Boca Raton Rollover Accident Lawyer

Rollover accidents are always terrifying, usually disastrous, and often fatal. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that even though only 3% of motor vehicle accidents were rollover crashes, these crashes accounted for approximately one-third of occupant fatalities.

The consequences of a rollover accident may be life-altering and overwhelming. Personalized attention to your legal needs can make all the difference. If you or a loved one suffered a rollover car accident in Boca Raton, we can help. The lawyers at Eltringham Law Group can discuss your legal options and help guide you through the process.

What is a Rollover Accident?

When a vehicle loses control, it may tip on its side or roof, known as a rollover. Depending on the force of the crash, it may roll only once or several times before stopping. Often rollovers occur when a vehicle leaves the roadway. Sometimes, another car is involved in a rollover.

Rollover Accident Causes

Factors that contribute to a rollover accident include:

Multi-vehicle accidents

Most rollover accidents involve one vehicle. However, accidents involving other vehicles, such as when one car hits another from the side, can lead to rollovers. The presence of another car may cause the driver to attempt to maneuver out of the way. However, in many fatal multi-vehicle rollovers, about one-third did not attempt an avoidance maneuver.

High center of gravity

Even under relatively good conditions, SUVs, minivans, and large pickup trucks have a  high center of gravity, which makes them more likely to flip over. This makes them unstable in certain situations, such as sharp changes in direction. Therefore, once the vehicle starts to skid sideways from an impact or driving error, it is more likely to tip over.

Alcohol

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related accidents are responsible for about one-third of all traffic fatalities, accounting for approximately 10,000 deaths yearly. It only takes a little alcohol to reduce brain function and impair a driver’s judgment, reasoning, and muscle coordination. All these are essential skills for safe driving.

Fifty percent of fatal rollover crashes involve alcohol.

Speed

Increased speed may make a rollover more likely. Almost 75 percent of fatal rollover crashes happen on roads with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or higher, and 40 percent of fatal rollover car crashes involve speeding.

Tire blowouts

Defective or poorly maintained tires can cause tire blowouts. These can cause the vehicle to flip over, especially if it is prone to rollovers.

Road hazards

Road hazards may also contribute to rollover accidents. Confusing or poorly marked construction zones, debris in the roadway, badly designed roads, or inadequate warning signs can also increase the risk of a rollover.

Who Is At Fault for a Rollover Crash?

Just as there may be more than one contributing factor to a rollover accident, there may be one or more parties at fault. Rollovers fall into one of two categories. They are either “tripped” or “untripped.”

A tripped rollover means something outside of the vehicle that led to the rollover, such as an external force like a collision with another vehicle, an obstruction, or a curb. Untripped rollovers happen less frequently than tripped rollovers.

In an untripped rollover, the vehicle becomes unstable and turns over without being affected by any external force.

Another driver may be at fault if they were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, distracted, or driving aggressively. If hazardous roads were involved in the accident, government agencies or contractors responsible for road design or maintenance may be liable.

If the vehicle’s tires, brakes, or other components contributed to the rollover, the manufacturer or distributor of the product may be liable.

Common Rollover Injuries

A rollover accident may cause a wide variety of serious injuries. When a car rolls over, the person inside is usually injured because they hit part of the car or are ejected from the vehicle. Victims may be seriously or fatally injured.

Common injuries in a rollover accident include:

• Brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and other back trauma
• Whiplash
• Damage to the ribs, torso, and internal organs
• Simple and compound fractures
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations, burns, and other disfigurements

Damages That May Be Recovered

A rollover accident’s personal and financial costs can be catastrophic and long-term. The severity of your injuries and the way your injuries affect your life affect damage awards. In general, you are entitled to compensation for all of the damages you suffered in an accident, such as:

• All current and future medical expenses related to your injuries
• Lost wages for the time you were unable to work because of injury
• Lost future income if you are unable to return to work or are not able to continue in your chosen career
• Expenses for home maintenance, childcare, and other duties you previously performed.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium

Get a Free Case Evaluation Today

The statute of limitations is the law that determines the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit following an accident. Therefore, it is crucial to consult an experienced Boca Raton rollover accident lawyer at Eltringham Law Group as soon as possible to discuss your case. For more information or to schedule a free case evaluation, call 561-944-6607 or contact us online.