While there are many types of vehicle accidents such as head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, side collisions, single-vehicle collisions, and sideswipe accidents, rollover accidents are among the most devastating. Rollover accidents are accidents that result in the vehicle rolling over to its side or rolling over and resting on its roof. While SUVs are often associated with rollover accidents, other types of vehicles such as sedans, minivans and trucks can end up in a rollover accident. In fact, tractor trailers are involved in rollover accidents relatively frequently because of their sheer size and high center of gravity. Whether a car, SUV or truck is involved, rollover accidents can result in serious injuries or death. One reason that rollover accidents are so deadly is that most vehicles are fitted with relatively weak roofs that collapse during a rollover. If you or a family member was injured in a rollover accident due to the negligence of another driver or due to the negligence of the vehicle's manufacturer, it is important to contact an experienced New York City Rollover Accidents Lawyer who will help ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable.
Causes of Rollover AccidentsAggressive driving. One common reason that a vehicle rolls over is aggressive driving. If a vehicle is traveling too fast and is unable to properly navigate a curve, for example, the vehicle could end up going off the road and rolling over.
Overcorrecting. Another reason for a rollover is where a driver overcorrects. For example, a driver may drift off into another lane because of distracted driving, or because he or she is tired or under the influence. In order to quickly get back into the correct lane the driver may turn the steering wheel too forcefully and as a result cause the vehicle to flip over.
Hazardous roadway. Another reason that a car may flip and rollover is that it hits something that causes it to leave the road and rollover. For example, if a car hits debris in the road, a guardrail, median, or sidewalk, it could end up on its side or it could end up rolling over an embankment.
Manufacturer defect. Like any vehicle accident, a manufacturing or design defect could lead to a rollover.
Consequences of Rollover AccidentsVictims of rollover accidents are often through from the vehicle. As a result they suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, amputation, and traumatic brain injuries. Such injuries typically require costly treatment and extended recovery time leaving victims in deep financial distress. Through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit the person whose negligence resulted in the accident would be held financially accountable. You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity and pain and suffering. For example, you may be able to sue the person whose negligence caused your injury and recover money for the bills related to fees from doctors, the hospital, and the emergency room. With a severe injury these bills can easily add to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, through a personal injury lawsuit you can also seek compensation for future medical expenses related to the accident.
You can also seek to recover lost wages and loss of future earning capacity. The amount of recovery would be the amount of money you would have earned but for the accident as well as the estimated decrease in ability to earn money in the future. In determining the amount of your loss of future earning capacity the court will consider factors such as your age, general health, life expectancy, occupation, talents, skill, experience, and training.
Another compensable loss is pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is a damage award for the physical pain as well as emotional discomfort that you suffer because of your injury. Most serious, traumatic injuries will cause you some level of physical pain or discomfort. The loss of a significant bodily function would easily cause you a considerable amount of emotional suffering.
Determining the cause of a rollover accident may turn on complicated evidentiary issues. Thus, if you or a loved one was injured in an accident it is critical to immediately contact an attorney with experience. The staff at Stephen Bilkis and Associates has extensive experience representing clients injured in SUV rollover accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, and other types of accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident.