Rollover accidents are extremely dangerous. Rollover accidents are not common, but you should never assume it cannot happen to you. If a negligent driver caused your rollover accident, you are entitled to pursue compensation for your damages. You should seek legal advice from a lawyer about your case before you file your claim.
A lawyer can aid your case by helping you collect evidence and assess the damages you have sustained. Negotiating with insurance companies can get complicated and difficult. A good lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to obtain the best settlement possible for you.
Our law firm has Smyrna rollover accident lawyers ready to provide you with assistance. You do not have to go through this difficult time alone. We want you to focus on your recovery. Let us handle your case for you. We have years of legal experience and know the ins and outs of accident and personal injury law at the federal, state, and local levels. Call us for a free consultation at (404) 341-6555.
How Rollover Accidents Occur
Many people believe that rollover accidents only happen to large vehicles, but this is hardly the case. While large vehicles are more likely to roll over than others, smaller sized vehicles are not immune to the dangers of rolling over. There are two types of rollover accidents, tripped and un-tripped. Rollover accidents get separated into these two categories due to the way they occur.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 95% of all rollover accidents are tripped. Tripped rollover accidents happen when a car trips on an object by leaving the roadway. Tripped rollovers get caused by soft soil, guardrails, or curbs that cause cars to lose balance. A driver will veer to one side to avoid a hazard, in the process hitting one of those objects or digging into the soil, thus causing the car to tip.
Untripped rollovers occur mainly for top-heavy vehicles. When the driver of a top-heavy vehicle attempts a sharp turn to maneuver away from a hazard, the vehicle’s own unbalanced weight will cause the rollover to occur. These kinds of rollovers are not as common and only make up less than 5% of rollover accidents nationally.
Rollover Accident Injuries
Rollover accidents can cause severe injuries. There are several points of impact when a rollover accident occurs, especially if a car rolls over and stumbles down a steep slope. Each point of impact exponentially increases the risk of injury. Common injuries associated with rollover accidents are:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord and various back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and various types of head trauma
- Torn ligaments and ripped tendons
- Internal damage to organs
- Loss of limb
These injuries are serious, and many of them can leave you with lifelong complications or permanent disability. In addition to physical injuries, psychological damages also occur after rollover accidents. Do not trivialize psychological damages such as PTSD, anxiety, etc. They are just as serious as physical injuries and should get compensated equally. If a negligent party caused you to swerve and roll over, get in touch with a rollover accident lawyer to fight for compensation.
Damages You Can Recover Compensation For
You can seek compensation for damages that were from the direct result of your accident. Such damages include:
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Medical expenses
- Property damage and vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Disfigurement
Retain evidence for all of your expenses, such as bills, receipts, and other financial documents. They will help prove the cost of your damages. For damages with no set value, such as pain and suffering, your lawyer will help you assess a fair value.
Statute of Limitations
As stated in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 9-3-33, you have two years to file a claim for your accident. Two years is not a lot of time, and it can pass very quickly. Do not lose your chance to obtain a settlement for your accident by failing to file by the deadline.
Evidence can also get lost during these two years, making it harder to get compensation. You can lose important documents, and witnesses to your accident can start to have lapses in their memory. While you should not rush into filing a claim, it is best not to take action as soon as you can. Your lawyer will help you file when the time is right after a strong case is built.
Get Help from a Lawyer Today
When an insurance company provides you with an offer, never accept without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They will try to get you to settle for less or admit fault for the accident, so they do not have to pay the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Our Smyrna rollover accident lawyers are honest, compassionate, and dedicated to helping you during this challenging time. We never charge upfront for our services and have no hidden costs. If we cannot win you compensation, you owe us nothing. For a free and no risk consultation, do not hesitate to reach out to our law office. Call us at (404) 341-6555.
