Rollover crashes are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle collisions. While rollovers make up a relatively small share of total roadway collisions, they are dramatically overrepresented among catastrophic and fatal accidents. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we have the skills and experience to take on even the most serious rollover collisions. Here, our Wisconsin auto accident lawyers explain why rollover crashes happen and why they are so dangerous.
What is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident is a type of crash that happens when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. These accidents are particularly dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Notably, certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs and other vehicles with a higher center of gravity—are more susceptible to being involved in a rollover.
A rollover happens the moment a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. It can involve a single car or a chain reaction with multiple vehicles. Either way, the result is often far worse than a typical fender bender.
Vehicle shape plays a huge part in the danger. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity are more prone to rollovers than lower-profile cars. SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks tip more easily than low-profile passenger vehicles.
Tripped vs. Untripped Rollovers
Safety experts sort rollover crashes into two main groups. A tripped rollover happens when a vehicle slides sideways and catches on an obstacle. Untripped rollovers happen without any outside object, usually from extreme driving maneuvers.
Tripped rollovers are by far the most common of the two. In fact, tripped rollovers account for about 95% of single-vehicle rollovers. A curb, a soft shoulder, or a guardrail can all act as the trip point.
Untripped rollovers are rarer but still deadly. They tend to happen at high speeds during a sharp turn or a sudden swerve. Top-heavy vehicles are the most likely to roll this way when a driver pushes them too hard.
The Most Common Reasons Why Rollovers Happen
Rollover accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. Every rollover crash in Wisconsin should be comprehensively investigated to determine what went wrong and why it went wrong. Some of the leading causes of rollover crashes include:
- Speeding: Speed is at least a partial contributing factor in many rollover accidents. Indeed, speeding increases the likelihood of a rollover because it reduces the driver’s reaction time and vehicle control during maneuvers. High speeds amplify the effects of any driver errors, sharp turns, or sudden reactions. Excessive speed on curved roads is particularly risky as the centrifugal force can cause the vehicle to veer off its intended path and rollover.
- Tire Defects: Another one of the most common causes of rollover accidents is bad tires. Problems with tires are a factor in many rollover accidents in Wisconsin. Faulty tires may fail to provide sufficient traction. As a consequence, a vehicle may slip and slide during poor road conditions. Beyond that, tire blowouts (sudden failures) can also cause dangerous rollovers. Regular inspection and tire maintenance are a must.
- Roadway Hazards:Roadway hazards such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or loose materials like gravel can trigger a rollover. When vehicles encounter these unexpected obstacles, they may react unpredictably, and drivers might overcorrect, leading to a loss of control and potential rollover. Poorly maintained roads can lead to catastrophic vehicle rollovers.
- Poor Vehicle Design: Finally, some vehicles are inherently dangerous due to their susceptibility to rollover accidents. While vehicle manufacturers have made significant improvements in recent years, poor design is still a concern that needs to be taken seriously in rollover accident cases. A vehicle manufacturer may be held strictly liable on the grounds of product liability if a design flaw contributed to a rollover accident.
Driver behavior sits behind many of these crashes too. Distracted driving pulls a driver’s eyes off the road just as a hazard appears. When they look up and jerk the wheel, that overcorrection can start a roll.
Alcohol is another major factor in these wrecks. Studies show alcohol impairment plays a role in about 30% of rollover crashes. Impaired drivers react slowly and often lose control on curves and turns.
Wisconsin is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. The motorists, vehicle manufacturer, or any other party that is responsible for contributing to a rollover accident can be held legally liable for the resulting damages. A lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove fault after a rollover.
How Vehicle Type Affects Rollover Risk
Not every vehicle carries the same rollover risk. Tall, narrow vehicles have a higher center of gravity that makes them tip more easily. SUVs and pickup trucks lead the pack for this reason.
Lower cars behave very differently in a hard turn. A low center of gravity keeps a sedan planted when a top-heavy vehicle would roll. That is why single-vehicle rollover accidents involve SUVs far more often than small cars.
Modern safety tech has helped shrink the danger. Electronic stability control senses when a vehicle starts to slide and brakes individual wheels to correct it. This feature has cut single-vehicle rollovers, though it cannot prevent every crash.
