Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle loses balance on the road and rolls onto its side or top. These accidents may even involve a car rolling over more than one time. Rollovers are often serious car accidents, causing multiple injuries and even wrongful death to drivers and passengers inside the affected vehicles.
Because these wrecks can cause severe injuries and property damage, victims often need an experienced Dallas car accident attorney to get the compensation they deserve. Hernandez Law Group, P.C., has experience handling these cases, and we can help you fight for your rights. Contact us today for a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
Rollovers can occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases, rollover accidents may even occur due to multiple causes. Some of the factors that may contribute to a rollover accident include:
1. The design of the vehicle.
Certain types of vehicles are more prone to rollovers than others. For example, many SUVs are top-heavy, making them more likely to lose balance and flip over in certain situations.
2. Weather conditions.
Inclement weather can increase the risk of rollover accidents. For example, strong winds or icy roads may make vehicle rollovers more likely.
3. Driver error.
In some cases, the driver’s actions directly cause the rollover. For example, if the driver suddenly overcorrects on an incline, a rollover may occur.
4. Speed.
Rollovers are more likely when vehicles travel at high speeds or drivers change speed quickly.
5. Collisions.
When two vehicles collide, one vehicle may tip over and roll.
6. Alcohol use.
When drivers are under the influence of alcohol, rollover crashes are more common. In fact, alcohol is a factor in a large percentage of these accidents.
7. Poor Road Conditions
In many cases, a single-vehicle rollover crash occurs when a pothole, road crack, or other poor road conditions throw the vehicle off course.
Rollover Car Crash Statistics
According to SaferCar.gov:
- Over 90% of rollovers occur during routine maneuvers, such as driving straight or negotiating a curve.
- Almost 75 percent of rollover accidents occur in rural areas.
- Nearly 50 percent of all rollover crashes involve alcohol.
- Rollovers are more likely to result in fatalities than other types of crashes, with more than 7,600 deaths in 2010.
- Fatalities are more likely to occur in a rollover accident when drivers or passengers are not wearing a seatbelt.
Vehicles Most Likely to Roll Over
Certain vehicles are more likely to be involved in rollover crashes than others because of their design. In general, vehicles that are taller and more narrow are the most likely to be involved in a rollover crash because they have a high center of gravity. These vehicles include certain trucks, vans, and SUVs. Some makes and models are more likely to be involved in rollover crashes than others. New vehicles typically undergo tests to measure their rollover risk.
What to Do in a Rollover Accident
A rollover crash can be terrifying. However, taking the right steps during and after the crash can help you to minimize the damage.
If your vehicle starts to roll, take your hands off the steering wheel and cross your arms over your chest. Take your feet off the pedals to reduce the risk of broken ankles. Once the vehicle has stopped, try to stay as calm as possible. Check everyone in the vehicle for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
After you have called for help, try to exit the vehicle. If the vehicle is upside down, plan an exit strategy before you begin to move. Regardless of the vehicle’s landing position, turn off the engine before you attempt to exit. Help anyone remaining in the vehicle to exit, and make sure everyone stays off the road until help arrives.
As with any other accident, rollover accidents usually result in insurance claims and court cases. For this reason, it is important to document as much about the accident as possible. Be sure to call the police so an official accident report can be made. Take pictures of the wreck, and collect contact information from any other drivers or passengers involved in the crash. If you have associated medical bills or other expenses, keep careful documentation. Since insurance companies can be manipulative, make sure to contact a car accident attorney right away. The personal injury lawyers at Hernandez Law Group have experience dealing with insurance companies and have successfully litigated rollover accident cases.
Rollover Car Accident Settlements
Every rollover car accident has a cause. If you were the victim of this type of crash, you might be entitled to compensation. Rollover accident cases can be complicated, so it is important to have an experienced legal representative on your side. Hernandez Law Group, P.C. has experience litigating these cases. Our firm can help you bring home enough compensation to cover your expenses and other damages. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.
FAQs:
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. They typically result from a combination of high speed, driver error, and vehicle design (for example, top-heavy vehicles like SUVs), or when a truck hits friction or a physical barrier.
Fault in a rollover accident is determined by analyzing police reports, physical evidence from the scene, vehicle data recorders (black boxes), and witness testimony to see if it was driver negligence, another motorist’s actions, or a vehicle/part defect that caused the vehicle to flip,
Rollover collisions are violent crashes that subject occupants to multiple impacts, crushing forces, and potential ejection. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, such as:
– Traumatic brain injuries
– Spinal cord injuries
– Broken bones
– Internal injuries
– Soft tissue cuts
– Burns
Damages that injured parties can pursue are as follows:
– Economic Damages:
– Medical expenses both present and future
– Long-term care equipment
– Lost wages
– Lost earning capacity
– Property damage
-Non-Economic Damages:
– Pain and suffering
– Permanent scarring
– Disfigurement
– Loss of limb
– Physical impairments
The Statute of Limitations in Texas is two years from the date of the car accident.
