On June 17th, 2024, ABC Chicago reported that two people were killed and two others suffered serious injuries in a rollover crash in Cook County. The catastrophic crash happened in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. The precise cause of the incident is unknown. Law enforcement is still investigating the crash. Within this article, our Chicago car accident lawyer explains what we know about the crash and highlights the risk of rollover collisions.
Fatal Rollover Accident Reported in Chicago
Unfortunately, a deadly rollover crash was recently reported in Southwest Chicago, in the area of the Little Village neighborhood. The catastrophic collision was reported in the very early hours of the morning of June 16th. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. Both were passengers in the vehicle. Two other people were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. According to a spokesperson from the Chicago Police Department, the rollover crash happened near the intersection of West 26th Street and South California Boulevard. The cause of a fatal rollover collision was not immediately clear. There is still a comprehensive investigation.
Rollovers are Among the Most Dangerous Crashes
Rollover accidents are considered one of the most hazardous types of vehicle crashes. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents are responsible for a highly disproportionate share of roadway fatalities. These incidents happen when a vehicle flips over its side or roof. The dynamics of rollover crashes can lead to multiple impacts—potentially with the ground, other vehicles, and stationary objects.
SUVs are More Susceptible to Rolling Over in a Wreck
Although it is possible for any motor vehicle to “rollover,” sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are far more susceptible to being involved in a rollover collision. The primary reason for this is that SUVs have a higher center of gravity when compared to sedans and other types of low-profile vehicles. While modern SUVs are far safer than SUVs from several decades past, their elevated center of gravity still makes them comparably less stable when making sharp turns or during sudden directional changes,
The Most Common Reasons Why Rollover Accidents Happen
As scary and dangerous as they are, the good news is that rollover accidents are largely preventable. Indeed, the vast majority of rollover collisions can be avoided with the proper safety precautions. These crashes can happen for a wide range of different reasons—but most rollover crashes share a common characteristic: Negligence. In Illinois, negligence is defined as the failure to take due care. Some of the leading causes of vehicle rollovers in Chicago include:
- Excessive Speed: Speeding is a major contributing factor in many rollover accidents. High speeds can exacerbate the effects of other issues—from suspect vehicle design or sharp turns. The higher the speed, the greater the risk of a rollover crash.
- Sharp Turns/Sudden Maneuvers: Taking turns too sharply or executing sudden maneuvers can cause the vehicle to tip. It is especially true for taller vehicles that are less stable laterally. Quick changes in direction at high speeds can contribute to rollovers.
- Poor Road Conditions: Slippery roads, uneven surfaces, or unexpected obstacles can contribute to rollover accidents. When drivers encounter these conditions, especially at high speeds, it may force a sudden adjustment in steering or braking.
- Tire Failure: A sudden tire blowout can dramatically alter the trajectory and stability of a vehicle, particularly at highway speeds. The sudden loss of support on one side of the vehicle can lead to a tilt and potentially a rollover if not managed correctly.
- Vehicle Defects: Certain types of vehicles are more prone to rollovers due to their structural characteristics. In some cases, a manufacturer defect may make a certain class of vehicle more susceptible to rollover accidents. In some cases, a vehicle defect can turn what would have been an otherwise modest crash into a catastrophic rollover accident.
Manufacturers Must Ensure Vehicles are Too Dangerous for Consumers (Rollover Risk)
Vehicle manufacturers bear a critical responsibility in ensuring that the vehicles they produce adhere to stringent safety standards to mitigate rollover risks. It is imperative that designs incorporate a lower center of gravity and enhanced stability features, particularly for SUVs and other higher-profile vehicles that are more susceptible to rollovers. Here is the law:
- In Illinois, a vehicle manufacturer can be held legally responsible for a rollover accident that 1) Happened because of vehicle defect, or 2) Was made worse by a vehicle defect.
These claims fall under product liability law. Even after a single vehicle rollover crash, a motorist may have a defective product claim against a vehicle manufacturer. As these are exceptionally complex cases, it is imperative that all serious rollover accidents in Illinois are investigated by an experienced attorney. A lawyer can determine the cause of the crash and identify every option for pursuing justice and financial compensation.
How Our Chicago Car Crash Attorneys Can Help
Were you or a family member hurt in a rollover crash? It is normal to have a ton of questions about your case, including about your rights and your options. Insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible in the claims. Victims need justice. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our team of Chicago attorneys go above and beyond to provide personalized legal guidance and support. With a successful history of verdicts and settlements, we are here to protect your rights and interests.
Set Up a Free Consultation With a Top-Tier Chicago Auto Accident Lawyer Today
At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago auto accident attorney has the skills and experience to handle rollover accident claims. If you or your family member suffered a bad injury in a rollover crash, we are here as a legal resource that you can trust. Get in touch with us today for a free, fully confidential initial case review. With a law office in Chicago, we handle rollover crash claims across the area, including in Cook County, Will County, Lake County, and DuPage County.