One of the most severe types of traffic crashes is a rollover accident. No one inside the vehicle is safe and protected when the car rolls over to one side or several times. In these situations, the injured driver and passengers should contact an experienced Albany car accident lawyer to find out who is liable to pay for damages.
Let us discuss why these accidents are so dangerous and how they usually happen.
Rollover Accidents Lead to Significant Passenger Deaths and Injuries
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 7,640 passengers died in rollover accidents across the U.S. in 2021. This represents 29% of all passenger fatalities in traffic accidents.
Moreover, the number of passenger deaths is growing from year to year:
- 6,344 in 2019
- 7,238 in 2020
- 7,640 in 2021
Given these sobering statistics, it is important to know how to stay safe and avoid a rollover crash. Also, you must be aware that you cannot avoid risks no matter how careful you are. You should also be aware of your legal rights after an accident and how to protect them.
The Most Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
In certain conditions the force of the impact can cause a vehicle to roll to the side. Both technical expertise data and attorneys’ experience show that the most frequent causes of these accidents are:
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
A multi-car pile-up can lead to one or several of the vehicles caught in the middle to roll over. These types of crashes actually account for nearly one third of all vehicle rollovers.
On busy highways, crashes involving several cars can be multi-directional. A vehicle can end up being hit from the back and from one side at the same time. This situation increases the risk of a rollover.
High Speed in Curves
Specialists analyzing large truck crashes showed that failing to adjust the speed in curves can result in a rollover. This issue also applies to passenger cars. Rollovers can happen in this scenario even if your car is not hit by another vehicle.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, speeding and changing lanes frequently without signaling are all signs of aggressive driving. This is not only illegal, but also dangerous. Aggressive drivers often cause accidents or get seriously injured themselves when their vehicle rolls over.
Vehicle Defects
A driver may lose control over their car and roll over if the vehicle has a hidden defect. This can be either a design defect (all cars of that make and model have it) or a manufacturing defect (your car is specifically faulty due to a poorly made part or component).
In this situation, an experienced Albany car accident lawyer will request detailed technical expertise on your car to prove the defect. After it is identified, the attorney will help you file a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer, distributor or dealer.
How to Recover Damages after a Rollover Accident
It is important to remember that Georgia uses a comparative negligence principle in determining who has the right to seek damages. You have to be less than 50% at fault for your rollover crash.
It is important to follow all the rules to protect your chances of getting compensation:
- Report the accident to the police
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene
- Obtain eyewitness’ testimonies and contact details
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the crash
- Do not talk to an insurance adjuster without a lawyer
Consult with an Experienced Albany Car Accident Lawyer!
Getting compensation after a rollover accident is complicated, because in many cases you may be partly at fault for the crash. You need an experienced Albany car accident lawyer at Joe Durham Jr., P.C. to prove that the other driver is more at fault than you and negotiate with the insurance company.
If you have a valid case, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis. Also, as a new client, you benefit from a free case review, so call us at 229-210-6226!
