San Diego SUV Accident Lawyers
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are a popular alternative to traditional passenger cars based on their cargo space, ability to comfortably transport a large number of people, and general size. While some motorists believe that bigger is better when it comes to vehicles, particularly that a larger vehicle will provide a safer confine in the event of a traffic accident, there are design characteristics belonging to SUVs that make them even more dangerous than traditional passenger cars in some regards. Though motorists may in fact be safer while driving a larger vehicle in the event of an accident, such increased safety is in fact overshadowed by the increased probability of rollover and loss of control that may occur during such an accident.
Because of their high centers of gravity, SUVs have a higher propensity for rolling over in traffic accidents. As opposed to smaller passenger cars that are closer to the ground, SUVs cannot handle turns as well. Both of these characteristics greatly inhibit a motorist from being absolutely safe while operating an SUV. In inclement weather especially, when roads are slippery and traction is difficult to maintain, SUVs are particularly dangerous. While such dangers have been brought to the attention of SUV manufacturers, those manufacturers can still be held liable for damages resulting from accidents caused by a design flaw in the SUV. Auto product liability is an issue that affects a large number of people every year, and those responsible for design flaws need to at the very least inform consumers of the dangers to ensure that proper safety measures can be taken to help prevent accident and injury.
According to the National highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, more than 41,000 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2007, with another 2.5 million people injured. While this data represents all traffic accidents, SUVs were undoubtedly involved in some of these accidents, and the cause of accident may or may not have been due to an SUV’s design and handling ability. In the event that an individual is injured in an accident with an SUV, it is essential that an experienced San Diego SUV accident attorney is immediately consulted to ensure that the individual’s rights as a motorist are protected.
If you have been injured in a San Diego SUV accident, don’t hesitate to contact San Diego personal injury lawyer Steven Elia for a free evaluation of your case. Mr. Elia will examine the circumstances of your SUV accident, will civily prosecute the negligent party to hold them accountable, and seek compensatory damages on your behalf that can help assist with the costs associated with your accident, such as medical bills, physical therapy fees, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured, please call today.