Every year, over 280,000 rollover accidents occur across the United States. While they account for only 3% of serious crashes, rollovers are responsible for nearly 30% of all vehicle occupant fatalities.
In Florida, with its high traffic and major highways, rollover accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. But what exactly happens in these terrifying crashes, and what factors can increase the risk? More importantly, what should you do if you’re involved in a rollover?
Understanding the causes, the severe impact on victims, and the legal options available is critical for anyone who travels Florida’s roads.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rollover accident, our law firm can help. Miami car accident lawyer Prosper Shaked will fight for your rights to compensation. In no-fault states like Florida, it is important to have a legal ally on your side after you suffer a serious injury. Call us today to see if you have a case.
What is a Rollover Accident?
In Florida alone, thousands of rollover accidents occur annually. Rollover accidents can happen in a variety of ways, but most fall into two categories: tripped rollovers and untripped rollovers.
- Tripped rollovers: These occur when a vehicle’s tires strike something, such as a curb or soft ground, causing the vehicle to flip. In Florida, where off-road driving near sandy beaches or rural areas is common, tripped rollovers are particularly dangerous.
- Untripped rollovers: These are less common but often happen when a vehicle makes a sudden maneuver at high speeds, particularly on Florida’s winding roads or highways.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents in Florida
Rollover accidents rarely have a single cause. Instead, they result from a combination of factors, each contributing to the likelihood of this dangerous event. Here are some of the key contributors:
- Speed. Speed plays a critical role in rollover crashes. Many of Florida’s roads (like I-75 and I-95) are high-speed freeways. About 40% of fatal rollovers involve speeding, either above the posted limit or simply driving too fast for conditions. Even when speed limits aren’t exceeded, 75% of rollover accidents occur when vehicles travel at or above 55 mph (88 kph). In accident investigations, speed is often one of the first factors scrutinized.
- Vehicle Type. Some vehicles are more prone to rollovers because of their design. Vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans have a higher center of gravity, making them more likely to tip over in a crash. In contrast, cars with a lower, wider build have more stability, reducing the chances of rolling.
- Alcohol. Impaired driving is a significant risk factor. Close to 50% of all rollover fatalities involve alcohol. Even a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) below Florida’s legal limit of 0.08% can impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to a loss of control.
- Road Conditions. Rural roads are often the scene of rollovers due to their lack of dividers and barriers, making it easier for vehicles to veer off. Adverse weather conditions like rain, which are common in Florida, can also cause a driver to lose control, increasing the chances of a rollover.
- Driver Distraction. Surprisingly, most rollovers are single-vehicle accidents. In fact, 85% of rollovers involve just one vehicle, and 90% occur during routine driving—like traveling straight or negotiating a gentle curve. This suggests that driver distraction or simple mistakes, rather than complex maneuvers, are often at the heart of these crashes.
The Impact of a Rollover Accident
Rollover accidents are among the most deadly types of crashes. Victims often suffer life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The violent nature of a rollover can lead to severe head trauma.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Being thrown around or ejected from the vehicle often causes damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis in extreme cases.
- Broken Bones and Lacerations: Passengers can be crushed by the car or struck by debris during the accident.
Ejection from the Vehicle
Perhaps the most dangerous part of a rollover is the risk of being ejected from the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly half of the fatalities in rollover accidents occur when occupants are thrown from the vehicle. Seatbelt use, therefore, becomes a critical factor in preventing fatalities.
How Rollover Accidents are Investigated
When a rollover accident happens, the investigation is key to determining fault and liability. In Florida, law enforcement officers and personal injury legal teams will often look at several factors.
Speed and Maneuvers
Investigators will first assess the speed at which the vehicle was traveling. Speed is a primary factor in many rollover crashes, particularly if the vehicle is moving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions, such as wet or slick pavement. Sudden and sharp maneuvers, like swerving or rapid lane changes, can also destabilize the vehicle, especially for taller vehicles like SUVs or trucks, which are more prone to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity.
