Preventing a Rollover in a Crash - St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can happen quickly, leaving victims overwhelmed and confused. One moment you and your family are travelling down the highway, and seconds later you find yourself in a crash. Some victims are left gazing at the ground upside down. Rollover car accidents are among the most serious types of accidents anyone can suffer. Although only a small percentage of vehicles roll over in a crash, rollover accidents account for almost a third of auto accident fatalities, and innumerable injuries. In this post, our St. Louis accident lawyers will discuss some steps you can take to prevent your vehicle from rolling over in a crash.

Preventing serious injuries in a rollover crash

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk of a rollover crash, there are certain precautions that drivers can take to reduce the chances of a rollover and the chances of suffering a fatal injury. Here are some things that you should double check before you set off on a road trip:

• Load everything properly: Remember, an overloaded or improperly loaded vehicle is more likely to rollover. The vehicles that are more stable, have a lower center of gravity. Place as much of the load as you can on the floor instead of the roof.
• Check your route: Research has shown that a majority of rollover accidents occur in rural areas, on roads with a speed limit of 55 mph or more, and on undivided highways without barriers.
• Check your tires: Make sure you check your check your tire pressure at least one a month. This is important because underinflated tires increase the risk of a rollover. It is also important to check the tread depth to ensure all tires are fit for the road.
• Wear your seatbelt: Although this may not prevent the vehicle from rolling over, it can certainly reduce the risk of serious injuries. More than 50 percent of all people who are killed in rollover crashes are ejected from the vehicle.
• Invest in a safe vehicle: It is a well-known fact that pickup trucks and SUVs are more prone to rollover crashes compared to other vehicle. Even smaller cars can be at risk if they do not have safety features such as reinforced roofs or Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
• Maintain a safe speed: The faster you are travelling, higher the chances of a rollover regardless of whether or not there is a collision with another vehicle or object.
• Do not make sudden corrections: It is natural to panic and lose your calm when there is a crash looming, but it is important not to jerk the wheel suddenly as it can send the vehicle toppling over. If you drift onto the shoulder or another vehicle moves into your path, just make a small correction and return to the roadway.

Injured in a St. Louis car accident? If you think the crash was a result of someone else’s negligence, discuss your case with a St. Louis car wreck lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. - Call (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.

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