A car’s center of gravity can increase the risk of a rollover accident. For example, SUVs and light trucks are more prone to rollover accidents because they have a higher center of gravity than other passenger cars. Although the manufacturer of the cars must properly design the vehicle, the car’s driver must also act safely to minimize the risk of a rollover accident. They can increase the hazard by being dangerous themselves behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation when someone else was to blame for the accident. You should always hire a car accident lawyer to determine if you have a claim and fight for you during your legal case.
Why Rollover Accidents Are So Deadly
Rollover accidents have a very high fatality rate compared to other car accidents. These crashes often occur at high speeds, and there is little that you can do to avoid this type of accident. Because of the speed and physics of a rollover accident, you may not even be protected from severe injury if you wear a seatbelt. The force of the accident can still result in the occupants being ejected from the vehicle.
Then, other nearby cars may also become involved in the crash. The vehicle that rolls over may go into the path of other vehicles. These cars can strike the rolled-over vehicle at a very high speed, or the drivers may lose control.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents often have speed as a factor. The driver may have been going too fast for the conditions, and they can lose control of the vehicle. There is a particular danger of a rollover accident when the driver approaches a curve at a higher speed. The driver may brake suddenly at the last second, or they may be going too fast when they try to navigate the curve.
Tire blowouts can also cause a rollover accident. When a car suddenly loses a tire, the center of gravity shifts dramatically. The driver may be unable to pull their car to safety, and they may be involved in a rollover accident before they fully realize what has happened.
You may also be injured in a rollover crash when another driver has cut you off in traffic. For example, you may roll your vehicle when you have to take quick evasive action. In many cases, you may be unable to locate the other driver because they have not remained at the scene and may not even know that they have caused a car accident.
Who Is Responsible for a Rollover Accident?
In most cases, the driver of the car that rolled over will be the one to blame for the crash. Likely, they have done something wrong to lose control of their vehicle and will be responsible for any injuries to victims. There may be others who can be to blame for a rollover accident. For example, if the accident resulted from a vehicle defect, you can sue the manufacturer or seller of the car in a product liability lawsuit. Alternatively, poor road design may have caused or contributed to the rollover accident. In such cases, you can sue the government or engineer responsible for the road.
How to Obtain Compensation for a Rollover Accident
Typically, you will file a claim with an insurance company to get a settlement check for your rollover accident injuries. If you have the information for the driver who was to blame for the accident, you will file a claim against their insurance policy. Alternatively, you can file a lawsuit against the responsible party in court.
If you cannot locate the other driver involved in the accident, you can file a claim against your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. Your insurance company will cover damages when there is no other insurance policy against which you can file a claim. You can also file a claim against your underinsured motorist coverage when the other driver does not have enough insurance to pay for your injuries.
How Much Is My Rollover Case Worth?
The amount of your settlement check for a rollover car accident is directly related to your injuries. The more severe your injuries, the more compensation you can receive. Of course, the responsible driver must have the insurance coverage necessary to pay for your injuries (your underinsured motorist coverage can also pay for your damages).
Your rollover accident compensation can include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Embarrassment and humiliation
- Scarring and disfigurement
Compensation after a rollover crash can be substantial. A car accident attorney can determine how much compensation you should receive before they go to bat for you against the insurance company.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
In any type of motor vehicle crash case, you need the help of an experienced car accident attorney to represent you every step of the way. When you have suffered a severe injury, your need for legal help is even more pronounced.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs. Instead, they receive a percentage of your settlement or court award.If you don’t win your case, you don’t owe attorney’s fees. However, you may still be responsible for certain case-related expenses like court filing fees or expert witness costs. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations where you can discuss your case and understand their fee structure before making any commitments. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to accident victims regardless of their financial situation.
Your car accident attorney can gather the proof you need to show that the other driver was negligent and owes you money. Along the way, they will remove any barriers to compensation that the insurance company is putting in your way. They may negotiate a settlement with the insurance company on your behalf, using the threat of litigation to persuade the insurance company to pay you more damages.
If you have not yet called a car accident lawyer, now is the time. Time is money in any car accident case. The longer you wait to hire a car accident attorney, the harder your legal case may become.