Any type of auto accident can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, however, some types of accidents are more dangerous than others. A rollover accident is among the deadliest type of motor vehicle accident and it occurs when the vehicle loses balance and rolls over onto its roof. In some cases, the vehicle may roll completely over several times. This type of accident is very violent on the occupants and the vehicle, subjecting the occupants to severe injuries that may be fatal. 

Common Causes of Rollover Crashes

A rollover accident is not as common as other types of crashes, but they still occur frequently and often have devastating results. 

Some of the most common reasons for this type of collision include:

• Vehicle defects
• Crossing a ditch or steep slope
• Hitting a curb while driving over the speed limit 
• Driving error 
• Fast turning or sudden swerving 
• Leaving the road
• Sideswiping 
• Being cut off by another motorist at excessive speed 
• Collision with a hazard or another vehicle

Other things that can increase the chances of a rollover car crash include:

• Bad tires, worn tires, improperly inflated tires 
• Dangerous driving, such as aggressive driving or driving under the influence of alcohol 
• Impaired driving 
• Poor driving conditions 
• Driver distraction/driver inattention
• Drowsy driving/driver fatigue  

While any type of vehicle can be involved in a rollover accident, fatal rollovers are not often due to driver error, but instead are caused by a defect with the vehicle or caused by another vehicle. 

Rollovers and Defect in Vehicle Design 

Not all fatal rollover accidents are caused by other drivers or due to driver negligence. When a vehicle has a dangerous design defect, the chances of an accident increase and the severity of the accident also increases. Heavy vehicles, such as SUVs, pickup truck, and vans are known to roll over more often because of their top-heavy, taller design. These designs result in rollovers due to overcorrecting or sudden turns during a near accident. 

Tire failure can also cause a vehicle to flip over due to sudden imbalance or loss of control. Other types of defects can cause drivers to completely lose control, causing the driver to leave the road. A very common cause of rollovers is due to uneven ground or a change in the terrain. 

Common Injuries in Rollover Collisions  

Injuries sustained in rollover accidents are some of the most catastrophic and more likely to be fatal compared to other types of accidents. The occupants are prone to substantial injuries. The severity of the damage can be influenced by several factors, such as:

• Location of the accident 
• Size and age of the occupants
• Rate of speed 
• The force behind the impact 
• Functionality of airbags
• Seat belt use 
• Weight and size of the vehicles involved 

When a vehicle rolls over, many impacts occur from a variety of angles. The bodies of the driver and passengers are susceptible to many different types of injuries. A passenger who is restrained with a seat belt may experience a different type of injury compared to unrestrained passengers who are not wearing their seat belts and are ejected from the vehicle. The driver and passengers can also become trapped inside the vehicle, which can delay medical treatment. 

Considered one of the deadliest traffic accidents, the auto accident victims in rollover car accidents may experience a variety of violent forces that can result in different types of devastating injuries, such as:

• Spinal cord injuries 
• Traumatic brain injury
• Fractured or broken bones 
• Lacerations and cuts from broken glass 
• Burns 
• Injuries to extremities 
• Death from ejection from the vehicle 
• Whiplash 
• Amputation 
• Blunt force trauma
• Neck injuries
• Internal organ damage 

Deadly Rollover Accidents 

Some rollover accidents can result in complex injuries or a fatal injury. Unfortunately, catastrophic injury and fatal rollover crashes are fairly common. If the accident occurred due to a drunk driver, or driver impairment, they may be facing criminal charges. An experienced auto accident attorney can use the evidence in a criminal case to benefit your civil case if you sustained severe injuries or in the event of a deadly traffic accident. If you lost a loved one in a rollover car accident, an attorney can help you hold the negligent driver responsible for the harm they have caused you and your family. 

The Aftermath of a Rollover Accident 

Being involved in a rollover accident can result in severe injuries, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. After you have received medical treatment for your injuries, you must contact an attorney as soon as possible. You may be eligible to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer 

Legal counsel will be invaluable after this type of accident, especially in fatal rollover cases. A personal injury attorney can gather evidence and build a case that can hold the other driver’s insurance company responsible for the damages you sustained as a result of the other driver’s negligence or carelessness behind the wheel. Additionally, an attorney and their legal team can investigate the cause of your accident and determine if someone else should be held liable for your injuries and other damages. For example, if your accident was due to defective tires, a law firm can hold the manufacturer liable for your injuries and other losses. An experienced accident attorney can use their knowledge, skills, and resources to conduct a thorough investigation that will hold all negligent parties liable. 

Claim Value for Rollover Accidents 

Every case is different, so you must speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn which types of damages you may be eligible to receive. A lawyer with experience can help estimate the value of your claim and will explore all avenues of compensation.  

Economic and Non-Economic Damages in a Rollover Accident

Damages are meant to compensate the accident victim for the losses they have suffered due to the accident. These losses include the financial hardship the accident victim has suffered due to medical expenses, vehicle damage, and because their injury prevents them from working. Other types of losses an accident victim can experience include pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and a loss of quality of life. 

A successful claim can result in the accident victim being awarded fair damages for these losses. These damages will reimburse the accident victim for the monetary amount of their expenses, such as medical bills, as well as assign value for the accident victim’s emotional suffering based on certain factors. 

Find an Accident Lawyer to Help You Receive the Compensation You Deserve

A vehicle rollover is an incredibly dangerous accident that usually results in catastrophic or fatal injuries to the driver and passengers of the vehicle. If you have been involved in a rollover accident due to the negligence of another driver or a vehicle manufacturer, you must speak with an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can investigate your accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies or defense attorneys to help you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.