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A rollover accident happens when a vehicle’s center of gravity shifts beyond its stability point, causing it to tip onto its side or roof. While rollovers make up a small percentage of crashes, they are among the most dangerous types because they often involve severe injuries and fatalities.
Having successfully represented thousands of car accident victims, Weatherby Law Firm understands what causes a car to rollover and the complex liability questions that can follow. In this guide, we list the top 6 common causes of rollover accidents and what to do afterward, whether your crash was caused by another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or another party.
- A car rollover can happen when forces acting on the vehicle exceed the tires’ ability to keep it stable, often during sharp turns, collisions, or when the vehicle strikes an obstacle.
- The most common causes of rollovers include high-speed turns, tripping hazards, high-center-of-gravity vehicles, tire failures, driver overcorrection, and collisions.
- SUVs and pickup trucks have a higher rollover risk because their higher center of gravity makes them less stable during certain driving situations.
- If negligence contributed to a rollover accident, Georgia law may allow injured victims to seek compensation from the responsible party.
Why Rollover Accidents Are So Dangerous
Rollover accidents are especially dangerous because they can expose occupants to multiple impacts and roof crush. Among the most serious risks in rollover crashes is occupant ejection.
Wearing a seat belt greatly reduces the likelihood of being thrown from a vehicle, but rollover crashes can lead to devastating injuries when safety restraints fail or are not used properly. Rollover crashes can also cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, and seat belt syndrome injuries caused by the force of the restraint during a violent collision.
How Rollovers Differ from Other Crash Types
Rollover accidents are generally classified by one of two categories:
- Tripped Rollovers
- A tripped rollover occurs when an outside object, such as a curb, guardrail, or soft shoulder, creates a pivot point that causes the vehicle to flip. Most single-vehicle rollovers fall into this category.
- Untripped Rollovers
- An untripped rollover occurs when factors such as excessive speed during a turn generate enough force to overturn the vehicle without outside contact.
Rollover Crash Data in Georgia
Georgia experiences thousands of serious vehicle crashes each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers represent only a small percentage of passenger vehicle crashes but account for a significant share of occupant fatalities.
The 6 Most Common Causes of Car Rollovers
1. High-Speed Sharp Turns
Taking a turn too quickly can shift a vehicle’s weight toward the outside wheels. When the sideways force exceeds the tires’ ability to maintain control, the vehicle may tip or roll over. High-speed turns are especially dangerous for SUVs and trucks because their higher center of gravity makes them more susceptible to losing stability. In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver if another person’s actions, such as cutting off a vehicle, contributed to the crash.
2. Tripping on a Curb, Guardrail, or Soft Shoulder
A “tripped” rollover occurs when a vehicle’s tires strike an object or uneven surface that acts as a pivot point. The NHTSA estimates that most single-vehicle rollovers are caused by tripping events. Poor road design, inadequate maintenance, or missing safety barriers may contribute to a rollover and could create liability issues for a responsible party.
3. Top-Heavy or High-Center-of-Gravity Vehicles
SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans typically have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars, meaning more weight sits higher above the road surface. When these vehicles make sudden turns, change direction quickly, or encounter uneven surfaces, they may be more difficult to control. If a vehicle has a design defect or stability issue that a manufacturer failed to address, the manufacturer may potentially be responsible under product liability laws.
4. Tire Blowouts
A sudden tire failure can cause a driver to lose control, causing the driver to overcorrect or creating conditions that lead to a rollover. Defective tires, improper maintenance, or worn tread can all contribute to tire-related crashes. If a defective tire or vehicle component caused the rollover, responsibility may extend to the manufacturer or another party involved in the vehicle’s maintenance.
5. Driver Overcorrection
Driver overcorrection often happens when someone suddenly swerves to avoid a hazard, such as another vehicle, debris, or a deer. When the driver quickly turns the wheel back, the vehicle’s weight can shift from side to side, creating enough force to cause a rollover. This is especially dangerous for SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity. In some cases, the driver who created the initial hazard may still be responsible even if the vehicles never made contact.
6. Collisions with Other Vehicles
A collision with another vehicle can generate enough force to flip a car, particularly during side-impact crashes. T-bone collisions involving SUVs, trucks, or vehicles traveling at high speeds can be especially dangerous because the impact may push a vehicle beyond its stability point.
