Rollovers are frightening accidents. One second you are riding normally and the next you could be upside down with your head touching the hood. For those who are not wearing a seatbelt, cervical fractures and head injuries are only too common, while even those wearing seat belts could suffer serious traumatic injuries. Your car is likely seriously damaged and will need a tow to the garage.
ContactLarson & Gallivan Law if you were injured in a rollover accident. There is a strong possibility you could sue whoever is responsible and obtain compensation to cover medical expenses and other bills.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
A rollover involves a vehicle rolling onto its side or even its hood. This is obviously not how cars are designed to operate, so something must have caused this accident:
- Snow or ice. A car can roll over when driving during inclement weather. The vehicle might slide off the road and go into a ditch before flipping.
- Speed. Taking a corner at a high speed can shift the weight of a vehicle dramatically. Even the best tires will lose their grip, and the car will roll over.
- Sudden movement. Some drivers yank their steering wheel aggressively, often to avoid a collision with a careless driver. This sudden movement could lead to a rollover.
- Gravel. A car can “trip” when it hits gravel at a high speed. Doing so shifts the weight of the vehicle to one side, leading to a roll if the vehicle cannot right itself.
- Collisions. Some vehicles flip when they are struck by another vehicle. The force generated ends up rolling the car.
- Embankments. One side of a car might ride up on an embankment, which can lead to the car rolling onto its side or hood.
SUVs and Rollovers
About 20 years ago, SUVs were more prone to rolling over than other vehicles. However, manufacturers have dedicated considerable time and money to making SUVs safer. Consumer Reports found that the rate of fatal rollovers for SUVs is actually lower than for other vehicles.
Still, any vehicle could roll over, depending on whether something trips the vehicle or the driver takes sudden action. You should consult aVermont car accident lawyer about your case to determine whether you have a legal right to compensation.
Rollover Injuries
As you can imagine, injuries tend to be severe. In a different type of crash, like a rear-end collision, a motorist might be thrown forward but restrained by their belt. In a rollover, passengers can go every which way. If they are not wearing a seatbelt, they can tumble around like clothes in a dryer.
Some of the most serious injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal column injuries
- Paralysis
- Facial injuries
Some rollovers are so traumatic that a person could die. In fact, more than 7,000 people die in rollovers each year. It is one of the most dangerous types of car accidents.
Those not wearing seatbelts could suffer even more serious injuries, including multiple fractures, shoulder injuries, and chest wall injuries. An unbuckled passenger could also get tossed free of the vehicle and struck by another car on the road.
Obtaining Compensation for a Rollover
One serious question is whether you can sue for the accident. This is a possibility, especially if another motorist caused your crash. For example, a motorist might have struck you or forced you off the road, in which case you tripped on gravel.
If the other driver stops, you should try to get their name and insurance information, if you are not too injured. Someone should also call the police to report the accident.
Rollovers are analyzed much like other car wrecks, according to fault. You make a claim on the other driver’s liability policy if they are at fault for the crash. You should seek compensation for lost income, property damage, medical care, and pain and suffering, among other damages.
What happens if the driver flees? For example, someone might force you off the road but hit the gas pedal and refuse to stop. This is an unfortunate reality in Vermont. In that situation, you might only make a claim on your uninsured motorist policy, which covers hit and runs. You might have other insurance that could come into play, such as collision or comprehensive coverage.
How to Reduce Rollovers
We don’t believe in blaming victims for their accidents. Nonetheless, there are certain steps anyone reading this article can take that will reduce the odds of a rollover and keep their families safe. We recommend the following:
- Rotate and properly inflate your tires. Doing so will increase the grip that the tire has on the road, allowing it to remain upright for as long as possible. You should always replace worn tires as soon as recommended by your service tech.
- Load your vehicle evenly. You should never overload a vehicle. But if you are hauling items, you should balance them so that the vehicle is not too heavy on one side.
- Buy a new car. Newer models should have electronic stability control and other features that minimize the risk of a rollover.
- Drive the speed limit. Going too fast can lead to accidents, especially when you are taking a turn or entering or exiting a highway.
- Minimize distractions. Driving off a road, especially in Vermont, is a common way to get into a rollover. You can minimize distractions by putting your phone away and not fiddling with dials or GPS devices. If you need to talk on the phone, pull over to the side of the road slowly and talk with your car parked.
And remember to always buckle up. A seat belt is often the difference between a fatality versus serious but non-fatal injuries.
Call Our Vermont Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Were you injured in a rollover? You need an experienced lawyer with years of experience backing them up. Call Larson & Gallivan today, 802-327-8458, or send your contact information online. We will get in touch and schedule a time to discuss your car accident, along with the severity of your injuries.
