Rollover Car Accidents – Dangerous Type of Accident

• September 22, 2022
• Automobile Accidents

Rollover car accidents are among the most dangerous types of accidents. As the vehicle rolls, you and your passengers are violently tossed around in the vehicle’s interior, struck by loose objects, suffering the force of impact, and may even be thrown out of the vehicle. These crashes often result in devastating injuries and long-term consequences.

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips or flips at least 90 degrees onto its side or roof. In severe cases, the vehicle may roll multiple times before coming to rest—sometimes upright, sometimes upside down.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a rollover crash accounted for 28% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in 2023. Pickups had the highest fatality rate, followed by SUVs, vans, and passenger cars.

INJURED? START YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY

Why Are Rollovers So Dangerous?

Unlike front-end or side-impact collisions, rollover accidents compromise the vehicle’s structural integrity—especially the roof. Safety systems like seat belts and airbags are less effective during rollovers, increasing the risk of:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage
• Ejection from the vehicle
• Internal organ trauma

Vehicles Most Prone to Rollover Accidents

Any vehicle can roll over under the right conditions; however, certain types are more susceptible. For instance, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks have:

• A higher center of gravity,
• Narrower track widths (distance between left and right tires) to reduce stability
• more likely than passenger cars to be driven on rural roads, which tend to have uneven terrain or sharp curves, increasing rollover risk

These factors make top-heavy vehicles more vulnerable to tipping during sudden maneuvers or high-speed turns.

---

Common causes of rollover car accidents

Understanding what causes rollovers can help prevent them. Key contributors include:

• High Speeds. Driving too fast, especially in poor weather conditions or on curved roads, puts drivers at a greater risk. Speed is a factor in about 40% of rollover crashes.
• Distracted or impaired drivers. Fatigue, drunk, or distracted drivers can overcorrect or lose control when changing lanes, avoiding something on the road, or trying not to hit another car. This is a leading cause of rollover crashes.
• Bald tires, flat tires, or using improper tires that do not fit your vehicle can compromise traction and stability.
• Driver error. The most common cause of car rollover accidents is when the driver simply fails to drive safely. Aggressive driving, oversteering, or inexperience are leading causes of rollover accidents.

Safety Tip: Always check your tire pressure, avoid distractions, and slow down on curves or uneven terrain.

---

Have you been in a rollover car accident? Call us at (877) 284-6600, Chat Online, or use our Text Us widget.

---

Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents

Rollover crashes often result in serious, sometimes permanent injuries. Victims may suffer:

• Head trauma and concussions
• Neck injuries (whiplash, herniated discs, nerve damage)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering

---

SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A Rollover ACCIDENT?

At Nash & Franciskato, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a serious car accident. Our Kansas City-based personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. We will:

• Investigate the cause of your accident and identify all responsible parties
• Collect and preserve critical evidence
• Document your damages to maximize the value of your personal injury claim
• File insurance claims and handle all communication with the insurance company
• Calculate the correct value of your injury claim
• Monitor all deadlines under the statutes of limitations
• File a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

---

CALL NASH & FRANCISKATO FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CASE REVIEW

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in a rollover car accident in which you suffered serious injuries due to another’s negligence? Call the Kansas City-based law firm of Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600.

One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

START YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY

Stay Informed

If you want to stay informed, sign up to receive our email newsletter to receive updates on personal injury law, automobile accidents, and more. Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter and respond to inquiries.

• Explore related blog articles: Car Accidents or Personal Injury

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER

Past results afford no guarantee of future results, and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 22, 2022. It was reviewed and updated on December 16, 2024, and again on September 6, 2025.

Photo Credits:

• Kzenon(Arne Trautmann). Image file. via depositphotos.com
• jcpjr1111(John Panella) – Imagefile – via depositphotos.com
• monkeybusiness(Monkey Business) – Image file – via depositphotos.com
• poringdown@gmail.com(Engdao Wichitpunya) – Image file –  via depositphotos.com