Georgia follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the person responsible for causing the crash may be financially responsible for resulting damages. In rollover accidents involving multiple vehicles, the driver who caused the collision is often the primary source of liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Rollover Accident in Georgia?
Depending on what caused the car to rollover, multiple parties may potentially share responsibility for the accident, including:
- Another driver: A negligent driver who speeds, causes a collision, drives distracted, or creates a dangerous situation may be responsible for resulting injuries.
- Vehicle or tire manufacturers: A defective vehicle component, a tire failure, or an unsafe design may give cause for a product liability claim.
- Government entities: Unsafe roads, missing barriers, or poor maintenance may contribute to a rollover in some situations.
- Trucking companies: When a commercial vehicle is involved, the company may share responsibility for driver conduct, maintenance failures, or safety violations.
Georgia’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Georgia uses a modified comparative fault system, allowing an injured person to recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% responsible for the accident that caused their injuries. However, the amount recovered is reduced by the person’s percentage of fault.
The Statute of Limitations for Rollover Claims in Georgia
In Georgia, personal injury claims from car accidents generally must be filed within two years of the accident. Claims involving government entities may have additional notice requirements and shorter deadlines.
Regardless of the timeline, evidence can disappear quickly after a rollover. Witness memories fade, and video footage can be overwritten. Protect this valuable information and speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Rollover Accident in Georgia
The steps you take after a rollover accident can affect your ability to protect your health and your legal options.
1. Call 911 and Report the Accident
Call 911 immediately after a rollover accident, especially if anyone is injured. Georgia law requires drivers involved in crashes that result in injury, death, or significant property damage to report the accident. Emergency responders can provide medical care, document the scene, and create an official crash report that may later serve as important evidence.
2. Do Not Move If You Are Injured
Rollover crashes can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries. Moving before medical professionals evaluate you could worsen certain injuries. If you are able, remain in a safe position and wait for emergency responders to provide assistance.
3. Document the Accident Scene
Evidence can disappear quickly once vehicles are removed or repairs begin, making early documentation especially valuable. Collect evidence before the scene changes if your condition allows. Photos and videos of the vehicle position, skid marks, road conditions, damaged guardrails, tire marks, and other hazards may help show what caused the car to rollover.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Some rollover injuries may not be immediately obvious. Symptoms from conditions such as traumatic brain injuries or internal injuries can appear later. A medical evaluation can help identify injuries early and document their connection to the crash.
5. Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often begin investigating rollover accidents immediately. While insurers may request information about the crash, their goal is to evaluate liability and limit financial exposure. Before providing a detailed statement, understand your rights and learn how to talk to insurance adjusters after an accident so you do not unintentionally harm your claim.
Contact Weatherby Law Firm After a Georgia Rollover Accident
Weatherby Law Firm helps injured clients evaluate complex accident claims and determine whether another party may be responsible.
If you were injured in a rollover accident caused by another driver, a defective vehicle, unsafe road conditions, or another form of negligence, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We will discuss your rollover accident and the circumstances surrounding your injuries to pursue the maximum compensation you’re owed under Georgia law.
Rollover Accident FAQs
What causes a car to rollover suddenly on a straight road?
A rollover on a straight road can occur due to a tire blowout, hitting a curb or soft shoulder, or overcorrecting after swerving to avoid a hazard. These events can shift the vehicle’s weight quickly enough to cause a rollover without a sharp turn or direct collision.
Are SUVs more likely to roll over than regular cars?
Yes. SUVs and pickup trucks generally have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars, which can increase the risk of rollover in certain driving situations. NHTSA’s rollover resistance ratings measure vehicle stability and help compare rollover risk between vehicle types.
Can I sue if I was injured in a rollover accident that was not my fault?
Yes. A person injured in a Georgia rollover accident may have a claim against a negligent driver, vehicle manufacturer, government entity, or another responsible party. Georgia law generally gives injury victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident.
What are the most common injuries in a rollover crash?
Rollover crashes can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, internal injuries, and seat belt-related injuries. Occupants who are ejected from the vehicle face a significantly higher risk of severe injury or death.
Does it matter if the car rolled over more than once?
Yes. Multiple vehicle rotations can increase the severity of damage and injuries. A rollover involving multiple flips may result in greater vehicle destruction, roof damage, and increased risk of occupant harm.
