle accident is different, and the circumstances vary. However, there are some situations in which the odds of rollover increase. 

Distracted Driving

Some instances of these accidents result from distracted driving. When a distracted driver suddenly looks up to see something or someone out in the roadway, they react suddenly. Often they overcorrect in their attempt to clear the obstruction, resulting in a terrible accident. 

There are numerous distractions on the road and in our vehicles. 

• Using our phones 
• Texting while driving
• Eating
• Drinking
• Smoking
• Anything inside or outside the vehicle that pulls attention away from the road
• Not paying close attention to the road 
• Checking a GPS device

Sudden Swerving or Lane Changes

There’s plenty of reason for a driver to make sudden lane changes or swerve their vehicle out of the way. Occasionally, there are unexpected circumstances on the road, such as potholes, debris, animals crossing the road, or another vehicle suddenly slowing down. All of these situations increase the risk of auto accidents. 

As these moments occur, it’s easy for a driver to make a sudden decision to swerve out of the way to avoid a collision. However, not all vehicles are the same. While some cars easily change lanes, vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as pick-up trucks or SUVs, have a higher risk of rollover accidents with sudden shifts in direction. 

In some extreme cases, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers that make sudden lane changes cause horrific accidents when they roll over onto their sides. 

Sleepy Driving

When a tired driver is out on the road, they often have slower reaction times. In certain cases, they even fall asleep at the wheel. Whether drowsy or asleep, it significantly reduces their ability to react to a situation appropriately. When an obstacle presents itself, they aren’t always in the state of mind to react. 

With slow reaction times, drowsy drivers who suddenly snap to attention tend to find themselves too close to another vehicle or in a state of confusion. As they jerk the steering wheel, they might veer into other lanes or swerve across a road. 

When this leads to a rollover accident that causes you damage, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Schedule a consultation with our motor vehicle accident attorneys. 

DWI – Driving While Intoxicated

The DWI laws in Texas are strict. Texas takes these cases very seriously. When someone operates a vehicle while intoxicated, they remain liable for any rollover accidents their negligence causes. 

Impaired drivers have limited abilities. While some people claim to “be fine” after a few drinks, their cognitive function takes a hit. At times, this leads to catastrophic errors in judgment while on the road. 

Defective Vehicles

Occasionally, manufacturing defects in vehicles lead to rollover accidents. For instance, as we investigate your auto accident claim, our team might find a flaw or defect with a specific part. This includes tires, steering systems, steering wheels, braking systems, stability design, vehicle frames, accelerator pedals, and more. 

Even when a manufacturing defect does not cause an accident, they often contribute to the state of your injuries or property damage. For instance, when the structural integrity of your roof is unstable, it can collapse in a rollover wreck. Unfortunately, this leads to extremely severe injuries or even wrongful death cases as passengers collapse under the weight of the vehicle. 

While this isn’t the direct cause of the accident, the defect in the roof creates a hazard that leads to severe, even catastrophic injuries. 

Texas Law and Manufacturing Defects

When you suffer injuries or loss that results from a manufacturing defect, you might have a legal right to pursue compensation. In personal injury, we refer to this as a product liability claim. 

Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for your claim is two years from the date of the accident.  

If you sustained an injury or loss in a rollover collision caused by a manufacturing defect, call the team at AP Law Group. Our Houston auto accident attorneys are available to help you pursue a claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Rollover accidents involve a motor vehicle that tips over onto its side or rolls over completely until the roof is on the ground. In certain cases, vehicles roll multiple times before they come to a rest. 

According to the NHTSA, they are rare accidents. However, they are particularly deadly. These accidents account for roughly 35% of all traffic-related fatalities. While they often involve a single vehicle, they can collide with other vehicles. 

Moreover, they result in the loss of over 7,000 lives each year. 

Tripped Rollovers

Tripped rollovers account for about 95% of single-car rollover wrecks. This occurs when the vehicle leaves the roadway and hits an obstacle that causes it to roll. Occasionally, the tires dig into soft soil. Oftentimes, they strike a curb or median. 

Untripped Rollovers

Rarer than tripped rollovers, untripped rollover crashes account for the remaining 5% of accidents. Oftentimes, this involves a top-heavy vehicle and a high-speed impact avoidance maneuver. 

For example, an SUV traveling at a high speed might swerve to avoid a slow or stopped vehicle on the freeway without enough space.