Rollover crashes can be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2010 this type of accident accounted for a little over 2% of all car accidents, yet was responsible for nearly 35% of passenger vehicle fatalities.
If your loved one was killed in a rollover crash, the blame may lie with another driver, dangerous road conditions, or problems with their vehicle. If you were injured in a rollover accident, you could be owed compensation to pay for your medical treatment and other expenses.
A Raleigh rollover accident lawyer may be able to help investigate your accident, determine its cause, and seek the damages you may be entitled to. Call the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to get started on your rollover accident case.
Most Single-Vehicle Rollover Accidents Are “Tripped”
Rollover accidents often involve a single vehicle. The NHTSA found that nearly all single-vehicle rollover crashes occur because the vehicle “tripped,” or slid sideways due to road conditions, shoulder conditions, or something in the roadway, then ran into an object such as a curb or guardrail, causing the vehicle to flip.
Roads are generally maintained by a city, state, or county. Some roads are the responsibility of a property owner. If bad road conditions, design, or maintenance caused your crash, an attorney may be able to help you sue the entity in charge of the roadway.
Most untripped single-vehicle accidents are caused when a driver is forced to perform a maneuver to avoid a crash, such as swerving or overcorrecting. This can cause the vehicle to tip over, especially when traveling at high speeds. If your rollover accident happened because you were avoiding a collision with another driver, that driver may be liable for your injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a rollovers lawyer serving Raleigh, call (844) 730-0233
Vehicle Type Can Make a Difference
The type of vehicle you drive may also influence your risk of being involved in a rollover accident. According to Forbes, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks are twice as likely to roll over as other passenger vehicles. This is because of their high center of gravity. Smaller vehicles may also be less likely to roll because they have more maneuverability than larger SUVs and trucks.
Available safety features may help protect passengers in the event of a rollover accident. A stronger vehicle side structure, side airbags, and electronic stability control systems could make passengers safer during this type of crash.
A Raleigh rollover accident lawyer may be able to help you determine if a vehicle defect or lack of safety features contributed to your accident and injuries. If a vehicle issue caused your crash, you may be able to sue the vehicle maker, or the maker of the defective parts or parts, in a product liability lawsuit.
Raleigh Rollovers Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Compensation for Your Injuries
If your rollover accident was not your fault, you should not have to pay for your medical bills, vehicle damages, and other costs by yourself. You can seek compensation from those who are liable, whether that is another driver, a municipality, a manufacturer, or a combination of parties.
Damages in a car accident lawsuit are divided into two general categories:
- Economic damages: These awards cover your direct, out-of-pocket costs, such as medical bills, vehicle damages, and lost wages. Economic damages also take into account future expenses like follow-up procedures, long-term medications, and physical therapy. If your family member died in a rollover accident, you may seek many of these damages on behalf of their estate. You may also seek the costs of their funeral and burial.
- Non-economic damages: These damages are also known as awards for pain and suffering. You could be entitled to compensation if your accident resulted in life-long injuries and ailments that may reduce your quality of life, such as an amputation, disfigurement, or chronic pain. Non-economic damages also compensate for the mental harm you have endured. This may include conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, or depression resulting from your accident and injuries. In a wrongful death lawsuit, these damages may also include suffering caused by the loss of your loved one.
After an Accident
If you plan to seek compensation for you or your loved one, there are several things you will need to do. You should:
- File a crash report: if a law enforcement officer was present at the scene of the accident, a crash report has been made. You can obtain a copy of the report by following these directions from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS). If your accident has not been reported, you should do so immediately.
- Seek treatment for your injuries: if you have not already received medical treatment, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. You should maintain records of any treatment you receive.
- File an insurance claim: according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), North Carolina drivers must carry liability insurance and insurance for underinsured/uninsured motorists. You should file your claims with insurance as soon as possible.
- Be aware of the statute of limitations: your time to file a lawsuit is limited by laws called the statutes of limitations. If you are seeking compensation for a deceased family member, General Statutes (GS) § 1-53 allows two years to sue for wrongful death. If you are suing for personal injury, GS § 1-52 allows three years.
- Consider hiring an attorney: a lawyer may help you gather evidence, handle insurance negotiations, manage court filings and proceedings, and more. The law is complicated, but a Raleigh rollover accident attorney may be able to assist you in fighting for fair compensation.
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Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC for a Risk-Free Consultation
If you are looking for a Raleigh rollover accident lawyer, reach out to the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Our firm has helped clients win six- and seven-figure settlements in car accident cases. We believe in justice, and we are here to help you and your family during this difficult time. Call our offices at (844) 730-0233.
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