New York SUV Rollover Accidents

Sports utility vehicles, popularly known as SUVs, have been extremely popular for the last 25 years largely due to their larger interiors that often have the option of third row seating, higher ride height, and perceived safety due to their large size. They have become particularly popular with families with children as a more stylish alternative to the traditional station wagon or minivan. Despite their perceived safety, SUVs have long had well-documented safety problems resulting from their propensity to rollover, resulting in many injuries and deaths. If you or a family member was injured in an SUV rollover accident due to the poor design of the vehicle or due to another driver's negligence, it is important to contact an experienced New York SUV Rollover Accidents Lawyer who will help ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable.

Each year thousands of people are injured in SUV accidents. Many of these accidents are at least in part due to the design of the SUV. SUVs have a much higher incidence of rollovers than sedans. Because they have a high ground clearance and tend to be tall and box-shaped, SUVs have a high center of gravity, making them more prone to roll over even in circumstances where other types of vehicles would not roll over. In addition SUVs sometimes are fitted with weak roofs that collapse during a rollover. As a result, not only are SUVs involved in more rollover accidents, the injuries of accident victims are often more severe. A rollover accident can cause serious injuries including head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, back injuries, and broken bones.

Of course not all SUV rollover accidents occur for the same reason. Some rollover accidents occur due to the poor design of the vehicle or because of a manufacturing defect. If that is the case, then the manufacturer of the vehicle may be responsible for the accident. On the other hand, just like any other vehicle accident an SUV rollover accident may occur due to the negligence of another driver. For example, if a driver of a car fails to stop at a stop sign, slams into the side of an SUV causing it to rollover, the negligence of the person driving the car caused the accident. In 2009 Frank Bruno was killed in a collision while riding in an SUV. The SUV collided with another vehicle, resulting in the SUV rolling over onto its roof. Bruno's surviving spouse filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Paul Golluscio, another occupant of the SUV. While there was conflicting testimony as to whether Bruno or Golluscio was driving the SUV, there was evidence that both Bruno, Golluscio and a third occupant of the SUV had been drinking alcohol, taking Xanax and smoking marijuana in the hours prior to the accident. Thus, it appeared as if this SUV rollover accident was caused by the negligence of the driver of the vehicle who was likely driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Bruno v. Golluscio, 2012 NY Slip Op 50372 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., 2012)

Victims injured in SUV rollover accidents and their families are often left in deep financial distress. Not only do they have significant medical bills, but their income is reduced since they are unable to work while they recover from their injuries. Holding the parties responsible for the accident will help alleviate financial stress caused by the accident. In a personal injury lawsuit or in product liability lawsuit you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering. If your loved one died in the accident, you may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Determining the cause of an SUV rollover accident may turn on complicated evidentiary issues. Thus, if you or a loved one was injured in an SUV accident it is critical to immediately contact an attorney with experience. The staff at Stephen Bilkis and Associates has extensive experience representing clients injured in SUV rollover accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, and other types of accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident.