Harrisonburg Rollover Accident Attorney

Rollover accidents can be terrifying. The vehicle you are in can flip over, and occupants may even be ejected. Rollover crashes often cause fatalities or catastrophic injuries in their wake. If you are involved in an accident of this nature, it is essential you seek qualified legal assistance from a skilled Harrisonburg rollover accident lawyer. 

The Harrisonburg personal injury attorneys at Kendall Law Firm are heavily invested in the local community. We want to protect members of our community from the negligent actions of others. That is why we devote 100 percent of our practice to personal injury law. If you were injured in a rollover accident or lost a loved one in a tragic rollover crash, contact us today at (866) 590-9773 for help with your claim.

What Is a Rollover Accident? 

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle flips or tips over onto its roof or side or perhaps back on its tires after flipping 360 degrees. Rollover car accident statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveal that, even though rollover accidents are relatively rare, they disproportionately result in fatalities. Vehicle rollover accidents make up less than 3 percent of all motor vehicle accidents, but they cause approximately 30 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the IIHS. In one recent year, 7,182 people died in rollover crashes. The proportion of occupant deaths involving a rollover was much higher at 50 percent in single-vehicle crashes than in multiple-vehicle crashes at 13 percent. 

Any vehicle can potentially roll over. However, most rollovers occur in vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs or pickup trucks. In one recent year, approximately 41 percent of victims in fatal rollover accidents were in pickups, 40 percent were in SUVs, and 22 percent were in cars, according to the IIHS.

How an Experienced Harrisonburg Vehicle Rollover Accident Lawyer Can Help

An experienced Harrisonburg rollover accident lawyer is essential if you are injured or have lost a loved one in a rollover accident. This type of claim can often be complex because it may involve a personal injury claim against a negligent driver, as well as a product liability claim against the manufacturer of a defectively designed vehicle. A qualified lawyer will have the necessary knowledge and resources to do the following:

• Thoroughly investigate the accident and identify all potentially responsible parties
• Review all applicable insurance policies
• Gather compelling evidence to establish fault and liability
• Consult with expert witnesses who can provide an opinion about how the accident occurred
• Negotiate fair compensation on your behalf 
• Accurately explain your legal rights and options at all pivotal points in your case

If you would like to learn more about how a Harrisonburg rollover accident lawyer from Kendall Law Firm can help, reach out to us at (866) 590-9773.

What Causes Rollover Accidents? 

Some of the most common reasons for rollover accidents include the following:

Speeding

Speed is a primary cause of rollover accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately three-quarters of all fatal rollover accidents occur in areas with speed limits of 55 mph or higher. Speeding is involved in 40 percent of all fatal rollover accidents. 

Driver Error 

Beyond speeding, drivers may commit other mistakes that can cause rollover crashes, such as:

• Taking turns too fast
• Swerving at a high rate of speed
• Overcorrecting after making another driving error
• Striking a curb or other stationary object 

Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is another leading cause of rollover crashes. Drivers focused on their phones, directions, eating, or other distractions may overlook a hazard in front of them until it is too late. 

Impaired Driving 

The NHTSA reports that approximately 37 percent of drivers in fatal rollover accidents had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.10 percent or greater, which is above the legal limit. Alcohol can significantly increase the likelihood of these accidents because it impairs a driver’s judgment, reduces their reaction time, and gives them a false sense of capability. Illegal drugs, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications can also impair a driver’s abilities.

Defects

Defective automotive designs or auto parts can also cause rollover accidents. Certain types of vehicles, such as those with higher points of gravity, are more prone to flipping over than others. Vehicle manufacturers must carefully evaluate their vehicles and ensure they are safe to operate. Defective tires or brakes can also lead to rollover accidents. 

Dangerous Roads

Finally, dangerous roads, including those with sharp turns, unmaintained surfaces, or missing signage, can increase the likelihood of rollover accidents. 

Common Injuries After a Rollover Accident

Rollover accidents are more likely than other types of accidents to result in fatal or catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries after a rollover accident include:

• Traumatic head injuries
• Amputation
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Head, neck, and chest injuries
• Internal injuries
• Fractures

Who Is at Fault in a Rollover Accident? 

Every car accident is different, and rollover accidents are no exception. One or more of the following parties may be at fault in a rollover accident:

The Driver in the Vehicle that Rolled Over 

Many rollover accidents are single-vehicle crashes. The driver who was operating the vehicle that rolled over may have taken action that led to the rollover, such as:

• Speeding
• Drinking and driving
• Driving in a drowsy or distracted state
• Overcorrecting for a mistake

If you were a passenger in a vehicle in which the driver may have acted negligently, reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer in Harrisonburg for help.

Another Driver 

In other crashes, another driver’s actions may lead to a rollover accident, such as another driver suddenly veering into your lane and you swerving to avoid a collision. 

The Manufacturer 

Some rollovers are caused by defective designs or mistakes that occur during the manufacturing process when making auto parts. In these situations, you may be able to make a claim against the manufacturer for the damages you suffered. 

The Dealership

The dealership has a responsibility to only sell safe vehicles to the public. If the dealership was aware of a defect and still sold the vehicle, the dealership may be responsible for the harm you suffered. 

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Rollover Car Accident

If you are hurt in a rollover car accident, the steps you take immediately after and in the days and weeks following the accident can significantly impact your claim. Here are some steps you can take to protect your rights:

Assess the Situation 

Rollover accidents can be very dangerous. If victims are conscious, they may not know how to safely exit their vehicles. They may further injure themselves by trying to move. Exiting may require breaking a window, which can cause additional injuries and danger. Carefully assess the situation and how to best protect yourself.

Report the Accident

It is vital to report the accident so that a law enforcement officer responds to the scene and prepares an accident report. Law enforcement may make an initial determination regarding fault or document evidence that can help establish how the rollover occurred. 

If you are conscious, give the police officer an honest account of what happened, but do not provide opinions. Stick to the facts and let law enforcement conduct its investigation.

Gather Information 

Get information from the other driver, including their:

• Name
• Address 
• Telephone number
• Vehicle description
• License plate number
• Insurance information 

If any witnesses saw the accident, ask for their contact information before they leave the scene. 

Take pictures of the accident scene, including:

• The vehicles involved
• Skid marks
• Debris on the roadway
• Broken car parts
• Wide shots of the accident scene 

Seek Medical Treatment 

The most important thing to do after a serious car accident is to seek prompt medical treatment. Tell your treating doctor that you were involved in a rollover crash. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Keep your medical records and all bills you receive so you can demonstrate how the accident has affected you. 

Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a rollover accident, you have enough to worry about without adding an insurance claim to the mix. It may be a burden to contact the insurance company, provide it with the information it requested, determine all of the types of compensation to which you are entitled, and negotiate your claim. A skilled personal injury lawyer can handle these tasks for you so that you can concentrate on your recovery. 

Get in Touch with an Experienced Rollover Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a rollover accident, the Harrisonburg rollover accident lawyers from Kendall Law Firm want to help. We want to hold the negligent party responsible for the harm you have suffered. We provide dedicated legal representation to members of our community at various offices throughout the state. You can rely on our significant results and our many positive reviews on Google. Call us at (866) 590-9773 for your free consultation or fill out our contact form.