SUV Safety and Preventing Rollover Accidents

Rollover Accident

Whether you’ve been in a rollover accident or you’re considering a new SUV purchase, protect yourself. Because rollover accidents are complicated and can cause devastating injuries, knowing what safety features to look for could be the difference between life and death.

An all-too-common SUV rollover question…

I was seriously injured in a rollover accident while riding in a friend’s sport utility vehicle. My friend was driving carefully when the SUV rolled over. Who pays for my injuries and medical bills?

It is possible for an SUV to roll over even when the driver is driving carefully. SUVs have elevated heights and narrow widths, which makes them top heavy and more likely to tip. From your description, you may have a products liability case against the manufacturer of the SUV. You should get legal advice immediately to protect your rights.

Vehicle Safety Ratings and Crashworthiness

Protect yourself—know the difference between vehicle safety ratings and crashworthiness.

Vehicle Safety Ratings: Equipment or design features used to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. This includes features like ABS brakes and vehicle handling design.

Since SUVs, light trucks, and vans have high centers of gravity, these vehicles are “top-heavy”. As a result, SUVs, light trucks, and vans are more likely to roll over than other passenger vehicles.

But, SUVs, light trucks, and vans may be more “crashworthy” than other vehicles in their class. Keep in mind, vehicle crashworthiness is not the same as vehicle safety.

Crashworthiness: The ability of your vehicle to prevent injury in the event of an accident. Vehicle crashworthiness includes items like air bags, seat belts, crumple zones, side impact protection, and head rests.

Did You Know?
There is an added benefit to buying a car with safety features. If your car is equipped with safety features, your insurance premium could be reduced. In addition, safety features increase the resale value of your car.