Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of car crashes, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Despite representing a small percentage of total crashes, rollover accidents account for nearly one-third of all motor vehicle-related deaths. These accidents occur when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof, often leaving victims with severe injuries and significant financial burdens.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident in Fresno, the team at Berg Injury Lawyers is here to help you understand your rights and seek justice.
Why Rollover Accidents Happen
Rollover accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including vehicle design, driver behavior, and environmental conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial in preventing these dangerous accidents or determining liability when an accident does happen.
- Vehicle Type: Some vehicles, such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, are more prone to rollovers than lower-profile vehicles like sedans. This is because their higher center of gravity makes them more likely to tip over during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is a major contributing factor to rollover accidents. When a vehicle is traveling at a high speed, it becomes more difficult to control, especially during turns or when encountering unexpected obstacles. Speeding also increases the severity of a rollover, leading to more significant injuries and damage.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as sharp turns, sudden lane changes, and aggressive maneuvers, can increase the risk of a rollover. These actions can destabilize the vehicle and cause it to lose control, particularly at higher speeds.
- Road Conditions: Hazardous road conditions, such as uneven surfaces, potholes, or soft shoulders, can also contribute to rollover accidents. These conditions can cause a vehicle to lose traction and swerve or tip over, especially at higher speeds.
- Defective Vehicles or Tires: In some cases, rollover accidents may be caused by defective vehicles or tires. Manufacturing defects, such as faulty brakes or steering systems, can make a vehicle more prone to rollovers. Similarly, worn or improperly inflated tires can reduce traction and increase the risk of losing control.
Common Rollover Accident Injuries
Rollover accidents are known for their severity, often resulting in catastrophic injuries due to the violent forces involved and the potential for multiple impacts as the vehicle rolls. These may include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: The head is particularly vulnerable in rollover accidents, as it may strike the vehicle’s interior multiple times during the rollover. This can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, skull fractures, and other head trauma. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall well-being.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The spine is also at risk in rollover accidents, as the twisting and turning forces can cause damage to the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility, sensation, and bodily functions.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact and forces involved in a rollover can cause fractures to various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can be painful, require surgery or immobilization, and lead to long recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: The violent motion of a rollover can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Other Injuries: Rollover accidents can also cause a range of other injuries, including lacerations, crush injuries, and even amputations or limb loss.
Understanding the common injuries associated with these accidents highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and legal representation so you can pay for the care you need.
Compensation for Rollover Accident Victims
Rollover accidents often result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens for victims. If you’ve been injured in a rollover accident in Fresno, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help you recover and rebuild your life.
Medical Expenses
Compensation can cover a wide range of medical costs, including:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- Long-term care, such as in-home care
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for:
- Lost wages during your recovery period
- Reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous job or earn the same level of income in the future
Pain and Suffering
Compensation can also address non-economic damages, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Property Damage
You can also recover compensation for the damage to your vehicle or other personal property.
Determining Fault After a Rollover Accident
Determining who is at fault after a rollover accident can be a complex process. Driver negligence often plays a significant role, especially if speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving are involved.
However, other factors like vehicle defects or hazardous road conditions can also contribute to these accidents. For example, if a defective tire caused a blowout that led to the rollover, the tire manufacturer could be held liable. In cases where uneven pavement or inadequate signage played a role, the entity responsible for maintaining the road could potentially be held liable.
This means liability may not always be clear-cut, and multiple parties could potentially be held responsible for your injuries and damages.
How Our Fresno Rollover Accident Lawyers Can Help
Rollover accidents often result in complex legal situations, especially when determining liability and navigating insurance claims. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our experienced Fresno rollover accident lawyers can help in the following ways:
- Thorough Investigation: We can conduct a comprehensive investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and vehicle inspection reports. In complex cases, we can consult with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene and determine the cause of the rollover.
- Determining Liability: Identifying all responsible parties is crucial for maximizing your compensation. Our lawyers carefully examine the evidence to determine if driver negligence, vehicle defects, or hazardous road conditions contributed to the accident, and pursue claims against all liable parties.
- Calculating Damages: Accurately calculating your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, is crucial for securing fair compensation. Our lawyers can help you assess the full extent of your losses.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our lawyers can handle all communication with the insurance adjusters, negotiate for a fair settlement that covers your damages, and protect you from being pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our lawyers will file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We will prepare your case, gather evidence, and present your arguments to a judge and jury.
Having an experienced Fresno rollover accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we advocate for your rights, protect your interests, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
After a Rollover in Fresno, Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident in Fresno, you don’t have to shoulder the burden alone. Berg Injury Lawyers can provide the support you need during the difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation.
