Rollover accidents are exceptionally dangerous and frightening – something you already know all too well if you’ve been involved in one. The car accident attorneys at Butler Kahn know this, too. That’s why we are proud to represent those who’ve been hurt in rollovers in the Atlanta area, helping them demand fair compensation from those responsible for their injuries. We can guide you through the legal process and handle all the details of your case for you while you focus on your recovery. When you hire Butler Kahn to represent you, you can rest assured your case is in the hands of experienced, aggressive, and effective attorneys.
Want to speak with an Atlanta rollover accident lawyer for free? Then contact Butler Kahn today. You will never pay any out-of-pocket fees for our representation, as we only charge a fee if we win.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident happens when a car overturns onto its side or roof, sometimes turning over several times until coming to a stop. Rollover accidents are incredibly dangerous, as occupants are jostled around or sometimes ejected from rolling vehicles as they tumble over. Per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), rollover crashes accounted for nearly 30 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths nationwide in one recent year.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
Many different factors can contribute to rollover accidents, including driver error, vehicle defects, and environmental factors. Common causes of rollover accidents include:
- Speeding – Rollover accidents often occur when vehicles move at excessive speeds. Many rollover crashes occur on roads with higher speed limits, especially highways.
- Steering maneuvers – Abrupt steering maneuvers, such as overcorrecting or swerving to avoid obstacles, can cause vehicles to tip over.
- Tripping – Tripping is when a vehicle’s tires strike an object, such as a curb, pothole, or debris, that causes the vehicle to tilt and roll over.
- Driving under the influence – Many fatal rollover crashes involve drivers with blood alcohol levels (BACs) above the legal limit, who are more likely to take dangerous risks.
- Road conditions – Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, or other roadway hazards, can also cause rollover accidents.
- Bad weather – Environmental factors, including high winds, ice, snow, heavy rain, and flooding, can all increase the risk of a rollover accident.
Are Some Vehicles More Likely to Roll Over than Others?
Certain types of vehicles, such as SUVs, vans, and trucks, are more prone to rollovers due to their higher centers of gravity and narrower wheelbases relative to their height. According to the IIHS, rollover crashes accounted for 21 percent of car occupant deaths but a staggering 40 percent of pickup truck occupant deaths and 38 percent of SUV occupant deaths.
Older vehicles without modern safety features, such as electronic stability control (ESC) systems, are also often more susceptible to rollovers. Federal regulations now require ESC systems on all passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) of 10,000 pounds or less.
What Are the Most Commons Injuries from a Rollover Accident?
Rollover accidents can result in serious injuries, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Contusions and lacerations
- Neck and back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
What Can a Driver Do to Prevent a Rollover Accident?
To prevent rollover accidents, all drivers should practice safe driving habits, such as:
- Regularly checking and maintaining tire pressure
- Performing regular vehicle maintenance
- Avoiding excessive speed
- Refraining from overloading vehicles
- Staying alert and focused on the road
- Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles
- Avoiding sudden maneuvers, turns, or braking
- Understanding a vehicle’s center of gravity and handling abilities
- Never driving after drinking or taking drugs
- Adhering to posted road signs and warnings
- Adjusting driving behavior in bad weather
- Taking extra care on rural roads without barriers
Can Someone Be Held At Fault for an Atlanta Rollover Accident?
Each rollover accident is the product of a unique set of circumstances. They often involve some combination of driver error, poor roadway maintenance, and defective components or vehicle design. Depending on the accident in question, one or more of the following parties could be at fault for a rollover accident and liable for its consequences:
- Another driver – If another driver acted negligently in a way that contributed to the rollover accident, you could hold them responsible for the harm you suffered. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.
- A vehicle manufacturer – A manufacturer could be liable if a defective vehicle part or design flaw contributed to the rollover accident.
- A government agency – If road conditions like poor maintenance or missing signage contribute to the accident, the government agency responsible for the road could be liable.
What Compensation Is Available for My Rollover Accident Injuries?
If you suffer injuries in a rollover accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could seek compensation from the at-fault driver for the following accident-related losses:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Do I Have a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, you have two years from the date of the rollover accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This two-year deadline is important even if you do not plan on filing a lawsuit, so you should still act quickly to preserve your legal options after a rollover accident. The prospect of a lawsuit can force the other driver’s insurance company to take your claim more seriously. If the insurer knows the deadline is approaching or already past, your negotiating position could suffer.
Contact an Atlanta Rollover Accident Lawyer
If you are reading this page because you or a loved one has been hurt in a rollover accident, we hope you’re getting the care you need to make a full recovery. We hope you’ve found the information on this page helpful. If you’d like to speak with us about your situation, call Butler Kahn or contact us online. There is no charge to talk with us about your case.
