Rollover Auto Accidents Can Be Dangerous

Any type of auto accident can cause life-changing injuries, depending on the specifics of the situation. However, there are certain types of car crashes that are statistically more likely to cause severe injury and death, with rollover accidents at the top of the list. While the majority of rollover accidents are single-vehicle, it is important to know that if you have been through a rollover accident, and you suspect it occurred due to the negligence of another person or entity, you have the right to seek compensation for what you have been through.

“Disproportionately Deadly”

A rollover accident is any crash where the vehicle tips onto its side or roof. The majority of these types of accidents occur after striking an object – whether a fixed object or another vehicle – but it does happen where a vehicle rolls over without hitting anything at all. Single-vehicle rollovers are more common than multi-vehicle rollovers, but either can happen, particularly in certain types of passenger automobiles with lower centers of gravity, like sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

Because rollover accidents involve a large weight transfer happening at a rapid pace, they are disproportionately deadly. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that while rollover crashes only make up about 3 percent of all road accidents, they cause over one-third (33 percent) of all occupant deaths. They also cause a higher percentage of serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or spinal cord damage, which can affect an injured plaintiff’s entire life through no fault of their own.

Filing Suit

If you have been involved in a rollover crash, and your injuries are severe, you have the right to file suit against the person or entity you believe is responsible, even though Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. While most auto accident cases must be handled via insurance claims, state law contains what is known as a “severity threshold” which allows a person to bypass their no-fault insurance and file suit against an allegedly negligent defendant if their injuries are severe enough.

Above all else, it is crucial that you identify the right potential defendant or defendants before filing suit. Many rollover accidents occur due to a defect in the vehicle – for example, defective tires or a lack of roll-bar roof protection – and in those cases, it may be more appropriate to file suit against the manufacturer of that part, rather than against a negligent driver or other individual. Sometimes, this can be a difficult determination to make – but experienced legal help may aid you in making that decision.

Contact An Orlando Rollover Accident Attorney

If you have managed to live through a rollover accident, your injuries are more likely to be severe, which can completely upend the lives of you and your family. An Orlando rollover accident attorney from the Hornsby Law Group can help you determine the best path for you, and work to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today via our web form, or on the phone at (407) 499-8887, for a free consultation.

Source:

nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/811435.pdf