Car accidents come in various types, each with different degrees of potential risk of injury and property damage. A rollover accident is one of the more severe and potentially catastrophic types of car accidents. In this type of accident, the vehicle tumbles once or multiple times, often posing a great danger to its driver and other occupants. With the speed and force required to make a vehicle flip over, a wide variety of injuries can result — ranging from minor bumps and contusions to broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even fatalities, leaving victims with potentially life-altering physical damage.
Understanding the severity of rollover accidents and knowing the process to follow when seeking legal assistance in pursuing compensation after such an accident is vital when you have so much, depending on the outcome of your situation. With the help of the right lawyer, you can be assured that your rights will be protected, and you will have a strong opportunity to seek the desired result. Having a knowledgeable Murrieta car accident attorney who can lead you in the right direction and advocate on your behalf if your claim ends up in litigation is always your best option.
If you have suffered an injury in a rollover accident, don’t miss your chance to obtain the compensation you need to help ease the physical and financial burdens you have been left to carry. Put yourself in a position of strength by contacting a lawyer with experience helping people like you who suffered an injury in rollover accidents pursue the resolutions they deserve. Continue reading below to learn more about rollover car accidents, and then contact a skilled lawyer today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Overview of Rollover Accidents
As stated above, rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, frequently resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for those involved. Rollover accidents often happen when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed is put in a position that causes it to flip over on its side or roof, sometimes rolling multiple times before coming to rest. Sharp turns, collisions with other vehicles, road hazards, or sudden attempts to avoid what is ahead can result in rollover accidents. Specific types of vehicles, such as SUVs and large trucks, are often more prone to rolling over due to having high centers of gravity. Understanding the causes and the common injuries suffered by people involved in rollover accidents can be helpful when preparing to seek legal counsel or pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Though a wide range of circumstances can cause a rollover accident, there are several common situations that can lead to such a crash. Some of the most common causes of rollover accidents include:
- Driver Behavior: Speeding, sharp turns, sudden swerves.
- Vehicle Characteristics: Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, have higher centers of gravity, making them more susceptible to rolling over.
- Road Conditions: Slick roads, uneven terrain, or sharp curves.
- Collisions: Impact from vehicles and other objects.
- Defective Parts: Mechanical issues resulting from fault suspensions or brakes can cause rollover accidents.
Being aware of these causes can help you and your attorney work to determine liability for your wreck and strengthen your rollover accident claim.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Rollover Accidents
As mentioned above, rollover car accidents often result in some of the most severe injuries simply due to the inherently violent and forceful impact of the crashes. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered by people involved in rollover accidents include:
Bone Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, vertebrae, and other body parts can suffer fractures.- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs, nerve damage, and paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Skull fractures, concussions, and more severe brain damage.
- Psychological Damage: Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and more.
No matter the type of injury you suffered or its severity, you have the right to take legal action to hold the responsible party accountable for the harm they caused. These injuries can require short-term, long-term, or even permanent medical care, making the need for financial compensation even more important following your rollover accident.
Determining Liability in Rollover Accidents
As in other personal injury cases in general and car accident claims specifically, determining liability is one of the most important aspects of the process. Depending on the specific circumstances in a rollover car accident, liability may rest on the driver of another vehicle, the vehicle’s manufacturer, or even a third party. Negligence on the part of the driver of the other vehicle is commonly a major factor, but defective car parts, failure to maintain roadways, and other circumstances can also be considered. Through thorough investigation, your lawyer will work to learn the details of your accident to identify the responsible party (or parties) and proceed accordingly.
Filing an Insurance Claim
After a car accident, filing an insurance claim is one of the first and most important steps to take when pursuing compensation for your injuries. The insurance filing process begins when you notify your insurance provider and submit the appropriate paperwork to initiate a claim. It typically includes a police report, medical records, and repair estimates. Depending on the specific circumstances of your accident, you may also need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance provider if the other vehicle caused the crash. Your rollover accident attorney will guide you through properly filing your insurance claim and lead you into the communication and negotiation phases.
