Any person that suffers the experience of a rollover accident likely has substantial medical bills, the inability to return to work resulting in the loss of wages, property damage to their vehicle, and pain and suffering.
While rollover accidents represent a small number of crashes, they are disproportionately more dangerous than many others, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you experienced a rollover accident and suffered any type of injuries or losses, consider calling our team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to help you understand how a Houston rollover accident lawyer can discuss your legal rights and help you with your next steps.
Rollover Accident Causes
Rollover accidents typically involve serious injuries and catastrophic damage. There are always different circumstances in which any car accident will occur. However, there are some events that can increase the possibility of a rollover accident, including the following:
Sudden Lane Changes or Swerving
There are many reasons why a driver would choose to make a sudden lane change or swerve their vehicle out of their lane on the roadway. Some of these reasons are due to unexpected circumstances such as debris or potholes in the roadway, animals unexpectedly crossing the road, or another driver moving their vehicle too close, increasing the risk of an accident.
In these moments, a driver makes the sudden decision to change lanes in order to avoid an accident. While some vehicles may have the ability to swerve and change lanes easily, those vehicles that have a higher center of gravity, such as an SUV, may have more of a risk to rollover due to a sudden shift in direction or swerving.
In extreme cases, semi-trucks or tractor-trailers that swerve or make sudden lane changes can cause devastating accidents if the trailer rolls over or onto its side.
Distracted Driving
Sudden lane changes and swerving often occur because an unexpected event happened in the roadway, and the driver remained unable to avoid it without quickly moving their vehicle to a different lane.
However, some instances of sudden lane changes or swerving are directly related to distracted driving. A driver that was in some way distracted looks up and notices something in the roadway and attempts to correct their trajectory resulting in a devastating accident. Some of the types of distracted driving that may lead to a rollover accident include:
- Texting while driving
- Eating, drinking, or smoking
- Distraction from either inside or outside the vehicle that takes away the driver’s attention
- Not paying close attention to the roadway
- Using a cell phone
- Checking a navigational device
Drowsy Driving
When drivers operate a vehicle when they feel drowsy or tired, they may have slower reaction times or even fall asleep at the wheel. Driving while drowsy or fatigued slows down a driver’s reaction time, which decreases their ability to make quick decisions if they face any kind of challenge or obstacle in the roadway.
With a slowed reaction time, a drowsy driver may suddenly awaken to find themselves too close to the car in front of them, or confused in some way and jerk the steering wheel, causing the car to veer into a different lane of traffic or swerve on the roadway, causing a rollover accident.
Driving While Intoxicated or Under the Influence of Drugs
The state of Texas has strict standards regarding the use of alcohol or drugs and driving a car. If any motorist operates a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, they will remain liable for any rollover accidents that occur as a result of their negligence. Drivers that operate a vehicle either drunk or drugged have limited abilities regarding cognitive function and make catastrophic errors in judgment when driving, which can result in a rollover accident.
For a free legal consultation with a rollover accidents lawyer serving Houston, call (844) 730-0233
Manufacturing Defects
A manufacturing defect may actually cause a rollover accident. For example, an investigation might find a manufacturing flaw or defect with the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, stability design, suspension system, braking system, vehicle frame, or tires.
However, if a manufacturing defect does not directly cause the accident, a manufacturing defect or another type of manufacturing design flaw in a part or component of a vehicle may make an accident worse and cause more serious injuries or death. For example, if the structural integrity of the roof of a vehicle is not stable or strong enough, the entire roof could collapse during a rollover accident, crushing the passengers inside. While this would not actually be the direct cause of the rollover accident, the manufacturing defect in the roof would create more serious and catastrophic injuries to the motorist and passengers.
If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of a manufacturing defect in a rollover accident, you might have a legal right to pursue a products liability claim. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a product liability or personal injury claim.
If you believe your injuries and losses resulted from a manufacturing defect, consider calling our team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, and learn how a lawyer can help you pursue a manufacturing defect claim.
Houston Rollover Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Injuries Resulting from Accidents in Vehicles That Rolled Over
As anyone can imagine, injuries resulting from a rollover accident can prove devastating or even fatal, especially if the roof of the vehicle caves and crushes the passengers inside. While every accident will have different types of injuries, some injuries from a rollover accident may include:
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Aortic dissection
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Bruising and lacerations
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Death
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Learn How a Houston Rollover Accident Lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help You
Rollover accidents are almost always extremely serious and result in catastrophic injuries and losses. If you received any severe injuries or your loved one died due to a rollover accident, contact our team for a free consultation to learn how a Houston rollover accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can help you with your next steps.
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