¿Cómo prevenir un accidente por vuelco en Louisiana?

Rollover accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities, and can leave survivors very confused and disoriented. Some rollover accidents occur without any initial impact, which can be especially scary. It is important to explore how to prevent a rollover accident in Louisiana. While there is no certain way to stop an accident, there are some things you can be aware of to limit the likelihood of a rollover occurring.

The Danger of Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are more likely to cause fatalities than other types of crashes. There were 724 motor vehicle collisions in Louisiana where the first harmful event cited was a rollover or overturn in 2024. Twenty-eight of these crashes were fatal. While rollover accidents accounted for 1.86% of injury crashes by the first harmful event, they accounted for 3.97% of fatal crashes.
For anyone impacted by a serious crash, it’s important to know the time limits for filing a car accident claim in Louisiana—missing these deadlines can prevent you from getting compensation.

While this data shows rollovers that were the first harmful event, other accidents with different first harmful events may have resulted in rollovers. In 2023, 23% of rollover accidents occurred without prior collision. In Louisiana, there were a total of 705 fatal crashes and about 37,390 suspected injury crashes. It’s always essential that all drivers operate carefully and take every precaution to avoid rollovers and other crashes.

Factors That Lead to Rollover Accidents in Louisiana

Several factors can increase the risk of a rollover, including overcorrections while driving, poorly weighted vehicles, and unsafe road conditions. While not all rollovers are caused by these issues, they can be a contributing factor. Rollover accident prevention is crucial to increase safety for yourself and others on the road. Some ways to lower the chances of a rollover include:

Maintain Your Vehicle

Poorly maintained vehicles are a major reason rollovers happen, including issues like underinflated tires, brake failure, and suspension problems. Vehicle defects and missed recalls can also play a part. In fact, mechanical issues are one of the most common causes of Louisiana car accidents, especially when they’re left unaddressed.

Be Aware of Dangerous Vehicles

Certain types of vehicles are more prone to rollovers, such as pickups, SUVs, and vans, which have higher centers of gravity. Older vehicles often lack the same rollover prevention measures, making them more susceptible to rolling over. Other vehicles are dangerous for other reasons. There may be defects that lead to dangerous roofs on vehicles, making them more likely to crumple and harm occupants in a crash.

Load Your Vehicle Carefully

Vehicles that are overloaded or are top-heavy are more likely to overturn. Recreational equipment, luggage, and other cargo placed on top of the vehicle can be dangerous. It’s essential to adhere to the load limits of your vehicle and evenly distribute the items within it. If your vehicle is designed to carry items on the roof, limit the weight of items placed on it.

Drive Safely

Driver error is at the root of many rollovers. Speeding, sudden maneuvers, and aggressive driving are common triggers. Drivers should be especially cautious since distracted driving and drowsy driving remain key causes behind crashes in Louisiana. If you’re not sure how these behaviours impact injury claims, understanding the role of negligence in car accident lawsuits puede ayudar.

Some other ways that driver negligence occurs are:

• Conducción distraída
• Cambios de carril inseguros
• Conducción fatigada
• Veering out of the lane
• Aggressive driving
• Conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol

Be Careful on Hazardous Roads

Poor road conditions can lead to rollovers, especially on narrow roads with numerous turns. Unmarked construction zones, debris on the road, potholes, insufficient road shoulders, and slippery road conditions can all contribute to the issue. Trip hazards, such as curbs, holes, and stationary debris, are a common reason for rollovers, especially at high speeds.

Know How to React

Drivers should be aware of how to react in various driving situations in Louisiana, including high-risk scenarios where rollovers are likely to occur. When drivers are unaware of how to react, they are more likely to overcorrect or take other incorrect actions, which can lead to a worse accident.

Preguntas frecuentes

What Are Ways to Prevent a Rollover?

There are multiple things you can do to limit the likelihood of a rollover. While certain factors contribute to rollovers, such as speeding, poor tire pressure, debris on the road, and sharp turns, these are not always present in rollover accidents. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good condition and not overload it. This can be dangerous, especially in vehicles that already have a high center of gravity.

Why Do 78% of Rollover Accidents Happen?

78% of rollovers in 2023 occurred because of a collision or other impact, while 23% occurred without a prior impact. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 78% of cargo tank truck rollovers were attributed to driver error. It is essential that all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they drive, ensure they drive safely and defensively. It is also important that vehicles are not overloaded or improperly weighted.

Will Insurance Cover a Roll Over?

Whether or not insurance will cover a rollover accident will depend on the coverage you have and the circumstances of the rollover. If another driver is to blame for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurer for your damages. If your vehicle overturned without an impact, you may be able to recover damages through your insurance from liability insurance or collision coverage. Talk with an attorney to determine how to get financial recovery from your insurer.

What Should You Not Say to the Insurance Company After a Rollover Accident?

You should never admit fault to an insurance company after a rollover accident. Even if you believe it was your error that caused the crash, do not say that. A thorough investigation is needed to determine the true cause, and you may not actually be liable. If you make a statement that you are, however, then the insurance will hold that against you to prevent you from recovering compensation. In a police report, tell the truth but don’t speculate.

Hire a Rollover Accident Lawyer After a Crash in Louisiana

While you can take steps to limit the chances of a rollover, you can’t always prevent them. Accidents happen, and it’s important you know what to do afterwards. At Bufete Murphy, we are skilled car accident attorneys who know how to navigate accidents, such as rollovers, that can lead to serious injuries and damages. Get in contact with our firm today to act quickly and protect your financial future.

Sobre el autor

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphyes el fundador de Murphy Law Firm, LLC, con sede en Baton Rouge, Louisiana, especializada en derecho de lesiones personales. Peyton obtuvo su título de abogado en la prestigiosa Facultad de Derecho de Tulane en 1991 y ha sido licenciado para ejercer la abogacía en Louisiana desde 1993. Con más de 28 años de experiencia, Peyton se dedica a representar a víctimas lesionadas y a contribuir activamente con su comunidad. Educación: Licenciado en Derecho por la Facultad de Derecho de Tulane en 1991. Asociaciones profesionales: Miembro del Colegio de Abogados del Estado de Louisiana y activo en el Colegio de Abogados de Baton Rouge y en la Asociación para la Justicia de Louisiana. Experiencia: Fundador de Murphy Law Firm, LLC, con amplia experiencia en derecho de lesiones personales y con licencia en múltiples tribunales federales y el Tribunal Supremo de los EE.UU..

Ver todas las publicaciones de Peyton Murphy →