Any auto accident has the potential to forever change the lives of those involved. However, New Jersey rollover accidents present even greater risks. Often, rollover accidents occur at high speeds and result in serious injuries. However, like all auto vehicle accidents, the vast majority of rollover accidents are preventable.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 85 percent of all rollover accidents involve only a single vehicle. However, almost any type of auto accident can turn into a rollover accident. Most rollover auto accidents are caused by a driver losing control of their vehicle, and drivers may lose control of their vehicle for several reasons, many of which are not due to the driver’s inattentiveness or negligence.
When a driver loses control of their vehicle, it may end up drifting off the road, down an embankment, or into oncoming traffic. In each of these situations, the chance that the vehicle will rollover is high. Of course, drivers don’t typically lose control of their vehicles, and there is usually an explanation for a sudden loss of control.
The following are possible reasons why a motorist may lose control of their vehicle:
Avoiding a collision: Many rollover accidents are caused by the driver attempting to avoid a sudden and unexpected hazard. For example, a deer that darts out into the road or another driver who fails to yield the right-of-way may cause an approaching car to swerve out of the way. Unfortunately, aside from remaining vigilant, there is nothing that can be done to avoid these unexpected hazards.
Distracted driving: If a motorist is momentarily distracted, they may overcorrect as they refocus their attention to the road, causing a loss of control. Distracted driving is easy to prevent by taking steps to ensure that a driver’s attention never leaves the road. The most common types of distracted driving behaviors are texting, talking, or playing games on the phone, eating or drinking, daydreaming, and interacting with children or other back-seat passengers.
Equipment malfunctions: An equipment malfunction, especially a blown tire, is another common reason for a sudden loss of control. When a tire blows out, a driver may not be able to keep the car on the road. Motorists should check their tires often to ensure that they are properly inflated and in good condition. However, in some situations, a tire is defective and blows out without any notice.
Intoxicated driving: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol tend to have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. Thus, a motorist may not notice a red light, a stopped car, or a pedestrian until they are just a few feet away, at which point they may jerk the wheel to avoid a collision. In doing so, the driver dramatically increases the risk of a rollover accident.
Speeding: The faster a car is traveling, the higher the likelihood that the car will roll over if it is involved in an accident. Recent statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest that upwards of 40 percent of all rollover accidents involve excessive speed, and nearly 75 percent of all fatal rollover accidents occur on roads where the speed limit was 55 miles per hour or higher.
Type of vehicle: Those vehicles with higher centers of gravity are more likely to roll. Thus, SUVs and pickup trucks, especially those that have been lifted, are at a significantly higher risk of a rollover accident.
While the majority of rollovers accidents only involve one vehicle, this should not discourage an accident victim from speaking with an attorney about their case. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, those injured in a New Jersey rollover auto accident may be able to pursue a claim for compensation against another driver, a vehicle or tire manufacturer, or even a government entity.
Contact a Skilled Accident Lawyer for Immediate Assistance
If you or someone you love has recently been injured in a New Jersey auto accident, contact the dedicated advocates at Petro Cohen, P.C.. At our South Jersey personal injury law firm, we represent clients who have been seriously injured in all types of vehicle accidents, helping them obtain the compensation they need and deserve.
Our respected personal injury attorneys have decades of experience successfully handling all type of automobile, motorcycle, and truck accidents, including rollover accidents, and know what it takes to succeed on your behalf.
One of the benefits of working with a personal injury lawyer in South Jersey is that he or she can provide counsel in areas that may be difficult to understand. For example, a Petro Cohen injury attorney may be able to obtain police reports, speak to physicians or witnesses on behalf of the plaintiff, and arrange for expert testimonies that may not otherwise be able to be secured.
Some people may feel as though proving fault is not complicated and they do not need to hire legal representation. The reality is that many personal injury cases can be particularly complex, especially if there is more than one party who may be held accountable for the accident. For example, if you were injured in a car accident in New Jersey that was caused by a speeding driver, but the driver’s brakes failed and he or she was unable to slow down, both the driver and the manufacturer of the defective part may be responsible for providing you with financial compensation for your injuries. For this reason, it is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer to guarantee that you receive the maximum settlement that you may deserve.
Even if you are unsure who was at fault for an accident, there is no harm in speaking with an attorney to go over your options. You will pay nothing up front and we only get paid after we win your case.
And remember, In Litigation, You Don’t Get A Second Chance. Reach out to one of our dedicated injury attorneys today by calling one of our offices in Northfield, Cherry Hill, Cape May Courthouse, or Hamilton. You can also contact us by completing our online form.
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