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What is a vehicle rollover accident?

A vehicle rollover accident is any type of accident that causes a car or truck to turn over onto its side or roof due to the impact.

Any type of vehicle is capable of rolling over, whether the accident involves striking property or another vehicle. This is why vehicles have rollover ratings, regarding how difficult it is to make them roll over onto their side or upside down.

Rollover accidents are extremely frightening for the victims inside of the car. Their world is quite literally turned on its head due to the accident. They can suffer severe injuries and personal trauma.

If you have been involved in a Florida vehicle rollover, contact an attorney at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath for a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you may be owed damages for your suffering.

We serve the following areas around Florida. Contact us today at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation.

Discover your legal options today.

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Liability in Rollover Accidents

No two car accident cases are the same, so it can be difficult to determine liability. While in some cases, the driver of another vehicle may be at fault for your rollover accident, in others, there are no other vehicles involved.

It is common for victims of roll over accidents to file claims against the manufacturer of their vehicle, if there is any evidence that the vehicle malfunctioned or its construction led to the car rolling over.

If another vehicle is involved in the accident, they may be liable for your car rolling over. A side-impact car accident can tip your vehicle off balance, resulting in your vehicle rolling. In this case, the driver who caused the side-impact accident would be at fault.

However, since many vehicle rollover accidents only involve one car, you cannot always find fault in another driver.

If your car rolled over due to poor road maintenance, such as a large pothole, you can find government organizations responsible for road maintenance liable for your accident. However, these claims are more difficult to pursue, as some government organizations have immunity that prevents lawsuits from being filed against them. To determine if you can file a claim against a government organization, contact a Florida vehicle rollover lawyer who can advise you on how best to collect damages.

Vehicle Rollover Accident Injuries

Vehicle rollover accidents cause some of the most debilitating forms of injuries of any type of car accident. Any time a vehicle rolls over, it impacts the more vulnerable side and/or roof of a vehicle, which cannot protect the car’s inhabitants as well. The jarring movements can easily cause muscle damage that can take days to appear after an accident.

To ensure you get the proper treatment and don’t unknowingly aggravate your injuries, see a medical professional after your Florida vehicle rollover. Have them check for the following common injuries:

  • Cuts and bruises
  • Burns
  • Internal Injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Seat belt injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, including whiplash and slipped discs
  • Head injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Skull fractures
  • Broken bones
  • Rib and torso damage

Common Causes of Vehicle Rollovers

Unfortunately, vehicle rollovers are a very real risk in Florida. In 2017, rollover accidents in Florida lead to 175 deaths and over 1,800 injuries, according to the FLHSMV annual crash report. Drivers need to be prepared for what causes vehicles to rollover before they are a victim. This will help them avoid common causes of vehicle roll overs, such as:

  • Vehicles “tripping” over curbs, uneven pavement, potholes, or other poorly maintained roadways
  • Certain SUV models with higher centers of gravity can flip due to wind
  • Side-on vehicle collisions
  • Impaired drivers can make errors that result in a vehicle rollover
  • Tires with poor grip that can lead to skidding and losing control of a vehicle
  • Speeding, which increases the likelihood of a rollover in accidents involing vehicles

Vehicles Most Likely to Roll Over

Vehicles are run through safety checks to ensure that they can withstand accidents and protect their inhabitants. While improvements have been made to prevent rollovers, many cars are still susceptible to this severe form of accident.

SUVs and trucks are at a higher likelihood to roll due to their higher center of gravity. Their height and roominess – factors that appeal to buyers – are the reason that they are so dangerous.

Avoid the following vehicles that have been found to be at a high risk of rolling over:

  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Chevrolet Tahoe
  • Jeep Renegade
  • Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
  • Toyota 4Runner
  • GMC Yukon
  • Hyundai Accent
  • Dodge Nitro
  • Honda Element
  • Nissa Nv3500

Rollover Prevention

Rollover car accidents can lead to serious injuries. It’s important to take steps to avoid being the victim of one of these traumatic accidents.

Although not all rollover vehicle accidents can be prevented, taking the following steps will help decrease the likelihood of you being involved in a rollover accident:

  • Check your tire pressure. Flat tires at high speeds, such as on highways, can tip a vehicle off balance and result in a rollover collision. Ensure your tires are safe to drive on regularly.
  • Purchase a vehicle with a low risk of rolling over. SUVs may be nice for families with a lot of items, but they have a higher risk of rollover accidents. Be sure to take extra precautions if you do drive a higher risk vehicle.
  • Drive within the speed limit. Speeding plays a role in the majority of car accidents in the USA. Slowing down will help increase your reaction time, ensure that you can take turns safely, and will allow you to have more control over your vehicle.
  • Learn how to handle a skid. Many drivers overcorrect when skidding, jerking the wheel and causing more damage. Instead, learn to steer into the skid while reducing speed, then gradually steer back to the road.
  • Wear your seatbelt. While this doesn’t prevent the accident, it can prevent a number of severe injuries, such as paralysis, if your car does rollover.

Contact a Florida Vehicle Rollover Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one have been injured in a Florida vehicle rollover, our attorneys can assist you today. We can take the stress of dealing with insurance companies, proving liability, and researching court procedures off your hands. You’ll be able to focus on healing while we win you the maximum compensation.