A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof at any point during a crash. It is a hazardous type of car accident. Victims can face painful injuries and a long road to recovery.
At Bayuk Pratt, we’re here to make things easier for you. If you were recently injured in a rollover accident in Atlanta, we will protect your rights and help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses. With more than 50 years of combined legal experience and a record that includes more than $300 million recovered on behalf of our clients, we can handle the legal side of your case while you focus on healing. To learn more, contact us today and receive a free consultation.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover can be the cause of a crash, or it can result from a collision. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that rollovers often result from:
- Collisions with another vehicle or fixed object
- Leaving the roadway and losing control
- High-impact forces that cause the vehicle to tip.
Although they are less common than other car accidents, rollover crashes are more likely to be fatal. Consider these IIHS statistics from a recent year:
- 29 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths involved a rollover
- 49 percent of single-vehicle crash deaths involved a rollover
- 23 percent of rollovers occurred without a pre-rollover impact
- 7,418 passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover crashes.
What Are the Main Causes of Atlanta Rollover Accidents?
Rollover accidents don’t just happen on their own.
Common causes of rollover crashes include the following:
- Speeding — Excessive speed makes it harder to control your vehicle, especially when making sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Driver impairment — Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reflexes and affects judgment. If you drive while impaired, you risk getting arrested and causing a crash.
- Collisions — A crash can tip over a vehicle, particularly side-impact and head-on collisions.
- Driver error — Driver behavior such as overcorrecting or swerving can easily lead to a rollover auto accident. Distracted driving is another type of driver error that can cause rollover injuries and fatalities.
- Obstacles — When large or uneven objects, such as fallen tree branches, construction materials, or cargo falling from a truck, enter the road, they can cause a vehicle to swerve or lose balance.
- Vehicle design — Taller vehicles with a higher center of gravity are likelier to roll over than those with a center lower to the ground.
Are Some Vehicles More Prone to Rollovers?
According to the IIHS, certain vehicles are more likely to roll over.
Vehicles most likely to rollover include:
- SUVs and vans — Their high center of gravity makes them more susceptible to tipping over.
- Pickup trucks — Narrower wheelbases can make them unstable.
- Vehicles with heavy loads — When these vehicles transport uneven or excessive weight, the risk of a rollover significantly increases. Tire blowouts can also occur and lead to a dangerous rollover car wreck.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from a Rollover Accident?
Rollover accidents can cause serious and life-changing injuries due to the violent and unpredictable nature of the crash. When a vehicle rolls, occupants are on the receiving end of extreme forces from multiple directions, which increases the risk of severe trauma. Contact our Atlanta rollover accident lawyer today.
Some of the most common injuries from a rollover crash include the following:
- Head and brain injuries — The violent rolling motion in a rollover crash can cause your head to hit a hard surface such as a window, steering wheel, or roof. Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures may result. In severe cases, brain injuries can cause long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries — The twisting and crushing forces during a rollover can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe spinal cord injuries can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Broken bones — The rolling impact frequently subjects the body to crushing forces, creating fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Sometimes, victims suffer multiple fractures.
- Internal injuries — The intense pressure from being crushed or thrown against parts of the vehicle can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Cuts and bruises — Shattered glass and debris often fly through the cabin during a rollover, causing deep lacerations and puncture wounds.
How Do You Prove Who Is Liable for an Atlanta Rollover?
Believing that another party caused your injuries in a rollover accident is only the first step. To improve your chances of securing compensation, you must present solid evidence that proves liability.
Here’s what your rollover accident attorney will look at when building a compelling case:
- Police report — Law enforcement officers often respond to rollover accidents and document the scene in an official report. These reports provide details about road conditions, weather, and potential violations of traffic laws, offering an impartial account of the crash.
- Witness statements — Statements from witnesses who saw the accident unfold can strengthen your case. Independent accounts can confirm your version of events and provide additional perspectives on what occurred.
- Expert analysis — Accident reconstruction specialists use physics and engineering principles to recreate the events leading to the rollover. Their detailed reports can reveal critical factors such as excessive speed, vehicle defects, or improper road maintenance.
- Visual and physical evidence — Photos and videos from the scene and physical evidence such as skid marks, debris, or vehicle damage help paint a clear picture of the crash. These elements can demonstrate how the accident happened and highlight who may be at fault.
- Vehicle data — Modern vehicles typically have event data recorders (black boxes) that capture information about speed, braking, and steering inputs before a crash. This data can be pivotal in proving reckless or negligent behavior.
What Type of Compensation Is Available for an Atlanta Rollover Accident?
Rollover accidents can potentially produce severe injuries and create significant financial strain.
An Atlanta rollover accident attorney at Bayuk Pratt can pursue compensation to pay for these expenses after your rollover car accident, which may include:
- Medical care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
Like other states, Georgia law sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit after a car accident. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. The deadline may be even shorter if your claim is against a government entity. The best way to protect your right to seek compensation for the serious injuries you suffered is by talking to an experienced rollover crash attorney.
Contact an Atlanta Rollover Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love suffered severe injuries in a rollover accident, Bayuk Pratt’s experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyers are here to fight for you. With our decades of experience, proven litigation skills, and a record of results, we know how to stand up to insurance companies and demand what you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.