Rollover car accidents are the deadliest type of crash, with a higher fatality rate than any other type of motor vehicle accident. While rollover crashes account for only about 3 percent of all accidents, they are responsible for more than a third of passenger vehicle fatalities, according to Consumer Reports.
Rollover accidents can be particularly violent, resulting in significant injuries and vehicle damage. Driver behavior, vehicle type, and road conditions all can play a role in rollover crashes. A Los Angeles rollover accident lawyer can help you determine the cause of your crash and help you seek awards for:
- Medical expenses. This may include emergency department visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, ongoing treatments, and any other healthcare costs related to your accident.
- Property damage. You may be able to seek awards to compensate for damages to your vehicle or any other property damaged during your rollover accident.
- Pain and suffering. This may include awards for physical and mental anguish, anxiety, stress, and loss of enjoyment of life. You may seek damages for permanent scarring, loss of a limb, and more.
- Wrongful death. If your loved one died in a rollover accident you may be able to seek compensation on their behalf. You may also be eligible to seek wrongful death benefits, including awards for loss of companionship and financial support.
To learn more about how an attorney can help with your case, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free case review.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can be complex. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 85 percent of rollover accidents involve a single vehicle. Common causes of rollover accidents include:
- Vehicle type. Any vehicle can roll over, but sport utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, and pickup trucks all are more prone to rollover accidents because of their higher centers of gravity. Safety features like side airbags, stronger roofs, and electronic stability control all improve the safety of these types of vehicles.
- Speed. Excessive speeding is the cause of 40 percent of fatal rollover crashes, and fatal rollover crashes are speed-related more often than non-fatal rollover accidents.
- Alcohol. Around half of fatal rollover accidents involve an intoxicated driver.
- Location. Rollover accidents are more common on rural roads, in part because they tend to be divided and without barriers. Almost two-thirds of fatal rollovers happen on rural roads where the speed limit is greater than 55 miles per hour.
- Road conditions. Ninety-five percent of rollover accidents are “tripped,” meaning the vehicle overturned because of hitting something in or beside the roadway, such as a curb, pothole, or other object.
Whether your injuries were caused by another driver, a vehicle defect, lack of safety features, or a hazardous roadway, a Los Angeles rollover accident lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you identify any negligence or wrongdoing that may have led to your crash.
For a free legal consultation with a rollover accidents lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (844) 730-0233
California Car Accident Laws
If you have been in a crash, it is important to understand the laws regarding insurance, negligence, accident reporting, and the statutes of limitations.
Insurance
California is an at-fault insurance state, meaning the insurance provider of the driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), drivers must be able provide proof of financial responsibility in the case of an accident. This may be a liability insurance policy, cash deposit of $35,000 with the DMV, DMV-issued self-insurance certificate, or a surety bond for $35,000.
The minimum liability coverage drivers must have is:
- $15,000 for injury and/or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury and/or death to more than one person
- $5,000 for damage to property
An attorney can help you negotiate with an insurance provider to help you secure a fair settlement. If your injuries or damaged property exceed the amount of insurance the responsible party carries, a lawyer can help you seek additional damages in court. We can help you understand the insurance claims process.
Negligence
California follows a model of pure comparative negligence. This means that even if your accident was 99 percent your fault, you still can seek compensation. Any settlement you receive will be reduced by your amount of fault. For example, if you are awarded a settlement of $100,000 and are found to be 30 percent responsible, you would receive $70,000.
Accident Reporting
California requires drivers to report any accident involving injuries (no matter how minor), death, or property damage of more than $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days of the crash. Reporting can be done online using an SR 1 form. This form must be filled out whether or not you caused the collision, and even if the crash happened on private property. A lawyer, insurance agent, or broker can fill out the form for you. If an SR 1 is not submitted, it will result in suspension of your driving privileges.
Statutes of Limitations
Statutes of limitations are time limits set by law in which to bring legal action. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death is two years. The clock begins ticking from the time the injury or death occurred. The statute of limitations for the recovery of personal property is three years. If the statutes of limitations have expired, you may not be able to seek awards in court.
A Los Angeles rollover accident lawyer can help ensure you comply with the state’s car accident laws.
Los Angeles Rollover Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC
Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you through every step of your case, from determining and proving liability, to gathering evidence, to arguing your claims in court, if needed.
Whether it is negotiating with a large insurance company or holding a major auto manufacturer responsible, we will not back down from your case. A Los Angeles rollover accident lawyer is here to help you fight for justice so you can focus on your recovery.
Call the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
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