A rollover car accident has the potential to be deadly. This is especially true if the vehicle flips multiple times before stopping.
The NHTSA has reported that while rollover crashes are not as common as other types, they do lead to more fatalities.
At Mooney Law, we understand how rollover accidents occur and the potential damage and injuries they may cause. Our experienced rollover car accident lawyers in Carlisle are here to help victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve.
Understanding the Dynamics of Rollover Accidents
Vehicle Type and Design
Certain vehicles, like SUVs and pickups, are more susceptible to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity. This attribute makes them less stable in high-speed maneuvers or sharp turns than lower-profile cars.
Speed and Driver Control
Excessive speed significantly contributes to rollover accidents. High-speed conditions reduce a driver’s reaction time and vehicle control, especially on curves or during evasive maneuvers, leading to a potential loss of control and subsequent rollover.
Road Conditions and Layout
Poor road conditions, such as uneven surfaces, loose gravel, and lack of proper signage, can trigger a rollover. Sharp turns, especially on rural roads with higher posted speeds, increase the risk of vehicles tipping and rolling over.
Tire Failure and Maintenance Issues
Improperly maintained or defective tires can cause sudden blowouts, leading to loss of control and rollovers. Similarly, inadequate vehicle maintenance can result in mechanical failures that prompt such accidents.
Environmental Factors
Adverse weather conditions, including icy or wet roads, can reduce tire traction and vehicle stability, increasing the likelihood of rollover accidents. Strong crosswinds are particularly hazardous for high-profile vehicles.
Driver Behavior
Distractions, impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, and aggressive driving behaviors like sudden lane changes or speeding are significant human factors in rollover incidents.
What Vehicles Are Most Likely to Be Involved in Rollover Accidents?
Vehicles with a higher propensity for involvement in rollover accidents typically share certain design characteristics or are utilized in ways that push their stability limits. Based on safety assessments and accident statistics, here’s a list of vehicle types that are most prone to rollovers:
- Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs): These vehicles have a higher center of gravity due to their elevated chassis designed for off-road capabilities, making them more susceptible to rollovers in sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Pickup Trucks: Similar to SUVs, pickups are at greater risk because of their higher center of gravity and often heavier loads, which can shift and contribute to loss of stability and control.
- Vans: Especially those with a high top, such as passenger or cargo vans, which are higher off the ground and subject to load variations that can affect stability.
- Commercial Trucks: Large, heavy commercial vehicles, including semis and tractor-trailers, can be prone to rollover accidents when improperly loaded or when navigating sharp turns at unsafe speeds.
- Minivans: While generally safer, minivans can still be at risk due to their family-oriented design that accommodates higher passenger and cargo loads, potentially affecting the vehicle’s center of gravity.
By nature of their design and common use, these vehicle types are more frequently involved in rollover accidents than lower-profile cars.
Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents
Rollover car accidents are notorious for the serious and often life-threatening injuries they can inflict on occupants.
The nature of these accidents means that the types of injuries can range widely in severity, from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic harm. Here are some of the most common injuries reported in rollover accidents:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The violent shaking and impact in a rollover accident can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result from the force exerted on the spine during a rollover, potentially leading to paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The intense force and pressure exerted on the body in a rollover can lead to broken bones and fractures, often requiring surgical intervention and lengthy recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a rollover can cause internal organs to be bruised or punctured, leading to internal bleeding and requiring immediate medical attention.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Glass from shattered windows, metal from the car’s frame, and even personal belongings can cause serious cuts and scrapes during a rollover accident.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other neck and back injuries are common due to the sudden, jarring movements of a rollover crash.
Victims of rollover accidents may face a long road to recovery, dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of their injuries. If you are involved in a rollover accident, seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
Understanding Liability in Rollover Accidents
When you contact our Carlisle rollover accident attorneys, you can feel confident we will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine the party or parties at fault.
The process we use to determine liability includes:
Evaluating Driver Behavior
Our initial step involves looking into the conduct of all individuals involved. We scrutinize for any indications of reckless or negligent driving—speeding, driving under the influence, or daydreaming—that might have led to the mishap.
Assessing Vehicle Conditions
We then shift our focus to the state of the vehicles involved in the accident. Our investigation targets potential maintenance oversights or manufacturing defects that could have contributed to the rollover, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Investigating Road and Environmental Circumstances
Understanding the role of road conditions is critical. We evaluate whether poor upkeep or inherent design issues contributed to the accident. Similarly, we consider environmental elements like adverse weather or unforeseen road obstacles that may have influenced the accident’s outcome.
Our attorneys will evaluate the available information and evidence to understand what happened before the rollover. We work to identify the responsible parties and secure the compensation and justice our clients deserve.
How Mooney Law Can Assist with Your Rollover Accident Claim
Here’s how we stand by your side throughout the process:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Our initial step involves reviewing your case. We assess all aspects of the accident to determine the viability of your claim and the best strategy moving forward.
- Expert Investigation: We use our resources to investigate your accident. This includes gathering evidence, consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts, and identifying all potential sources of liability.
- Timely Legal Action: Understanding the critical importance of timing, we ensure all necessary legal actions are taken within Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations. Our proactive approach aims to preserve your right to claim compensation.
- Skilled Negotiation: With a solid foundation of evidence and legal expertise, we negotiate assertively with insurance companies and opposing counsel. We work to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages without needing a lengthy court battle.
- Courtroom Representation: Our trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. We are committed to advocating passionately on your behalf, leveraging our trial experience to seek the best possible outcome.
- Personalized Support: Throughout the legal process, we communicate openly and clearly with you, providing updates and answering any questions you may have. Our team supports you in every step, ensuring you feel informed and empowered.
Contact Us for Help with Your Rollover Accident Claim
At Mooney Law, we offer a contingency fee basis for rollover accident claims, meaning you pay no upfront costs. Our fees are only collected if we successfully secure compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery without financial worry.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the aftermath of a rollover accident with confidence and ease.