Hurt in a Rollover Crash? Contact us Today for a Free Consultation
At Bernheim Kelley, our Fort Lauderdale rollover accident attorneys are experienced, results-driven advocates for victims and families. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rollover accident that was someone else’s fault, then it is important that you get the compensation that you deserve. However, no matter how clear it may be that another individual is responsible for the accident, the process of getting fairly compensated for your unfortunate involvement can be frustrating and overwhelming. When is the best time to get an attorney for a car accident? Now. Contact us at our Fort Lauderdale office today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a top car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
What is a Rollover?
As explained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a rollover crash is a type of vehicle accident where the vehicle tips over onto its side or roof due to high speed, sharp turns, or collision. It is highly dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to ejections, crush injuries, or occupant restraint system failures.
Rollover Accidents: The Statistics
All car accidents are dangerous, but some are far more dangerous than others. Rollover accidents are the most dangerous types of car accidents, simply because protective equipment in vehicles is meant to provide protection from a single, predicted direction, and a rollover causes multiple impacts in many directions while throwing the passengers violently back and forth in the vehicle. In fact, according to safercar.gov: “rollovers accounted for nearly 35% of all deaths from passenger vehicle crashes. In 2010 alone, more than 7,600 people died in rollover crashes. The majority of them (69%) were not wearing safety belts.”
Know the Causes of Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. What are the most common causes of collisions? Here are four key reasons why rollover crashes happen in Florida:
- Vehicle Type: Taller, narrower vehicles like SUVs and pickups are more prone to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity.
- Tire Failures: Blowouts or underinflated tires can lead to rollovers. Indeed, tire problems are often cited as a causal factor in tire failure crashes.
- High Speed: Most fatal rollovers involve excessive speed. Higher speeds can make vehicles more susceptible to rollovers.
- Weather Conditions: Slippery roads due to rain, ice, or snow can contribute to the loss of control and cause rollovers.
Which Vehicles are Most Likely to Roll Over in an Accident?
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are significantly more likely to roll over than other vehicles. As found in a study from the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, SUVs were at least three times more likely to roll over than other vehicles. Notably, older SUVs—especially those manufactured before 2006—were especially more susceptible to rollovers.
Vehicle Rollover Prevention: Four Tips You Can Use
While you cannot completely eliminate the risk of a rollover crash, there are some proactive steps that you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a catastrophic collision. Here are four tips that you can use for vehicle rollover prevention:
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Regularly check tires for wear and keep them properly inflated to prevent blowouts or loss of control.
- Speed Control: Maintain a safe speed, especially on curves or when conditions are poor.
- Load Vehicle Correctly: Distribute the load evenly and avoid overloading, especially with top-heavy vehicles like SUVs.
- Stay Alert on Rural Roads: Drive cautiously on rural roads, which often lack barriers and can lead to rollovers if you lose control.
The Most Common Injuries Sustained in Rollover Car Accidents
Rollover crashes are disproportionately likely to cause severe, catastrophic, and life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries reported in rollover collisions in Florida include:
- Broken Bones: Rollovers often cause fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, and ribs. Occupants may instinctively brace for impact, leading to wrist and forearm fractures.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The force of a rollover can cause the head to strike the vehicle’s interior, leading to concussions or more severe brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Violent motion can lead to neck and back injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
- Internal Injuries: The impact can cause damage to internal organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen, often requiring immediate medical attention.
How Can Bernheim Kelley Help in a Rollover Accident Claim in Florida?
The insurance company’s main focus on any claim is to settle it as quickly as possible and for as little money as possible, and your situation will be no different unless you are working with an experienced car accident attorney who can bring the fight right to them. If you are wondering, “How much does an accident devalue my car?” then an experienced lawyer can help. Working with a personal injury attorney is one of the best decisions that you can make early in this process. When the insurance company knows that you have a lawyer, they know that you are here to get what you deserve. We will be happy to discuss the specifics of your situation during our initial consultation and provide you with insight into how we can help you throughout this process, as well as how we have helped others in similar situations to yours in the past.
At Bernheim Kelley, we are prepared to handle all communications with the insurance company, investigate your damages and calculate fair settlements, negotiate on your behalf, and prepare for the possibility of a lawsuit in the Florida courts. You will be able to use this time to focus on getting your life back on track. You need a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who knows how to protect your rights and your interests every step of the way. Whether you have questions about how to get started with your case or how to dispute fault for a car accident, we are ready to take action to help you get justice and the maximum available financial compensation.
Contact Our Florida Rollover Accident Lawyers Today
At Bernheim Kelley, our Florida rollover accident lawyers are ready to help. The sooner you contact our firm, the sooner you will be able to take on the insurance company with the help of an experienced, diligent, and proven attorney who is fighting for the money that you are entitled to. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation initial legal consultation.