Some of the Factors That Increase the Probability of an SUV Rollover Accident in Georgia

While many SUV owners understand that these popular vehicles have a high risk of rolling over in a collision, there are not as many drivers that know there are factors within a driver’s control that contribute to rollover accidents in sports utility vehicles. Because the design of most SUVs involves a high center of gravity, they pose an enhanced risk of being involved in a rollover accident. SUV rollover accidents are particularly dangerous because of the danger of roof crush injuries and vehicle ejections.

At our Georgia SUV accident law firm, we recognize the unique risks posed by the design features of SUVs. Serious cases often necessitate the use engineers and other experts to identify the relationship between injuries suffered in SUV rollover accidents and design or manufacturing defects. Many SUV rollovers in Georgia are caused by multiple factors, including both design defects in the vehicle and unsafe driving by other motorists. When this combination of factors contributes to an SUV rollover that results in serious injury, you may be able to pursue both a product defect claim against the vehicle manufacturer and a negligence claim against a careless or distracted driver.

There are a number of factors that may increase the risk of an SUV rollover, including the following:

1. Transporting Cargo on the Roof: Many SUVs are equipped with carriers or racks for transporting cargo on the roof of the SUV. This weight loaded on the roof of the vehicle increases the top heavy nature of SUVs. Vehicle manufacturers may fail to provide adequate instructions or warnings regarding the potential danger of placing heavy loads on the roof of the vehicle.
2. SUVs Overloaded with Passengers: When a high number of passengers are transported in an SUV, the extra weight can cause weight distribution issues. An SUV should not be loaded with more passengers than the number of seat belts in the vehicle. The distribution of weight may increase the high center of gravity inherent in the design of SUVs. When an SUV carries more passengers than seatbelts, vehicle occupants who are not buckled are particularly vulnerable to being ejected.
3. Awareness of Speed: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions provides a consistent risk of causing a car accident. The danger is more significant when SUVs are driven at a high rate of speed when negotiating sharp turns, curves and evasive maneuvers.
4. Vehicle Maintenance: Tire and brake maintenance play a substantial role in many SUV rollovers. Drivers should pay careful attention to tread wear, tire pressure and other maintenance issues because of SUV rollover risks.

Our Georgia SUV rollover accident attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.