Factors That Raise the Risk of a Rollover Crash in New Jersey

Rollover crashes are among the most devastating types of car accidents, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers account for nearly 30% of all passenger vehicle fatalities, despite making up a small percentage of total crashes. These accidents are particularly dangerous due to the force of impact and the potential for occupants to be ejected from the vehicle.

In New Jersey, specific road conditions, driving behaviors, and vehicle types contribute to rollover accidents. Understanding these risk factors can help drivers take precautions and reduce the likelihood of a life-altering crash. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident, knowing your legal rights under New Jersey personal injury laws is crucial.

What Is a Rollover Crash?

A rollover crash occurs when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, often due to a loss of control or impact on another object. Rollovers are classified into two main types:

Tripped Rollovers

Tripped rollovers happen when an external force causes a vehicle to lose balance. This could include:

• Colliding with another vehicle – Side-impact crashes can cause cars, especially SUVs and trucks, to tip over.
• Striking a curb, guardrail, or median – These sudden elevation changes can destabilize a vehicle.
• Hitting soft soil, gravel, or ditches – Uneven road conditions can make a car skid and overturn.

Untripped Rollovers

These rollovers happen without an external object causing the flip. Instead, they result from:

• Sharp turns taken at high speeds
• Sudden overcorrections by a driver
• Vehicles with a high center of gravity, like SUVs and vans

Common Causes of Rollover Crashes in New Jersey

Several factors contribute to rollover crashes, many of which are preventable with careful driving and vehicle maintenance.

High Speeds and Aggressive Maneuvers

Speeding plays a role in most rollover crashes. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) reports that rollovers are more likely to occur on highways due to excessive speed. Sudden lane changes and sharp turns at high speeds increase the risk of tipping over.

Vehicle Type Matters

Certain vehicles are more prone to rollovers due to their design. SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans have a higher center of gravity, making them unstable during rapid movements. New Jersey Turnpike accidents involving SUVs are disproportionately high, partly due to this risk factor.

Road Conditions in New Jersey

The state’s road conditions can contribute to rollover accidents, including:

• Uneven pavement and potholes – Common in urban areas like Newark and Jersey City.
• Narrow and winding roads – Found in rural parts of the state, increasing the risk of losing control.
• Poor weather conditions – Snow, rain, and ice make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of rollovers.

Distracted or Impaired Driving

A New Jersey State Police report found that distracted driving was the leading cause of fatal crashes in 2023. A moment of inattention—such as texting or adjusting the radio—can cause a driver to veer off the road and rollover.

Similarly, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making rollovers more likely. New Jersey has strict DUI laws, and anyone caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher faces severe penalties.

Tire and Vehicle Maintenance Issues

Underinflated or worn-out tires can cause instability and increase the likelihood of rollovers. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:3-72) requires vehicles to be maintained in a safe condition, including properly inflated and treaded tires.

Safety Tips to Prevent Rollover Crashes

While some accidents are unavoidable, drivers can take steps to reduce the risk of a rollover crash:

• Obey speed limits, especially on curves and ramps.
• Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers—overcorrection can lead to loss of control.
• Check your tires regularly to ensure proper inflation and tread depth.
• Distribute vehicle weight evenly—avoid overloading the top of SUVs or pickup trucks.
• Always wear a seatbelt—unrestrained passengers are more likely to be ejected in a rollover.
• Stay focused on the road—avoid distractions like texting, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems.
• Drive cautiously in bad weather—rain, snow, and ice make roads more hazardous.

Notable Rollover Cases in New Jersey

One of the most tragic rollover accidents in recent New Jersey history occurred on the Garden State Parkway in 2023. Jessica Molina Colmenares, a 21-year-old woman, lost her life when her SUV rolled over near Exit 58. The accident caused severe traffic delays and also resulted in a second crash involving a police officer responding to the scene. You can read more about this case here.

This case highlights how rollover crashes can lead to multiple incidents, further endangering drivers, passengers, and first responders.

Contact a Rollover Crash Attorney to Protect Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. New Jersey has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims—generally two years from the date of the accident (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2), so it’s crucial to act quickly.

At Rosengard Law Group, our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for victims of rollover crashes. We understand the complexities of New Jersey’s accident laws and will work to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a FREE consultation: (856) 284-6446

We operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.