Vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs, trucks, and some vans, are at a greater risk of rollover accidents, especially on Maryland’s winding roads and highways. These rollovers often happen when making sharp turns, navigating curves, or swerving to avoid obstacles. The higher the center of gravity, the more likely the vehicle will tip during these maneuvers. When manufacturers fail to account for this in the vehicle’s design, they put drivers and passengers in harm’s way. Rollovers can cause devastating injuries, including spinal damage, head trauma, or even death.
If you’ve been in an accident involving a vehicle with a poor center of gravity design in Prince George’s County, you need an experienced lawyer to fight for you. At Foran & Foran, we thoroughly investigate vehicle design defects and hold manufacturers accountable for putting unsafe vehicles on the road. Our team will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses. Contact us today to discuss your case.
The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle RolloversVehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs, vans, and trucks, are significantly more prone to rollover accidents. A vehicle’s center of gravity refers to the point where its weight is evenly distributed. A car with a higher center of gravity becomes more unstable during turns, sudden swerves, or evasive maneuvers. Rollovers are particularly dangerous and often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Manufacturers are responsible for designing vehicles that reduce the risk of rollover accidents, but when they fail, they put drivers and passengers in grave danger.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents are disproportionately more likely to result in fatalities compared to other types of vehicle crashes. When combined with other mechanical defects, such as tire blowouts or brake malfunctions, the likelihood of a rollover increases dramatically.
How Center of Gravity Defects Lead to RolloversA vehicle’s design plays a critical role in preventing rollovers. When a manufacturer fails to account for the risks of a high center of gravity, accidents are more likely to occur under certain driving conditions. Below are the most common scenarios where the center of gravity defects lead to rollovers.
Sudden Turns or SwervingVehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs and trucks, are more likely to flip when taking sharp turns or swerving to avoid obstacles. The vehicle’s weight shifts during these maneuvers, making it harder for the driver to maintain control. This is especially true on rural roads or highways where high speeds increase the risk of rollovers. Manufacturers must account for this when designing larger vehicles, but rollovers become a severe concern when they fail.
Uneven Pavement or Shoulder Drop-OffsRollover risks increase when a vehicle encounters uneven pavement, potholes, or shoulder drop-offs. A sudden change in the road’s surface can cause a vehicle with a high center of gravity to tip or flip, leading to devastating crashes. These road conditions are particularly dangerous in Prince George’s County, where road defects like shoulder drop-offs and uneven pavement are common. When road defects and center of gravity issues combine, the results can be fatal.
Tire BlowoutsA tire blowout can also cause a high-center-of-gravity vehicle to roll over. The sudden loss of control due to a blown tire, particularly at high speeds, often results in a rollover accident. In these cases, vehicle or tire manufacturers can be held liable for the resulting injuries if poor design or defective tires contributed to the crash.
Each of these scenarios highlights the importance of proper vehicle design and why manufacturers must prioritize safety when designing SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity.
Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents Caused by Center of Gravity DefectsRollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of vehicle crashes, and when a vehicle’s high center of gravity plays a role, the injuries sustained are often severe. The violent nature of a rollover can cause life-altering injuries, many of which require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Understanding the types of injuries that are common in these accidents is essential for pursuing the proper legal action.
Each of these injuries can have long-term consequences, both physically and financially. Victims of rollover accidents caused by the center of gravity defects may face a lifetime of medical care, loss of income, and emotional trauma. That’s why seeking legal help is essential to ensure those responsible for the accident are held accountable.
Experienced Prince George’s County Attorneys for Mechanical Defect Car Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a car accident due to a mechanical defect, the lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. are ready to fight for you. We have decades of experience handling complex car accident cases. Contact us today for a free consultation at 301-441-2022, or connect with us through our online form.