While a selling point of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) often includes the safety afforded by its size and power, SUVs are actually more at risk for rollover accidents than other non-commercial vehicles. Due to its high center of gravity and the short distance between its left and right wheels, the SUV is top heavy, making it less stable and more likely to rollover when turning. In a rollover accident, the roof of an SUV will often collapse inward, leading to serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and wrongful death for its occupants.
HOW ARE SUV ROLLOVER RATINGS DETERMINED?
According to U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines the rollover ratings for SUVs using a series of tests and a five-star rating system. The tests and rating system are used to tell how well the vehicles are equipped to avoid rollovers and limit damage if involved in a rollover accident, including measuring the SUV’s roof integrity against roof-crush standards and confirming required safety features, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), meet industry regulations.
THE BEST SUV ROLLOVER RATINGS IN 2013
No 2013 SUV rated by the NHTSA received a rollover rating higher than four out of five stars. Some of the four-star rated SUVs on the list include:
- 2013 Acura MDX
- 2013 Volvo XC90
- 2013 Audi Q5
- 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2013 BMW X5
- 2013 Infiniti JX
- 2013 Buick Enclave
- 2013 Toyota Sequoia
- 2013 Hyundai Tucson
- 2013 Nissan Murano
THE WORST SUV ROLLOVER RATINGS IN 2013
The lowest rollover rating given by the NHTSA to a 2013 SUV was three out of five stars. Some of the SUVs that were rated three-stars include:
- 2013 Toyota 4Runner
- 2013 Cadillac Escalade
- 2013 Jeep Patriot
- 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2013 Nissan Armada
There were also 2013 SUVs included that did not receive a rollover rating by the NHTSA, such as:
- 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2013 Land Rover LR2
- 2013 Acura RDX
- 2013 Volvo XC70
- 2013 Porsche Cayenne
WHAT CAN I DO IF MY SUV HAS A POOR ROLLOVER RATING?
If your SUV has received a poor rollover rating, check with the NHTSA to get a better idea about your options. If you or your family has already been the victims of a rollover accident in a poorly rated SUV, we may be able to help. Our Nashville injury lawyer has the experience, knowledge, skills and resources to guide you through the legal process of bringing those responsible for your pain and suffering to justice, as well as recovering the compensation you and your family need to get your life back on track.
More information and free attorney advice for SUV rollover accident victims is available if you call us today at (615) 866-3938.