Orange County & Putnam County SUV Rollover Lawyer
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have become increasingly popular in the greater New York area, mostly because these vehicles are bigger than typical passenger vehicles and have more cabin room. SUVs can carry more passengers and cargo, and their height improves visibility. Although these vehicles are more convenient, they are also more prone to SUV rollover accidents which can lead to catastrophic injuries.
The law office of Michael LoGiudice has extensive experience handling SUV rollover accidents throughout the boroughs of New York City and the surrounding neighborhoods in Orange County, Putnam County, and Dutchess County. We are dedicated to helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve while ensuring that sports utility vehicles adhere to contemporary safety standards.
Causes of SUV Rollovers
Because SUVs are taller, narrower, and more top-heavy than passenger cars, and also have a higher center of gravity, they are more susceptible to rollovers. In addition, driving with more passengers, luggage and other cargo increases the risk of rollovers due to the added weight. Although improper steering maneuvers can cause an SUV to rollover, there are two classifications of single-vehicle rollovers: tripped and un-tripped.
Tripped Rollover – This occurs when an SUV swerves or “trips” into a curb, pothole, or soft roadside shoulder.
Un-tripped Rollover – These accidents typically involve speed, steering technique and ground friction combined with poor vehicle design.
Whether tripped or un-tripped, a key factor in SUV rollovers and the general performance of these vehicles are the tires. If the tires are properly inflated and the tire tread is not worn, an SUV should grip the road with all four wheels, and not build up sideways forces that become excessive, causing the vehicle to rollover.
The auto industry and insurance companies try to pin SUV rollovers on driver mistakes or road conditions, however, these vehicles often have design defects, or flawed tires, both of which are contributing factors to SUV rollover accidents.
SUV Rollover Injuries
In an SUV rollover accident, the roof often takes the brunt of the force. While federal regulators have enhanced roof strength requirements in recent years, rollover accidents continue to lead to injuries from roof crushes. In addition, occupants of SUVs are more likely to be ejected from the vehicle in a collision or rollover accident. In any event, drivers and passengers are at risk of a wide range of injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Bone fractures
- Head trauma
- Neck and back injuries
- Loss of limb
- Paralysis – paraplegia/quadriplegia
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Avoiding SUV Rollovers
Although SUVs are more prone to rollovers, drivers can take precautions to reduce the risks of accidents and injuries. First, drivers should proceed with caution on rural roads that are more likely to have uneven surfaces and tighter curves. SUV drivers should never speed since this increases the chances of a rollover accident.
Moreover, it is crucial to keep tires properly inflated and ensure that they are not worn. SUVs should not be overloaded with too many passengers of cargo since excessive weight increases the risk of a rollover. Lastly, drivers and passengers should always wear seatbelts. Nonetheless, SUV manufacturers are required to warn drivers that the maneuverability of the vehicles is different than other passenger vehicles.
Aggressive New York SUV Rollover Lawyer
The law office of Michael LoGiudice has a proven track record of helping SUV rollover and other car accident victims in Orange County and Putnam County obtain the compensation they deserve. We have the skills and resources that are essential for pursuing successful personal injury claims. By collaborating with a respected network of accident reconstruction experts, we will collect evidence that demonstrates how design flaws contributed to the accident.
We are also highly skilled negotiators and will not accept an offer from an insurance company unless it is fair and reasonable. If the insurer refuses to pay the full value of your claim, we are prepared to litigate the matter in court. If you or a loved one was injured in an SUV rollover accident in New York, fill out a contact form or call our office today for a free consultation.