Rollover Crashes - Gainesville Accident Attorney Explains.

Rollover crashes are particularly deadly. Gainesville Accident Attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, explains why this is so, and gives some surprising facts that may save your life or the life of a loved one.

What is a Rollover crash?

Simply put, a rollover accident occurs when an automobile rolls violently over on its roof. A rollover crash is the most deadly type of automobile accident. In 2002, more than 10,000 people died in rollovers, accounting for 33% of deaths from all passenger car crashes. Surprisingly, approximately 90% of fatal rollovers involve a single vehicle engaged in routine driving maneuvers like rounding a curve or going straight.

Why are Rollover crashes so fatal?

It's important to understand the causes of a rollover, since these crashes are particularly deadly and violent. A rollover involves a complex interaction of the driver, road conditions, and type of vehicle. The following contribute to the fatal nature of rollovers:

  • Vehicle body. Vehicles that are tall, with a narrow wheel base, and a high center of gravity. SUV's, pick-up trucks, and vans are more susceptible to rollover.
  • No air bag protection. Traditional air bags do not generally deploy in a rollover crash, but rather in front or near frontal impacts. Newer models may be equipped with side curtain airbags that may reduce likelihood of ejection and head injury.
  • No seat belt use. In 2002, 72% of those killed in rollover crashes failed to properly wear a seat belt. A vehicle occupant without a seat belt can be ejected and crushed by a rolling car.
  • Speed. Fatal rollover crashes often (40%) involve speed and occur where the posted speed limit is 55mph or more.
  • Alcohol. Unbelievably, approximately half of fatal rollover crashes result from alcohol use.
  • Failure to maintain tires. A rollover crash may result from improperly inflated tires, causing the vehicle to slide on wet pavement or rollover when a tire fails.
  • Rural Road. About 75% of rollovers occur on rural roads which tend to be undivided, lack barriers, and typically have a posted speed limit of 55mph or more.
  • Heavy load. Cars and trucks can easily be overloaded, causing the vehicle to be top heavy and susceptible to rolling over.

For more information:

Rollover Crashes are Deadly - Local Accident Attorney Gives a Heads Up.

What are the types of rollovers?

Ways to prevent a rollover crash.





Attorney Jeffrey Meldon

Hello, I am Jeffrey Meldon. As an accident attorney, I strongly believe that public education is step one in the prevention of an accident or in the recovery from one. 

My Office and Assoicates are located in Gainesville, Florida. We are Personal Injury Attorneys (Accident Lawyers). I take pride in my work and the results that I and my experienced team of Associates and Staff get for our clients.  

Everyone in my Office works hard to help accident victims get the justice and the fair settlement or jury verdict that they deserve thoughout the North and Central Florida area including: Ocala, Marion County, Alachua County, Lake City, Citrus County, Daytona Beach, and Inverness. I am highly involved with every case in my office and am the negotiator with insurance companies.

You can feel free to give me a call at 1 800 373 8000 or contact my office, with any questions you may have, or to discuss your unique case.