Have you or a loved one been injured in a rollover accident in Lakeland, Florida? Rollover accidents can be terrifying, to say the least. Unfortunately, they happen every day in the State of Florida, and they often result in severe injuries and even fatalities. Understanding the most common causes of rollovers can help you protect yourself — and your loved ones — from these devastating crashes.
As the top-rated auto accident lawyers in Lakeland, Florida, we have seen it all over the years. Without further ado, we’re going to explain some of the main things you should know about rollover crashes.
Driver Error and Rollover Accidents
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), driver error is a major factor in rollover crashes. One of the most common culprits is overcompensating during emergency driving situations.
When people end up in a potentially dangerous situation while driving, they tend to panic and overreact, or “overcompensate” with their steering wheel. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a rollover accident. Below, this auto accident lawyer in Lakeland, Florida is going to review four driver errors that can lead to an overcompensation:
1. Speeding
Speed plays a more prominent role in fatal rollover crashes in Lakeland than in any other type of traffic accident. Speeding is a factor in approximately 40% of all deadly rollover crashes on highways with a speed limit of at least 55 mph.
2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence (DUI) is always dangerous, but alcohol, specifically, is often a factor in lethal rollover crashes. In fact, an intoxicated driver is involved in half of all fatal rollover accidents. Even a tiny amount of alcohol in your bloodstream can have an impact on your ability to operate a vehicle.
3. Driving on Country Roads
Country roads in the Lakeland area experience a disproportionate number of rollover crashes. These types of roads usually lack the safety features of a major highway. Nearly 75% of all rollover deaths occur on rural roads and highways with at least 55 mph speed limits.
4. Driving with Tires That are Worn, Damaged, or Poorly Manufactured
The tires on a car keep you tethered to the road. When a vehicle’s tires are in poor condition, the driver is much more susceptible to dangerous auto accidents, including rollovers. The condition of a car’s tires directly correlates to the driver’s ability to steer the car safely, and when a driver overcompensates with poor tires, a loss of control is much more likely.
Rollover Accidents Involving Multiple Cars
Most rollover crashes involve a single vehicle, but as any Lakeland auto accident lawyer will tell you, multi-vehicle rollovers are not exactly uncommon either. Drivers who speed, drive under the influence, operate a poorly maintained vehicle, or fail to adjust to a road’s less-than-perfect conditions are often at fault in these types of accidents.
Looking for the Top-Rated Auto Accident Lawyer in Lakeland, Florida?
Rollover car accidents — or any type of car accident, for that matter — can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident caused by a negligent driver, you should seek legal counsel from a dedicated auto accident lawyer in Lakeland, Florida.
Are you looking to partner with the most trusted auto accident lawyer in Lakeland, Florida? If so, the personal injury attorneys at O’Toole Law Group are here to help. Our legal team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (863) 533 5525 to schedule a free legal consultation with our experts.