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Rollover Accidents can have Serious Consequences

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March 12, 2017

Rollover Accidents Can Have Serious Consequences

Serious motor vehicle accidents can result in substantial injuries, many of which can negatively and permanently affect a person's quality of life. Rollover accidents can be especially frightening, not to mention potentially devastating for those involved. Although rollovers are relatively rare—accounting for just two percent of all crashes—these accidents account for more than one-third of all passenger vehicle deaths, according to the Insurance Institute for Highways Safety Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS HLDI).

While no one can prepare you for what it's like to have your vehicle roll over in an accident, an experienced and reputable personal injury attorney can advise you on what to do immediately after an accident, and walk you through every step of the process should you decide to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Anatomy of an Automobile

Vehicles are subjected to a complex mix of physical forces during a rollover accident. However, this isn't the only reason that rollover crashes have the potential to be so problematic. With most vehicle manufacturers focusing on protecting drivers and passengers from front, rear, and side threats, new advances in roof safety aren't always top priority. This is a shame, as an inadequately supported roof can collapse inward during a rollover event.

Of course, this isn't to say that vehicle roof safety technology doesn't exist. For example, electronic stability control (ESC) is designed to help motorists avoid rollovers in the first place by preventing the sideways skidding and loss of control that can precipitate these crashes. All vehicles with a 2012 model year or later are required to include the technology, which has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal single-vehicle rollover accidents by up to 70 percent. In addition to ESC, the best defense against rollovers is a strong roof, according to IIHS HLDI.

Common Causes of Rollover Accidents

Determining what caused your rollover accident is essential to identifying the individual—or individuals—who might be legally liable for damages. Common causes of rollover accidents can include:

  • Inclement weather (rain, snow, sleet, etc.)
  • Defective tires (blowouts, shredding, and other failures)
  • A lack of guardrails
  • Objects in the roadway
  • Uneven road surfaces
  • Unabated side impacts
  • Collisions with other vehicles
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Speeding or driving excessively fast for current road conditions
  • Driving while drowsy

Injuries Associated with Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents usually affect five main areas of the body: the head and neck, the upper limbs, the lower limbs, the abdomen and the thorax, with head and neck injuries being the most common. Accident victims can sustain various injuries, ranging from mild to very serious, such as bruises, cuts, scrapes, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. The effects of these injuries can result in long-term communicative, visual, cognitive, emotional, and psychological problems. Accident victims may also experience lost teeth, nerve or organ damage, amputation of limbs, hearing loss, and chronic pain.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

Don't let the shock of being in an accident stun you into inaction. Once you've checked everyone involved for injuries and summoned help, if needed, take photos of your injuries and the accident scene, write down the names and contact information of any witnesses, request a copy of the police report for your records, and call your attorney.

Were You Injured in a Rollover Accident?

Were you or someone you love seriously injured in a rollover accident caused by another motorist? If negligence was a factor, you might be eligible to seek compensation for damages, including medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and more. You've already had your life turned upside down—don't miss the opportunity to set things right.

Contact Morris James today for a free initial appointment to discuss your case.

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