Rollover accidents are some of the most serious accidents on the roadways. When a vehicle rolls over, it can result in the roof crushing in causing serious injuries or fatalities. If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of your vehicle rolling over through no fault of your own, contact the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to learn how a Pittsburgh rollover accident lawyer can help you with your next steps.
Pennsylvania and Fault
When it comes to fault in a car accident, Pennsylvania uses a “choice no-fault” system for auto insurance. With no-fault laws, drivers typically receive money from their own insurer. However, in Pennsylvania, drivers can also get varying levels of coverage to address losses against third parties, as insurers offer “limited tort” and “full tort” options, making it somewhat unique when compared to many other states.
With these tort options, drivers must pursue payouts within the limits of these policies. Drivers can pursue other damages from the other driver if it meets the requirements for doing so. Lawyers can help motorists navigate these tricky laws after a rollover accident.
For a free legal consultation with a rollover accident lawyer serving Pittsburgh, call (844) 730-0233
Causes of Rollover Accidents and Why They Matter
Once a determination of liability occurs, a victim will have a better understanding of who has the legal responsibility to compensate them for their injuries and losses. While every rollover accident will have its own unique set of facts and circumstances, some of the causes of rollover accidents include the following:
Reckless or Careless Driving
If a driver on the roadways operates a motor vehicle in a reckless or careless manner, it may cause them to suddenly swerve or drift into other lanes. As a result, another driver may attempt to avoid a collision with the reckless or careless driver by steering away quickly, which could result in a sudden shift causing a rollover accident. Even if the reckless vehicle does not collide with another vehicle, its driver may be responsible and liable for any injuries and losses that occur as a result of their negligent actions.
Driving While Distracted
Many people think that driving while distracted only relates to texting while driving. While this is a common cause of distraction of motorists, there are other causes of distraction that can result in a rollover accident including:
- Being lost in thought
- Talking on a cell phone
- Drinking, eating, and smoking
- Petting an animal in the passenger seat
- Checking the radio, climate control, or navigational device
- Focusing on something distracting inside or outside the vehicle
Any distraction can result in a driver swerving or veering into another lane and then too rapidly making a course correction causing another vehicle to tip over or rollover.
Driving While Drowsy or Fatigued
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that driving while fatigued or drowsy results in the same poor reflex control and decision-making abilities as driving while intoxicated. As a result, a driver can fall asleep for a brief moment and when they awaken, jerk the vehicle quickly into their appropriate lane, causing a rollover accident.
Driving While Intoxicated
If another driver operates a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may face a criminal charge of driving while intoxicated. However, if you are a victim of a rollover accident due to another driver negligently operating their vehicle while intoxicated, you may have the legal right to bring a civil claim against them for any injuries or losses that result from your rollover accident. A Pittsburgh rollover accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you determine your legal rights regarding these types of legally complex accidents.
Manufacturing Defect
The Product Liability Fairness Act is a federal law that requires all manufacturers of products placed into the stream of commerce to ensure their safety and reliability. Certain components and parts of a vehicle could cause serious injury or death if a rollover accident occurs as a result of product design or manufacturing defect.
Steering components, faulty tires, tire tread issues, poor stability design, poor suspension systems, faulty seat back, faulty seat belts, defective braking systems, or failure of the structural integrity of the vehicle as a whole could cause a rollover accident and fatalities or catastrophic injuries. These types of claims are typically brought under product liability law and often include complex and challenging legal issues. Consider a Pittsburgh rollover accident lawyer who can help you by conducting an independent investigation to determine if your rollover accident was the result of a manufacturing defect.
Pittsburgh Rollover Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Types of Compensation for Victims of Rollover Accidents
Depending on the nature of your rollover accident, you may have the legal right to pursue compensation for different types of injuries and losses, both economic and non-economic. Some of the types of compensation you may have the legal right to pursue include the following:
Economic Losses
- Medical costs (ambulance transportation, hospitalizations, surgery, medical treatments, prescription medications, physical therapy, psychological counseling, medical devices, and in-home care)
- Property damage to your vehicle and/or the contents inside
- Loss of income (including wages, vacation and sick leave taken, missed bonuses and promotions, employee benefits and pension contributions)
- Loss of future wages, if you remain unable to return to work
Non-Economic Losses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Psychological distress
- Emotional trauma
Many victims remain unaware of all of the different types of compensation available following a rollover car accident. Contact our legal team today to learn how a Pittsburgh rollover accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for the injuries and losses you received in a rollover accident.
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Find Out How a Pittsburgh Rollover Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you suffered injuries and losses in a rollover accident because of someone else’s action or a manufacturing defect, you may experience the inability to return to work due to your injuries, resulting in loss of income, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Learn how a Pittsburgh rollover accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can help you with your next steps and ensure that your legal rights are always protected.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form