Common Questions about Georgia SUV Rollover Accidents [Part I]

Despite efforts by the federal government to implement more stringent safety standards, SUV rollover accidents still claim the lives of many vehicle occupants.  Rollover crashes represent one of the most dangerous forms of collisions because of the risk of suffering debilitating traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries when the roof collapses, or vehicle occupants are slammed against the interior of the vehicle.  One of the most dangerous risks during an SUV rollover accident in Georgia is when the driver and/or passengers inside the vehicle are ejected through a door that is forced open or a broken window.  Our experienced Georgia car accident lawyers recognize the unique danger of road departure and vehicle rollover crashes, so we have provided answers to common questions.

Does less media coverage about SUV rollovers in recent years mean that the risk has abated?

While there have been safety improvements that are standard features in some models and optional features in others, the potential risk of severe injury or wrongful death posed by SUVs is reflected in statistics provided by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection:

• SUVs are almost forty percent more likely to rollover in a motor vehicle crash than passenger cars.
• The fatality rate in SUV rollovers is almost 8 per 100,000 registered vehicles as opposed to 3.18 for passenger cars.
• The high center of gravity of an SUV in relation to the wheelbase of the axle makes these vehicles more likely to rollover.  The weight of the vehicle also may increase the risk of fatality because the occupants are more likely to be the victim of roof crush injuries during a rollover crash.

Aren’t most people aware of the danger of SUV rollovers?

Despite the elevated risk associated with driving an SUV, many motorists are deceived by the false sense of security that comes from driving a larger vehicle with more steel.  While the larger mass of an SUV may provide additional protection in a head-on collision, the heavier weight increases the risk during a rollover crash.  This false sense of security is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the Opinion Research Center that found more than forty percent of motorists believe that they are safer in an SUV than a car.    In fact, approximately the same number of respondents indicated that they feel “more powerful” behind the wheel of an SUV.

If you have additional questions about rollover accidents, we invite you to read Part II of this four-part blog post.  SUV rollover collision victims who have been injured or who have lost a loved one in an SUV rollover crash may have a right to financial compensation.  Our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are available to provide effective legal representation to those throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas. 

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.