Dealing with Insurers
Dealing with insurance companies can be a stressful and frustrating experience. Though insurance providers are often helpful and professional, it is always important to remember that these companies will prioritize their profits, making minimizing your payout the top priority. Some of the more common tactics used by insurers to reach this goal include making low-ball settlement offers, questioning the severity of a claimant’s injuries, and delaying responses. Any communication with insurance providers should be done carefully and fully documented. When you have an experienced lawyer on your side, you can rely on your legal representation to handle all interactions with insurers and prevent you from falling prey to any tricks.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Rollover Accident
Hiring a knowledgeable car accident lawyer immediately following your rollover accident is vital for your efforts to seek fair financial compensation for the harm you have suffered. Attorneys provide critical support in multiple ways, including:
- Navigating the legal process
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Gathering evidence
- Maximizing potential compensation
- Representation in court
In the aftermath of your rollover accident, you are left dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial stress resulting from your injuries. Having a skilled lawyer to advocate on your behalf can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your physical recovery while your attorney takes some of the stress off of your shoulders.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Rollover Accident
When insurance claims, and other attempts to resolve the situation following your rollover accident fail to provide you with the solution you are looking for, there may be a point when your lawyer determines that filing a lawsuit against the responsible party is your best option. Filing a lawsuit will allow you to pursue the compensation you deserve to help relieve the financial burden created by your medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Though taking legal action may seem daunting, having an experienced lawyer in your corner can give you peace of mind that your case will be handled well.
When Legal Action Becomes Necessary
When you are unable to secure satisfactory compensation through other means — including insurance settlement negotiations — legal action may be necessary. If an insurance company denies liability and claim, will not give anything beyond insufficient offers, or disputes the severity of your injuries, your legal counsel may advise you that filing a lawsuit is your next course of action. If your injuries are significant enough to require long-term or permanent medical care, your financial needs may be larger than what an insurance settlement can cover, making filing a lawsuit after your rollover accident the best option to reach the outcome you are looking for.
Steps in the Legal Process
The process of filing a lawsuit after your rollover car accident involves several steps. You can rely on your lawyer’s guidance as you make your way through the following phases of the legal process:
- Initial investigation
- Filing an official complaint
- Discovery
- Out-of-court settlement negotiations
- Preparation for trial
- Trial before a judge or jury
Each phase of the process is a vital part of your pursuit of compensation. Though the legal process may seem overwhelming at its onset, you can be confident that your rollover accident attorney will explain each step and provide the insight and advice needed to move in the right direction.
The Timeline of a Lawsuit
As with most legal matters, the timeline of a rollover accident lawsuit can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of your situation. In most cases, the standard steps of the legal process listed above — filing a complaint, discovery, and negotiations — can take several months. If negotiations fail to prove fruitful and the case goes to trial, the preparation for the trial and the trial itself can take several more months, with some cases even lasting for a year or more. The complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and other factors can make the case take longer due to various delays. Though it can be a lengthy process, it is important to keep in mind that the outcome you need is worth the wait.
Potential Outcomes
Legal cases stemming from rollover car accidents can lead to several different results. In some cases, the parties involved in the lawsuit can reach a settlement agreement before the case reaches trial, allowing plaintiffs the chance to obtain compensation without enduring a lengthy court battle. If a case proceeds to trial, the outcome will rely on the strength of the evidence and arguments presented before the judge and/or jury. The court may rule in your favor and award you the compensation you seek, but there is also the possibility that the court will rule against you, leaving you without compensation. An attorney who can advocate for you in court is a key element to consider if your case goes to court. Your attorney will explain each potential outcome to you and answer any questions you may have as you work together to build a strong case and reach the most favorable outcome available.
Reach Out to an Experienced Rollover Accident Lawyer Today
No matter what type of injury you sustained in your rollover accident — something relatively minor or far more severe and life-changing — you have the right to take legal action to pursue compensation and hold the responsible party accountable for the harm they have caused you. Hiring the right Murrieta personal injury lawyer to represent you is the first critical step to take as you explore potential solutions to your situation. In addition to skilled legal guidance, having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner can provide you with confidence and much-needed peace of mind as you continue to recover from your physical injuries.
Christopher C. Walton, Murrieta Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced rollover accident lawyer can provide the support and pursue the compensation you need. They have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding these types of accidents and can handle the legal system.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in a rollover accident, you can’t afford to attempt to navigate the complicated legal landscape on your own. Doing so would put you at risk of settling for far less monetary compensation than you deserve — or, even worse, no compensation. Your best action is to work with an experienced car accident lawyer to get the counsel and advocacy you need following your rollover accident. A successful accident claim can compensate you for your medical bills, cover lost income, and repair property damage. Contact a lawyer today to schedule a consultation and get started.