Compensation for Rollover Injuries
Any type of vehicle accident can lead to severe injuries and even death; however‚ some are much more dangerous than others. One of these accident types is a vehicle rollover accident‚ which occurs when a motor vehicle loses its balance and tips over on its side‚ rolls over onto its roof‚ or rolls completely over once or multiple times. Such an accident is violent on both the vehicle itself and the occupants within it‚ subjecting them to serious injuries that can easily be fatal.
If you have endured a vehicle rollover accident, you are well aware of the effect it has had on your life. When you’re injured as a result of someone’s else careless actions, you have certain rights, including the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers wants to be sure you understand all of your legal rights. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and your options for recovering the damages you’re owed.
We have extensive experience investigating and handling rollover accident cases, and we know what it takes to secure the maximum reward. Call us today at (888) 233-5020 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Why You Need a Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Lawyer After Your Rollover Accident
A rollover accident is very traumatic, and the circumstances can be complex. There may be more than one party who can be held responsible, especially if a defective vehicle part contributed to the collision. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we’ll examine all the facts of your accident to identify all the negligent parties to be sure every opportunity for recovering compensation is discovered. Our staff knows how to pursue the best witnesses and ask all the right questions, so you get a better outcome than you would on your own.
We are dedicated to assertive representation for our San Diego area clients. We’ll successfully pursue the compensation you deserve for the harm you suffered in your rollover accident.
What Causes a Vehicle to Rollover?
Vehicle rollover accidents are not as common as other types of collisions‚ but still occur frequently and with often devastating results. Some causes of vehicle rollovers include:
- Collision with another vehicle or hazard;
- Being cut off by another vehicle;
- Sideswiping;
- Leaving the road;
- Sudden swerving and fast turning;
- Striking a curb;
- Crossing a steep slope or ditch; and
- Vehicle defects.
While all vehicles can be involved in a rollover‚ the worst incidents are usually not due to driver error‚ but are instead caused by another vehicle or a defect with the car.
Auto Defects and Rollovers
Not all vehicle rollovers are caused by driver negligence or accidents caused by others. When a vehicle contains a defect‚ the chances for an accident are increased and the severity of such accidents increases as well. Vehicles such as vans and SUVs have been known to rollover more frequently because of their tall and top-heavy design‚ resulting in rollovers due to sudden turns or overcorrecting during a near accident.
Additionally‚ a tire blowout can cause a vehicle to flip over due to sudden loss of control and imbalance. Other defects can cause a driver to completely lose control of his or her vehicle‚ leading to very serious accidents that he or she would normally be able to avoid or lessen. Additionally‚ loss of control can cause a driver to leave the road‚ a very common cause of vehicle rollover due to the change in terrain and uneven ground.
Vehicle Rollover Injuries
Vehicle rollover accidents are among the most dangerous and are more likely to be fatal than other types of accidents. Occupants are prone to suffer substantial injuries. How severe the damage is can be influenced by many factors, including these:
- Size and weight of the vehicles involved
- Seatbelt usage
- Airbag functionality
- Force behind the impact
- How many times the vehicle rolls
- Age and size of occupants
- Crash location
When a vehicle rolls over, several impacts occur at different angles, and the occupants’ bodies are susceptible to a variety of wounds. Passengers restrained with seatbelts can experience a different type of harm than someone who is unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle. Occupants can also become trapped inside their vehicle, delaying needed medical attention.
During a rollover‚ occupants may experience a large variety of violent forces that result in many types of injuries. These injuries include:
- Blunt force trauma from slamming into the interior of the vehicle;
- Whiplash from rolling over and stopping suddenly;
- Ejection from the car through open windows or glass;
- Burn injuries from fires that may occur;
- Cuts and lacerations from broken glass;
- Broken or fractured bones from impact; and
- Head and spinal cord damage from violent force.
Any of these can lead to fatalities or permanent disabilities for occupants of a rolling vehicle.
Answers to Vehicle Rollover Accident Questions
Being the victim of a vehicle rollover accident can bring about plenty of questions. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand this and would like to offer answers to all of your inquiries. Here are some responses to common questions we hear from people in your situation. If you want to learn more about how to handle your unique case, please don’t wait to contact us at (888) 233-5020.
How much time after my accident to have to file a claim?
Each state has a deadline for filing a personal injury claim, and this is called a statute of limitations. In California, the time period is two years from the date of the accident. Generally, the claim will not be addressed if more than two years have passed. The exception is if an injury is not detected until well after the accident, and then you have one year from the date the injury was realized to file your claim.
How much would my rollover accident claim be worth?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. Each case is different, so it’s problematic to predict how much compensation you could be awarded without all the information. Factors such as the severity of the accident and your injuries and how much blame can be placed on the person who caused the accident will determine the amount that may be awarded. Once a Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers lawyer has met with you and we have all the details of your case, we can determine which types of compensation you are eligible for, and give you an educated estimate of what your claim might be worth.
What exactly are damages?
Damages are compensation. As a result of your vehicle rollover accident, you have suffered one or more types of loss. These losses are for the financial hardship you have from vehicle damage, medical bills, or losing your wages because your injury prevents you from working. Another type of loss you can experience is emotional distress following the accident which can cause anxiety, depression, fear, sleep loss, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
A successful personal injury claim will result in you being awarded damages for these losses. The damages will reimburse you for the monetary amount of your expenses, as well as an assigned value for your emotional suffering based on certain factors.
If I am partially to blame for the rollover accident, can I still collect damages for my injuries?
Yes. In California, personal injury damages are granted according to the percentage of liability placed on each party who is at fault. As an example, if you are determined to be 30% to blame for the accident, you would still be eligible for 70% of your damages from the other party.
Finding a San Diego Vehicle Rollover Lawyer
Vehicle rollovers are incredibly dangerous accidents that often result in severe or even fatal injuries to the occupants of the vehicle. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident due to the negligence of another party or the manufacturers of a defective auto part‚ the San Diego vehicle accident attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers can aid you in pursuing compensation for your losses from the at-fault parties. Contact us today at (888) 233-5020 for more information on how our law team can use their years of experience to successfully represent you in court and help you on the road to recovery.
