Rollover accidents on the Treasure Coast: The deadly risk you can’t ignore

Rollover accidents are rare—but when they happen, the results are almost always devastating. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers account for just 2% of crashes but cause nearly 35% of all vehicle-related deaths. And here in South Florida and along the Treasure Coast, our mix of high-speed roadways, rural routes, and growing SUV traffic makes rollover accidents an especially serious threat.

In January 2025, one person died and one sustained serious injuries following a rollover crash on Southeast Village Green Drive in Port St. Lucie. In April 2025, five people died in a serious rollover crash on the Turnpike in Fort Pierce. Whether you’re commuting on I-95, traveling through St. Lucie County, or driving the back roads of Indian River County, the risk is real—and often underestimated.

In this blog, our accident attorneys share the common causes of rollover accidents, provide critical safety tips on how to survive these types of crashes, and prove the importance of always wearing your seatbelt.

What causes rollover accidents?

Rollover crashes often happen suddenly and violently, triggered by a combination of vehicle type, road conditions, and driver behavior. Common causes include:

• Tripping: The most frequent cause of rollovers, this occurs when a vehicle’s tire strikes a curb, soft shoulder, or uneven surface, causing it to tip and flip.

• High center of gravity: SUVs, trucks, and vans are particularly vulnerable to rolling due to their elevated stance.

• Speeding: Excessive speed, especially on curves or off-ramps, dramatically increases rollover risk.

• Driver overcorrection: Swerving suddenly to avoid an obstacle or veering off-road can cause a vehicle to lose balance and overturn.

• Distracted or impaired driving: Lack of attention or driving under the influence reduces control and reaction time—both of which are critical to avoiding rollovers.

On the Treasure Coast and throughout South Florida, our fast-moving traffic, sudden storms, and mix of urban and rural roads amplify these dangers.

How to survive and avoid rollover accidents

While you can’t always predict what other drivers will do, you can reduce your own risk of a rollover accident with these precautions:

• Always wear your seatbelt—no matter where you’re sitting.
• Slow down, especially on ramps, curves, or unfamiliar rural roads.
• Drive sober and alert—avoid distractions and never drive impaired.
• Avoid sudden steering maneuvers—especially at high speeds or on wet surfaces.
• Properly maintain your tires, and don’t overload your vehicle, particularly SUVs and trucks.

Being proactive behind the wheel is your best defense.

The life-saving importance of seatbelts

In rollover crashes, the biggest threat to life is ejection from the vehicle—and it happens far too often. Statistics show:

• Nearly 70% of those killed in rollover crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.
• Ejected passengers are 3 times more likely to die than those who remain restrained.
• Rear-seat passengers are significantly less likely to buckle up, yet they are just as likely to be ejected or severely injured in a rollover.

The bottom line: seatbelts save lives—no matter your age, your seat in the car, or how short the trip may be.

Why experienced representation matters after a rollover accident

If you or someone you love has been involved in a rollover crash on the Treasure Coast, your recovery is about more than just physical healing—it’s also about financial and legal justice. Rollover accidents often involve complex liability issues, including vehicle defects, poor road maintenance, or reckless driving.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we understand the serious nature of these cases and what’s at stake. Our team of experienced, aggressive personal injury attorneys fights to:

• Investigate the crash thoroughly to determine all liable parties.
• Demand full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Stand up to insurance companies who try to minimize your claim or shift blame.

We’ve represented accident victims across South Florida for over four decades—and we know how to win when it matters most.

Have you been injured or lost a loved one in a rollover accident?

Call 866-930-6435 for a free consultation with our expert rideshare accident attorneys

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a rollover accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, or surrounding areas, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact the trusted rollover accident attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd today — because your health, your rights, and your financial recovery deserve experienced, relentless representation.

Contact us today for a FREE case review by calling 866-930-6435