Black box data (also known as Event Data Recorders or EDRs) may also be reviewed to confirm how fast the vehicle was going, whether the brakes were applied, and what actions the driver took in the moments leading up to the crash.
Vehicle Defects
In some cases, a rollover might occur due to mechanical failures or vehicle defects. Investigators will inspect the vehicle for signs of tire blowouts, steering issues, brake malfunctions, or suspension failures.
For example, a tire blowout at high speeds can cause the vehicle to lose stability and flip. If any manufacturing defects are suspected, your attorney may need to investigate further. This might include an analysis of potential recalls or prior safety complaints.
Road Conditions
The condition of the roadway is another key factor. In Florida, the state’s frequent rainstorms create slick roads that can cause vehicles to hydroplane or lose traction, increasing the risk of a rollover. Investigators will evaluate whether the road was wet, icy, or uneven and whether potholes or debris may have contributed to the driver losing control.
In rural areas, where most rollovers occur, roads often lack guardrails or dividers. This makes rollover accidents more likely. If road maintenance or poor road design is found to be an issue, the local municipalities or departments responsible for maintaining safe road conditions may be to blame.
Driver Behavior
Law enforcement will examine whether the driver was distracted, fatigued, or impaired by alcohol or drugs. Toxicology reports can provide insight into whether impairment played a role, as alcohol use is a significant factor in nearly half of all rollover fatalities. Investigators may also review cell phone records to see if the driver was texting or otherwise distracted during the crash.
When determining how a rollover accident occurred, black box data (also known as Event Data Recorders, or EDRs) may also be reviewed to confirm how fast the vehicle was going, whether the brakes were applied, and what actions the driver took in the moments leading up to the crash.
Witnesses and Scene Evidence
Interviews with witnesses are another essential part of the investigation. Eyewitnesses can provide information on how what happened in the moments just before the rollover occurred. Additionally, scene evidence, such as skid marks, debris, and vehicle position, will be documented to help reconstruct the accident and identify contributing factors.
Accident Reconstruction
If the cause of the rollover isn’t immediately clear, your legal team may need to call accident reconstruction specialists to analyze the crash. These special teams use data from the scene to scientifically calculate a vehicle’s trajectory, speed, and forces. From this report, your legal team can create a detailed accident model.
By gathering evidence from all these areas, investigators work to piece together the chain of events that led to the crash, which is vital for determining fault and liability in any subsequent legal action.
Florida-Specific Investigations
In Florida, rollover accident investigations often involve local law enforcement agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol and county sheriff’s departments. Florida law allows injured parties to file personal injury lawsuits to seek compensation if negligence contributed to the crash. However, the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Fla. Stat. § 768.81), meaning that even if the injured person is partially at fault, they can still recover damages, though the amount may be reduced according to their level of responsibility.
Do I Really Need a Florida Lawyer for a Rollover Accident?
Dealing with insurance companies and legal teams after a rollover accident can be overwhelming. Florida’s laws on comparative negligence, insurance disputes, and liability issues can make the process complex. Here’s how a local car accident attorney can help:
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurers are notorious for trying to minimize their payouts. A Florida injury attorney can negotiate on your behalf and ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Proving Liability: Proving who was at fault in a rollover accident can be complicated, especially if road conditions or vehicle defects were involved.
- Maximizing Compensation: Your lawyer can ensure that all potential sources of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, are accounted for in your claim.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies in Florida often use tactics to reduce claims in rollover accidents. For example, they may claim that you were speeding or weren’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Your attorney can fight back against these claims and build a solid case for compensation.
Contact Our Florida Car Accident Attorneys
A rollover accident is a life-changing event, but you don’t have to face it alone. By hiring an experienced car accident lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, loss of income, or the tragic death of a loved one, a Florida car crash attorney at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA., is here to help.
To schedule a free consultation on your case, contact our office today at (305) 694-2676.