SUV rollover accidents are frequently very serious, resulting in severe injuries and high levels of fatalities. Due to the increased popularity of SUVs over the past 10-15 years, these accidents have been occurring more frequently each year.

An SUV rollover accident takes place when the vehicle turns over on its side or roof. These accidents are quite common when drivers lose control of their vehicles due to adverse road conditions or when swerving to avoid an accident.

SUV rollover accidents are most common when the driver is making a sharp turn at very high speeds. Due to their high center of gravity and narrow tire track, SUVs are much more likely to be involved in rollover accidents than other vehicles.

SUV Rollover Facts

Injuries sustained in SUV rollover accidents are often very severe. Some of the most common injuries from rollover accidents include:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Death

These accidents are much more common with SUVs than with other vehicles. Roughly 35% of all fatal SUV accidents involve rollover crashes, while only 15% of fatal auto accidents are the result of a rollover.

The following facts shed some insight into the seriousness of these accidents:

• There are approximately 10,000 fatalities a year that are the result of a rollover accident. Of these, over 60% involve SUVs.
• Brain injuries are the most common injury sustained in SUV rollover accidents.
• Rollover accidents result in serious injuries 36% more often than non-rollover accidents.
• Approximately 63% of rollover fatalities are the result of vehicle ejections. Survivors of vehicle ejections often suffer serious brain injuries.
• More than 90% of all SUV rollover accidents and about 80% of all rollover fatalities are the result of single vehicle accidents.
• Roughly 55% of all fatalities caused by single vehicle accidents are the result of a rollover.

SUV Design Defects

Many SUV rollovers are the result of design defects in the vehicles. Often, these defects make injuries caused by these accidents much worse. Design defects that contribute to the severity of rollover accidents include:

• Vehicles with an overly high center of gravity
• Inadequate roof structure to prevent roof buckling in the event of a rollover
• Defective tires
• Defective door latches which increase the likelihood of vehicle ejections
• Overly narrow tire tracks

When you have been severely injured in a rollover accident caused by a defective automobile, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable for your damages. It is important to consult an experienced auto accident lawyer to determine if you have a valid claim against the manufacturer.