Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) offer a lot of convenience for drivers seeking a combination of car and truck versatility, but rarely has a class of vehicles become so synonymous with accidents – particularly rollover accidents. In its national research into fatal motor vehicle crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted nearly 7,000 accidents in 2009 that involved various types of utility vehicles. If you believe you’ve been harmed because of another driver’s negligence or carelessness, or because of a defect in a sport utility vehicle, seek legal counsel to determine your rights.
About Sport Utility Vehicles
For its ongoing data collection, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration includes utility vehicles in its “Light Trucks” category.
U.S. figures for 2009 fatal crashes:
All light trucks 17,902
Compact utility 5,101
Large utility 1,504
Utility station wagon 312
Other utility 7
In Florida:
All light trucks 1,317
Compact utility 426
Large utility 128
Utility station wagon 12
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at Freeman Injury Law know that rollover accidents are a particular hazard of SUVs because of their higher centers of gravity. We know, too, that high profile vehicles are more likely to be involved in backover accidents because rear visibility may be compromised. If you’ve been hurt in an SUV accident, call on the experienced Broward SUV accident attorneys at our firm for aggressive representation. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.
“Rollovers are much more common for SUVs and pickups than for cars, and more common for SUVs than for pickups,” the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports. The organization’s latest figures show that rollovers killed more than half of SUV occupants who died in accidents. In pickups, the percentage was 47%. Conversely, only one in four car occupants who lost their lives in accidents were killed in vehicles that rolled.
When rollover accidents occur, vehicle occupants may be thrown around the interior or ejected from the vehicle altogether. The injuries that result may be catastrophic – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, multiple broken bones, and deep lacerations that can leave victims with significant scars. If you have sustained such serious injuries, you’ll need a strong advocate on your side, one who can ensure you have access to the medical treatment you need while pursing compensation for your injuries.
The Palm Beach car accident lawyers at Freeman Injury Law applaud the work being done by manufacturers and others to address the shortcomings of SUVs. Electronic stability control, greater roof strengths and other means are contributing to better outcomes for SUV drivers and their passengers. At the same time, the IIHS says that rollover fatalities have increased along with the growth in popularity of SUVs. Our car accident lawyers in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie are not afraid to challenge large manufacturers about the safety of their products. We’ll also take on insurance companies that balk at paying for your care, despite the fact that you were hurt through no fault of your own.
When you need proven legal prowess in the aftermath of a serious SUV accident, call the South Florida SUV accident attorneys at Freeman Injury Law. We know how to build a strong case for you, and we will work tirelessly to win the maximum compensation available to you. We believe you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of expensive medical care and lost wages when a motorist or a vehicle manufacturer caused your injuries.
Our personal injury and wrongful death lawyers will fight for you and we’ll take your case to court, if needed, to seek an appropriate settlement. Call Freeman Injury Law and ask for your free consultation. We’ll review your case and explain your rights. Our firm is on your side.