¿Qué defectos de los vehículos pueden causar accidentes de vuelco?
¿Qué defectos de los vehículos pueden causar accidentes de vuelco?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover crashes are more likely to result in fatalities than other types of crashes. Rollover accidents occur when a motor vehicle either tips over or flips completely, especially vehicles with a high center of gravity and narrow track (meaning the distance between the left and right wheels) like pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans.
Rollover accidents are often caused by driver error, drinking and driving, and sharp turns. In addition to being caused by reckless driving or unsafe terrain, rollover accidents can also be caused by vehicle defects. Defects are especially dangerous in vehicles with high centers of gravity, such as SUVs, which are already more prone to rolling.
Vehicle defects that most commonly lead to rollovers include:
- Brake problems: If a vehicle’s brakes fail, the driver cannot stop the vehicle, making it more likely for them to lose control and roll over. Brake failure can lead to devastating injuries and property damage.
- Electrical issues: Defects with a vehicle’s electrical system can lead to all sorts of problems, including the inability to control the vehicle. Electrical issues are often the root cause of other problems, such as brake and steering wheel failure.
- Steering wheel malfunctions: A vehicle’s steering wheel can lock up and cause the car to remain in one trajectory. This can lead to the vehicle hitting something that causes it to hit or ramp over something and begin to roll.
- Tire failure: As one of the leading causes of rollover accidents, tire defects can be exceptionally dangerous. Tire failure often leads to blowouts, which frequently results in rollover crashes.
- Vehicle design: All vehicles are designed to include a suspension system responsible for keeping them stable while on the road. If this system fails, a vehicle can become impossible to control, leading to a rollover. This and other design flaws can lead to serious injuries and even death.
If you have been injured in a rollover accident due to a vehicle defect, you may be able to hold the vehicle’s manufacturer, seller, and/or a similar entity or entities legally responsible. By filing a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whatever else is needed to reasonably cover your accident-related losses.
To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact us to schedule your free consultation today! The Dunk Law firm team can help you assess your legal options and determine whether you have a claim.
