English
SpanishLosing control of a motor vehicle can be a harrowing experience. This is especially true if the vehicle should roll over. Once a vehicle’s wheels leave the ground, and the car begins to roll, not only does a driver have no control, but it is also very likely the occupants will suffer injuries.
Rollovers pose a serious threat to cause serious or fatal injuries. Therefore, it is extremely important that automobiles be designed in such a way as to minimize the possibility of flipping over. This is especially true for vehicles such as minivans, SUVs and pickup trucks, which are tall and often top heavy. By virtue of having a higher center of gravity, these vehicles are more likely to experience rollovers when curving suddenly or following the impact of a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests these automobiles in order to rate their reliability in the event of a rollover. To do this, NHTSA subjects them to what is called the fishhook test. Essentially, the fishhook is a maneuver wherein the vehicle is driven at speeds up to 50 miles per hour and then given a quick turn. If two wheels on the same side of the vehicle should simultaneously leave the ground, the vehicle receives a failing grade.
Such safety tests can certainly help make the automobiles on the market safer for drivers and passengers. Yet, in spite of the tests, rollover accidents still occur with unfortunate frequency.
A rollover accident could leave victims with serious, life-altering injuries. At the very worst, such accidents can be fatal. If you or a loved one are ever in a rollover collision, a California personal injury attorney may be able to provide you with helpful assistance. The attorney could carry out a thorough investigation to determine liability and possibly help you get the full measure of compensation you need.