Rollover accidents are some of the smallest percentages on the road, but they are one of the highest reasons for fatalities in car accidents. In terms of severity, rollover accidents only come behind head-on collisions, and it doesn’t matter what vehicle you are in. A car accident can leave someone not just with physical injuries but psychological trauma that can be life-altering. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident, you can consult with an experienced attorney on the following steps.
Causes of Rollover accidents
A rollover is an accident in which a vehicle tips or flips over either onto its roof or side.
Rollover accidents are commonly single-car crashes with other factors leading up to the crash. However, rollover accidents really reflect the interaction of the driver, road, vehicle, and any environmental factors involved. Driver error remains the most common reason for a rollover, but it doesn’t mean that it’s the only reason when it's a single-car crash. Road conditions or vehicle malfunctions could lead up to the rollover, and it takes a thorough investigation to establish the root cause of the rollover.
Common causes for a rollover can include:
- Taking a turn too sharply at high speed
- Fatigue or intoxication
- Falling down an embankment
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Tire failure
- Icy or wet road conditions
- Debris or potholes that cause the car to “trip”
Vehicle Risk Factors
Any vehicle can roll over, but the most susceptible vehicles have a high center of gravity, such as trucks or SUVs.
In the right conditions, any vehicle has the potential to roll over in a significant accident, but pickup trucks and SUVs are more susceptible to them because:
- They have a high center of gravity
- The distance between the right and left tires is more narrow
- More common on rural roads
Center of Gravity
A vehicle’s center of gravity is the most vital component in a rollover accident. A rollover accident is really dependent on the center of gravity in relation to the tires, including how much traction the wheels have on the road. Large vehicles such as trucks and SUVs usually have a high center of gravity from their tires, and so are involved in more rollover crashes than smaller vehicles.
Vehicle Maintenance
Preventing rollover accidents starts with proper vehicle maintenance. Ensuring regular tire maintenance, like checking tire inflation pressure, is crucial to prevent instability on the road, which can lead to rollovers. Checking that your car has the minimum recommended Electronic Stability Control specs is crucial in preventing rollover accidents. Even if your vehicle is older, it’s essential that with maintenance and updated technologies, you do everything that you can to prevent a rollover accident.
Injuries Sustained in Rollover Accidents
When passengers are in a rollover accident, their bodies are put through a tremendous amount of force and are violently thrown around in the car while the vehicle is flipping. The force exerted during a rollover accident can easily break bones, cause spinal cord injuries, and eject passengers from the vehicle.
Head and Neck Injuries
Head and neck injuries are the most common injuries sustained in rollover accidents. The violent and unpredictable flipping of the vehicle can cause passengers to hit their heads against the roof, windows, or the steering wheel. This can lead to concussions, whiplash, or other injuries because of the violent way a person’s head may be thrown around.
Broken Bones
The force exerted during a rollover accident can easily break bones. Arms and legs are the most susceptible as they are often thrown against a vehicle's interior as it flips. Broken bones may require surgery to heal; sometimes, they leave the injured with scarring and long-term limitations.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The most severe outcome of a rollover accident is spinal cord injuries. Rollover accidents inflict intense force and unnatural movements on the spine that range in severity from fractures to complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can lead to long-term suffering and lifelong rehabilitation. Through focused, intense, and lifelong therapy, those who have suffered a spinal cord injury from a rollover may find hope for regaining a level of independence.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. These types of injuries are severe, and you must seek immediate medical attention after a rollover accident, even if you feel like you are not injured. The consequences of internal injuries could be severe if left untreated.
Steps To Take After a Rollover Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident, it’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed, but it’s essential to know the first steps you should take immediately following the accident.
Prioritize your safety and assess your injuries
- Immediately after a rollover accident, assess your physical injuries and determine if it’s safe for you to move. Keep movement minimal, administer first aid where you can, and wait for emergency services.
Leave the vehicle and move to a secure location
- A rollover accident poses a risk of fire or explosion. You should exit the vehicle and move at least 100 feet away when you can.
Call for emergency services
- Emergency services can send police for the accident and medical services to assess your condition. Emergency services provide the necessary documentation for your case.
Exchange information and gather evidence
- Gathering contact details and insurance information from anyone involved is crucial for your claims. The police officer on the scene may facilitate exchanging contact information and details, but you should gather it yourself if they don't.
- If you can do so safely, you should also collect your evidence. Photographs of the accident, obstacles in the road, weather conditions, and the vehicles involved will help your attorney as they build the case for your claims. Taking witness statements on the scene is unnecessary, but gathering their contact information will allow your attorney to reach out for statements afterward.
