A driver escaped serious injury in Myrtle Beach when a vehicle rolled over and shut down traffic on S.C. 22 at Carolina Bays Parkway last week.

This was one lucky driver – rollovers are deadlier than just about any other kind of vehicle accident. In fact, rollover accidents cause about a third of highway deaths and a disproportionate number of serious injuries, even though they make up less than 3 percent of crashes.

Why are rollovers so dangerous?

When a vehicle lands upside down, the roof can crush passengers. Anyone not wearing a seatbelt can be thrown from the vehicle or slammed against the roof or windshield. These violent accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple broken bones, deep cuts, and amputations.

Protect Yourself from Rollover Accident Injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), 85 percent of fatal rollover accidents involve only one vehicle, and 90 percent of drivers in deadly rollovers are involved in routine driving maneuvers.

So, what goes wrong in rollovers, and what can you do to protect yourself?

• Wear your seatbelt. When you don’t buckle up, you double your chances of dying in a rollover accident;
• Drive sober. About half of these crashes involve an impaired driver;
• Drive at a safe speed. Speed is a factor in about half of rollover accidents. Be especially careful in rural areas with high-speed limits – almost 75 percent of rollovers happen on rural roads;
• Be careful when passing. Rollovers often happen when drivers overcorrect and lose control while trying to get around another vehicle;
• The heavier your vehicle is, the more unstable it is. Carrying a heavy load, especially on the roof, can increase the likelihood of a rollover; and  
• Be aware of road conditions. You are more likely to lose control of your vehicle when driving on wet or icy roads. Sudden swerving to avoid debris in the roadway can also lead to losing control.  

Some types of vehicles are more prone to rolling over than others. Tall, narrow vehicles with a high center of gravity – such as vans, SUVs, and pickups – are more likely to roll than cars.

And, less experienced drivers are more likely to turn their vehicles over. Parents may want to think about this when choosing a vehicle for young drivers.

SC Auto Accident Attorneys in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Charleston, and Columbia

If you are hurt in a rollover accident, talk to your personal injury attorney as soon as possible – before you talk to insurance company representatives.

Our Myrtle Beach auto accident attorneys will help you gather the evidence that you need, negotiate with the insurance companies, and go to trial when necessary to recover full compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance companies.

Call us now at (843) 488-5000 or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.