A rollover car accident is more likely than other types of collisions to involve serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost income from missed work. If you have been in a rollover car accident in Lexington, KY, you may be unable to work for an extended period of time. If someone else caused the rollover crash, you may have a right to seek compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
Most rollover accidents are caused by some type of driver error such as driving too fast, running off the road, or swerving to avoid another vehicle. But some rollover accidents are caused by a design defect that makes a vehicle more susceptible to overturning. If another driver or a manufacturing defect caused the accident that injured you, you may have a right to demand compensation for your injuries and other losses. The Lexington rollover accident attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer are ready to help you pursue justice.
We take pride in using our skills and experience to help our fellow Kentuckians when they are in need of trusted legal guidance. When you work with us, you will work directly with our experienced attorneys. The initial consultation is free. We don’t charge any legal fee for our services unless we secure compensation for you.
Call our Lexington office at (877) 809-5352 to receive answers to your legal questions. We are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and look forward to finding out how we can assist you.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident involves a vehicle overturning and landing on its side or roof. In some cases, a vehicle may collide with another vehicle in an adjacent lane and run off the road and overturn.
Rollover accidents are more common among vehicles with high centers of gravity, such as sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. The narrow distance between a vehicle’s left and right tires combined with the greater height make SUVs and pickups less stable than automobiles. But any vehicle is susceptible to overturning under certain circumstances.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, rollover collisions accounted for more than 7,000 fatalities nationwide in a recent year. Rollover fatalities accounted for 18 percent of all traffic deaths and 30 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths that year.
While about three-quarters of all overturn accidents were caused by a collision, about one in four did not involve a pre-rollover impact. About 22 percent of car occupant deaths were the result of rollover collisions. Rollover accidents accounted for 41 percent of pickup occupant deaths and 40 percent of SUV occupant deaths.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
Negligent drivers can cause rollover accidents by:
- Speeding/driving aggressively – If a driver tries to take a turn too quickly, their vehicle may lose traction, causing it to overturn. Other driver actions that can lead to a rollover accident include aggressive lane changes, swerving through traffic, and overcorrecting while maneuvering.
- Driving while distracted – Many rollover accidents are caused by vehicles hitting a curb, rolling down an embankment, or going over an uneven road surface. A driver who is distracted and not focused on the road is more likely to make an error leading to a rollover accident.
- Impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs tend to act more erratically when behind the wheel. Impaired drivers have delayed recognition of traffic hazards and slower reflexes. If an impaired driver takes a turn too quickly or swerves through traffic, the driver puts themselves and others in danger.
- Driving while fatigued – A severely fatigued driver might drift out of their lane onto the road shoulder and slide down an embankment, leading to a rollover accident.
- Driving with an overloaded vehicle – A car carrying too much weight is less stable on the road, especially when turning. Semi-trucks, SUVs, and other large vehicles with high centers of gravity are vulnerable to rollover accidents.
- Failing to yield the right-of-way – A driver who fails to stop at an intersection may end up in the path of another vehicle passing through the intersection on a cross street.
While driver error causes many rollover accidents, it is not the only cause. For example, improperly secured cargo that shifts in transit or mechanical failures such as a tire blowout might cause a driver to lose control.
Common Injuries from Rollover Accidents
A rollover collision exposes the occupants of a vehicle to additional trauma and increases the likelihood that an occupant will suffer serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries from rollover accidents include:
- Head trauma –Head trauma such as a traumatic brain injury is much more likely if a vehicle flips multiple times in a rollover accident.
- Spinal cord injuries – A rollover accident puts intense strain on all parts of the body, including the spinal cord. This strain can fracture vertebrae and damage the spinal cord.
- Burns – Occupants can become trapped in an overturned vehicle as the result of a rollover crash. The vehicle could catch fire or explode, burning anyone still inside.
- Broken bones – Anyone inside a rolling vehicle could be flung around the cabin if they are not secured by a seat belt. The violent impact could cause multiple bone fractures.
- Severe bruising – Even in relatively minor accidents, victims frequently sustain severe bruises, especially from the force of hitting a deployed airbag. Being struck by any unsecured objects inside the vehicle also can cause bruising or more serious injuries.
Who Is at Fault in a Rollover Accident?
Determining who is at fault in a rollover accident depends upon the specific circumstances of the crash. Those commonly responsible for vehicle rollover accidents include:
- The driver of the overturned vehicle – The driver of the overturned vehicle may be responsible for the crash if their actions caused the vehicle to roll over. Some forms of driver negligence that can cause a rollover accident include impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, speeding, and driving while fatigued.
- Another driver—If another driver hit your vehicle with sufficient force, the impact may cause you to lose control and your vehicle to overturn.
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers – Sometimes, rollover accidents occur because a vehicle has an unsafe design that makes it unreasonably susceptible to overturning. In such cases, the company that made the car could potentially be liable for the rollover crash.
- Government agencies – Local governments are responsible for maintaining roads within their jurisdictions. Rollover accidents sometimes occur because the government does not properly design, maintain, or repair a road.
- Construction companies – Rollover accidents are more likely in work zones because of hazards such as uneven pavement, steep shoulders, slippery conditions, and a lack of proper warning signs. If a construction company’s actions or failure to act contributed to a rollover accident, it may be held liable for the crash.
What To Do If You Are Hurt in a Rollover Car Accident?
If you have been hurt in a rollover car accident in Lexington, your most important task is to see a doctor immediately. Even if you feel fine, you need to be evaluated by a medical professional in case you have injuries that have yet to show symptoms Paramedics may take you from the crash scene directly to the hospital. If you don’t require emergency treatment, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Once you have seen a doctor, contact a rollover accident attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer by calling (877) 809-5352 for a free consultation. If someone else was to blame for the accident, they could be liable for compensating you for the losses they caused you.
Recovering compensation may involve filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver involved in the accident or another liable party. If you cannot reach a fair insurance settlement with the responsible party, you may need to take your case to court. Our attorneys have the Kentucky Courage to stand up to insurance companies after serious accidents and demand justice.
What To Do After a Rollover Accident?
Here are the things you should do after a rollover accident in Lexington:
- Call 911 to report the accident
- Seek medical attention immediately
- If possible, get the other driver’s insurance information, name, license plate number, and driver’s license number
- Use your phone to take pictures of the accident and your injuries if you are able
- Do not post anything about the accident or your injuries on social media
- Report the accident to your insurer
- Consult with an experienced rollover accident lawyer as soon as possible
Get in Touch with an Experienced Lexington Rollover Accident Lawyer
Being involved in a rollover accident is a terrifying experience. Our experienced Lexington car accident attorneys are here to help you through the aftermath. Contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today by calling (877) 809-5352 for a free consultation. You may be entitled to claim significant compensation. We want to help you demand it.