Report the incident to your insurance
- Calling your insurance company to report the accident is the trickiest part of this process. Just because they are your insurance provider doesn’t mean they are on your side. The insurance adjuster will use anything you say to reduce your claim value and pay as little as possible.
- Keep your statement strictly factual about the accident, and consult with an experienced attorney before you sign anything or give an official statement.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer
- An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights following a rollover accident. Rollover accidents can leave survivors with severe injuries, PTSD, and years of rehabilitation. In some cases, survivors can suffer permanent injuries that could prevent survivors from working. An experienced legal team can help you and your loved ones in the initial days after the accident and as they file a claim to recover compensation.
Rollover Prevention Tips
The devastating statistics of rollover accidents really highlight how violent they can be. Rollover accidents only make up about 3% of accidents, but 30% of passenger fatalities occur because of those rollovers. Although modern vehicles are designed to prevent rollovers, they still happen with poorly loaded cargo, bad wheel traction, or certain collisions that make it possible.
Considering that the majority of rollovers are single-car accidents, it can potentially be within our control to prevent them from happening. The following prevention tips can help keep you and your family safe.
- Keep your vehicle up to date on safety regulations
- Check tires frequently
- Stay within load ratings and place the heaviest cargo low to the floor
- Don’t speed
- Don’t panic or overcompensate when steering
- Be cautious on rural highways
Anything to prevent you from experiencing a rollover is worth it. Some crashes are not our fault, but when and where you can prevent them, you should.
Seek Legal Help After a Rollover Accident
We can do everything we can to prevent a rollover accident, but even the most cautious and experienced drivers can suffer significant injuries due to the negligent actions of others. When you or a loved one is in a rollover accident, you must know where you can turn for help. Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, we have seen the life-long suffering, physical, mental, and financial, that our clients go through.
Car accident victims have a legal right to financial compensation, but you must establish negligence on the other driver’s part. Our team can help you understand your legal options, and through a lawsuit, we can seek your total compensation for any damages. We know that without an experienced legal team, you could leave significant sums of money on the table and potentially leave your family in financial trouble. With mounting medical bills and potentially years of rehabilitation, you and your loved ones deserve financial stability and compassionate help after a rollover accident. Contact Richard Schwartz and Associates by visiting us online or by calling (601) 988-8888 to get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a rollover accident?
During a crash, when a vehicle tips on its side or rolls onto the roof, that is known as a rollover accident.
What are my rights in a rollover accident?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover you have the right to seek legal representation with an experienced car accident attorney to collect financial compensation for any injuries and damages your family has suffered. Seeking compensation from the at-fault party could be for medical expenses, lost wages, damages or pain and suffering.
Who is liable for damages in a rollover accident?
If you’re in a rollover accident your auto insurance may cover the damage depending on your coverage. If the rollover was caused by another driver their insurance should pay for the damages. However other third parties may be held liable for the damages and with an experienced lawyer conducting a thorough investigation you will be able to recover maximum compensation for the damages you and your family may have suffered.
How can I prevent rollover accidents?
Preventing a rollover starts with safe driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance.
- Slow Down & stay focused
- Maintain your tires
- Don’t overload your car
What are the common causes of rollover accidents?
Rollover accidents are more common as a single car accident, so preventing a rollover starts with safe driving habits by the drivers. The most common causes of rollovers are:
- Speeding
- Inclement weather
- Tire Failure
Are certain vehicles more prone to rollovers?
A rollover accident is possible with any type of vehicle but SUVs, and trucks are more prone to rollover during a crash.
What are the most common injuries in a rollover accident?
Rollover accidents leave passengers with severe injuries due to the violent force that is inflicted on them. The most common injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
Injuries in a rollover accident aren’t just physical. The most common injury that is left unseen is PTSD. Rollover accidents are frightening to experience and can leave survivors with lasting trauma that can even give them night terrors. Compassionate legal representation will help you on your way to healing.
Can rollover accidents be fatal?
Rollover accidents are, unfortunately, some of the most fatal accidents on the road. Falling just behind head-on collisions and fixed object collisions are the most fatal accidents, but they only make up 3% of all accidents on the road.
What steps should I take after a rollover accident?
After a rollover accident, you should ensure your safety and well-being. Your health is a top priority. After a rollover, you should:
- Move away from your vehicle
- Seek medical attention
- Gather evidence
- Contact your insurance provider
- Seek legal representation
Can I file a lawsuit after a rollover accident?
You can file a lawsuit after a rollover accident if you can prove that someone or something was at fault for the rollover. It’s recommended that you file the lawsuit immediately after the accident and work with an experienced lawyer. A lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair and maximum compensation.
