SUV rollovers are deadly, accounting for thousands of fatalities each year in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every year in the United States over 250,000 vehicle rollovers occur, and almost 85% of all rollover-related fatalities are in single-vehicle accidents — that is, the vehicles that rolled over were not hit by another vehicle.

The High Fatality Rate in SUV Rollovers
Although only about 3%–4% of the crashes involving privately owned vehicles were rollovers, nearly a third of crash fatalities were in rollovers. SUVs have had the highest rate of rollovers, in part because SUV designs have the vehicle occupants riding higher from the ground, with a higher center of gravity for the entire vehicle. SUVs can tip over more easily than sedans, and they are more difficult to maneuver. Vans and light trucks (pickup trucks) are also more prone to rollovers than sedans, for the same reasons.

SUV Rollover, Roof Crush, Fires
The high rate of injuries and fatalities that accompanies SUV rollovers is based in part on the fact that many SUVs do not have adequate roof headers, supports, and roof strength, and the roof is too easily crushed in a rollover. Neck, brain, and spinal cord injuries are a frequent outcome of SUV rollovers. The physical and emotional costs of such injuries cannot be overestimated.

SUV rollovers also frequently result in a vehicle fire. When an SUV rolls over, its fuel line and/or gas tank may get damaged and leak gasoline. Horrific physical injuries are a frequent result of SUV rollover fires.

Pressure for SUV Rollover Prevention
For many years now, safety advocates have been trying to get the federal government to help prevent SUV rollovers by mandating several types of design improvements in SUVs and other passenger vehicles, including large (15-passenger) vans, which also have a high rollover risk. Unfortunately, the government has been slow to take action on such protections for Americans on the road.

Discuss Your Concerns with an SUV Rollover Attorney
The New York auto accident lawyers at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman help SUV rollover victims receive the compensation they deserve. Contact our offices today to discuss your circumstances and learn about your legal rights.