Although improved design and technology have made motor vehicles safer, rollover accidents are still a big problem on Alabama roadways and throughout the United States. Rollovers may be caused by several factors and often result in devastating injuries and fatalities. At Moore Law Firm, our auto accident lawyers have handled hundreds of cases involving rollover crashes. We understand the complex elements involved in proving liability when these dangerous accidents happen due to someone else’s negligence.
Rollovers Are One Of The Most Dangerous Types Of Crashes
Rollovers are often violent accidents that cause catastrophic injury or death. Although rollovers account for about 3% of all serious crashes, 30% of vehicle occupant fatalities occur in rollover crashes, according to Consumer Reports. Many rollover injuries and fatalities occur due to occupants not wearing seatbelts or seatbelt malfunction, which often causes passengers to be ejected from a vehicle. Sometimes, the roof of a vehicle is crushed and collapses on impact.
Injuries Sustained In Rollover Accidents
Spinal cord injury, head injury, traumatic brain injury, broken or crushed bones, and neck injuries are often suffered by victims of rollover crashes. If the fuel system is damaged when a vehicle rolls over, fires or explosions can also cause serious burns, scarring, disfigurement, or death.
These types of injuries come at a high physical, emotional and financial cost. Victims of car rollover accidents who are severely injured may need extensive ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. They may suffer from chronic pain and permanent disability, which can impede their ability to make a living. Our auto accident lawyers at Moore Law Firm are well-versed in accurately valuing these types of personal injury claims and fight to get you the compensation you need to ensure all your physical and financial needs are covered now and in the future.
Why Do Rollover Crashes Happen?
All types of vehicles can roll over, but SUV’s, trucks, and large passenger or cargo vans, and other vehicles with high centers of gravity and narrow-track axles are particularly susceptible to rollover accidents. Rollovers, more so than other types of crashes, reflect the interaction of the driver, road, vehicle, and environmental factors. Although the type of vehicle involved can play a significant role in rollover accidents, traveling speed, driving behaviors, tire type and condition, defective parts or design, road conditions, and inclement weather can also play a part.
Tripping Accidents
Most car rollover accidents happen because of “tripping,” which occurs when a tire hits something like a bump in the road, debris, uneven terrain, or a curb. Tripping interrupts the forward motion of the vehicle, which can cause it to roll forward or sideways. According to the NHTSA, tripping is the cause of approximately 95% of all single-vehicle rollover accidents.
Driver Negligence
Most rollover accidents are single-car accidents, but they can also be caused by other negligent motorists on the road. Distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and other reckless behavior can lead to accidents even if two cars don’t collide. A driver who swerves to avoid being involved in a serious collision may run off the road and end up being injured in a rollover accident due to no fault of their own.
Defective Or Inappropriate Tires
Manufacturing defects, poor design, tread separation, over or under-inflation, worn treads, improper installation, and tires that aren’t the right size or type for a particular vehicle can also cause rollover accidents. Always make sure your tires are properly maintained and in good working order before you hit the road. If you drive a large truck, SUV or another vehicle with a high center of gravity, keep in mind that oversized or undersized tires increase the chances of your car rolling over when driving at high speeds or navigating curves. Your vehicle is tested for optimal safety based on the appropriate tire size. If your tires are too small, too large or too narrow, your car will not handle the way it was designed to and an accident could occur.
Do You Have A Rollover Accident Claim?
Whether or not you have a valid rollover accident injury claim depends on what caused the accident. In personal injury claims, you must prove that someone else’s negligence was the cause of your injuries and losses. Our auto accident attorneys offer a free, confidential initial consultation in which we listen to your story, evaluate your claim, and answer any questions you may have. We provide a straightforward assessment of your case and advise you on the most effective course of action. We may recommend pursuing compensation in a rollover accident claim if:
- The vehicle you were driving had a design or manufacturing defect
- The manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings about the potential of rollover accidents
- The accident was caused by a defective tire, seatbelt, or other faulty auto parts
- A “tripping” accident was caused by unsafe conditions that could have been prevented by a municipality or premises owner
- Another driver’s recklessness or negligence caused the rollover accident
Types Of Damages In Rollover Accident Cases
Depending on the scope of your injuries and losses and the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
How A Rollover Accident Attorney Can Help
Proving negligence in a rollover accident claim can be an uphill battle. A defendant may assert that an injured victim’s own driving maneuvers, such as making a sharp turn at high speed, caused the accident. Our seasoned legal team understands what it takes to build a solid case for compensation in rollover accident claims. These types of lawsuits require extensive investigation and may involve the expert testimony of professionals such as accident scene reconstructionists, product and design defect experts, medical specialists, and other experts.
If your injuries were caused by a defective design or product, going up against a vehicle manufacturer’s insurance company can be daunting. Our car accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in recovering compensation in all types of motor vehicle claims, but it’s about so much more than the money for us. Making things right for our clients and holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence is of the utmost importance in every single personal injury case we take. You won’t have to pay any up-front costs and our lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t collect any attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you.
Contact Our Rollover Accident Attorneys Today
At Moore Law Firm, our auto accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims reclaim their physical, emotional, and financial health after a crash. If you or someone you love has been injured in a rollover accident, call us at 251-445-7602 or contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