Why Rollover Accidents are So Dangerous
Rollovers are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle crashes. Indeed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that rollover accidents are disproportionately likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities. Here are some of the most notable reasons why these types of accidents are so dangerous:
- High Impact: For a vehicle to roll over, there needs to be a significant amount of force applied. Rollover accidents invariably carry a high impact. Many rollover crashes happened at a high rate of speed. Further, rollovers often involve multiple, intense impacts as the vehicle rolls. It put a tremendous amount of impact on the occupants. Each roll can subject passengers to sudden and violent motions. The injury risk is high.
- Ejection Risk: With serious rollover crashes, there is a risk of a driver or passenger being ejected from the vehicle. Ejections are highly dangerous, as people have little control and are exposed to collisions with external objects, including the ground, at high speeds. Being ejected through a window or door can lead to life-threatening injuries or a fatality. Wearing a seat belt does reduce the risk of an ejection by a significant degree. That being said, even a seat belt cannot completely eliminate the safety threat.
- Crush Risk: Another issue with rollover crashes is that there is a risk of crush injuries. During a rollover, the vehicle’s roof and sides may collapse under the weight of the vehicle, especially if it lacks adequate structural integrity. Occupants can be crushed or trapped inside the vehicle, complicating rescue efforts and increasing the severity of injuries. The risk of spinal injuries, head trauma, and other disabling injuries is elevated.
The numbers show just how deadly these crashes are. In 2024, about 6,250 passenger-vehicle occupants died in rollover crashes across the country. Fatal rollover crashes rose roughly 9% from the year before.
Ejection remains one of the biggest killers in these wrecks. An occupant thrown from a vehicle is about five times more likely to suffer fatal injuries. This is exactly why wearing a seat belt matters so much in a rollover.
Common Injuries in Rollover Crashes
The violent, tumbling motion of a rollover tears at the body. Occupants are thrown in several directions as the vehicle spins. This is why rollovers cause some of the worst injuries on the road.
Head and brain harm are among the most common results. Traumatic brain injuries happen when the head strikes the roof, window, or door. These injuries can change a person’s memory, mood, and ability to work for life.
Other serious injuries show up again and again in these crashes. Broken bones, spinal damage, and harm to internal organs are all frequent. Shattered glass can also cause deep lacerations across the face and arms.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Rollover Crash
Hurt in a rollover accident in Wisconsin? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for any non-economic losses. As a rollover can result in devastating injuries, it is crucial that injured victims are able to secure the maximum financial support. Sadly, insurance companies fight hard to settle claims for less—and they may even try to deny liability outright. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our history of verdicts and settlements demonstrate what we can do for injured victims. Along with other types of damages, our Wisconsin car accident lawyers are prepared to help you seek a settlement or verdict for:
- Automobile repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Medical expenses;
- Medications;
- Medical equipment;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death.
Holding the right party responsible is the heart of any claim. Sometimes a careless driver is at fault, and sometimes a bad tire or roof design is to blame. We identify all responsible parties so you can pursue financial compensation from each one.
Taking legal action quickly protects your right to recover. Evidence like tire marks, vehicle damage, and witness accounts fades fast. Acting early gives your attorney the best shot at securing full financial compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rollover Accidents
Why are rollover accidents so deadly?
Rollover accidents are among the most lethal crashes because of violent, multi-directional forces. As the vehicle tumbles, occupants are tossed around and face ejection, roof crush, and repeated impacts all at once. Even though rollovers are a small share of all crashes, they cause a large share of deaths and severe injuries.
What vehicles are most likely to roll over?
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity roll over more easily than low ones. SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks top the list because they sit tall and narrow. A low sedan stays planted in the same turn that could tip a top-heavy vehicle.
Does wearing a seat belt help in a rollover?
Yes, a seat belt is one of the best protections you have in a rollover. It keeps you inside the vehicle, where you are far safer than being thrown from it. Ejected occupants are about five times more likely to suffer fatal injuries, so buckling up truly saves lives.
What causes a single vehicle rollover?
Most single-vehicle rollovers are tripped rollovers, which happen when a vehicle slides sideways and catches on something. A curb, soft shoulder, or guardrail can all serve as that trip point. High speed, a sharp turn, or a moment of distracted driving often sets the slide in motion.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Wisconsin Auto Accident Attorney
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin car accident lawyers are skilled, experienced, and compassionate advocates for victims and families. If you or your loved one was hurt in a rollover wreck, we are here to help. Call us at 608-784-4370 or connect with us online for a no cost, no obligation case assessment. From our offices in Onalaska, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, we handle rollover accident claims throughout the surrounding region in Wisconsin.