Vehicle Stability and Rollovers
With the immense popularity of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV’s) has come an alarming increase in rollover accidents. These accidents are often blamed on the driver of the vehicle who is accused of over-steering and losing control.
However, it is now known that the stability of the vehicle itself has an enormous impact on whether or not it may rollover as designed in foreseeable emergency driving maneuvers. Because the design of SUV’s vary greatly, some vehicles are more prone to rollover than others.
When a rollover accident occurs, it is vitally important that proper steps be taken to preserve evidence
Each year the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration issues “rollover ratings” for SUV’s (Sport Utility Vehicles), pick-ups, vans and passenger cars. The rating is designed to help consumers identify those vehicles that are the least likely to rollover. In 2006, the SUV with the best “rollover rating” went to the Dodge Magnum, which was identified as having only a ten percent likelihood of rolling over. Unfortunately, not all vehicles are designed as well, and as a result hundreds of consumers die each year.
When a rollover accident occurs, it is vitally important that proper steps be taken to preserve evidence that may be helpful in determining if the vehicle’s design was a contributing cause of the accident itself. This includes preserving the vehicle, obtaining quality photographs of the scene, and interviewing witnesses.
Later, when considered by experts, this evidence can prove invaluable in refuting defense claims that the sole cause of the accident was driver error.
We can help
At the Didier Law Firm we have extensive experience litigating rollover accidents. If we can be of assistance in evaluating a potential rollover case, please do not hesitate to contact us.