According to Consumer Reports, rollover crashes are rare, accounting for just three percent of serious crashes. However, they also can become quite deadly. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that rollover accidents cause more fatalities than all other types of crashes, accounting for about one-fifth of all fatal traffic accidents. For those who survive a rollover crash, they frequently suffer severe, potentially life-altering injuries.
If you were in a rollover accident in the Puget Sound area, a Seattle rollover accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, could support you in seeking monetary awards to help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Call (844) 730-0233 to speak with a staff member about scheduling a free consultation, where we can determine if you have legal grounds for a personal injury suit.
Rollover Causes and Risk Factors
Rollover crashes occur when a vehicle encounters a sudden shift in weight and its center of gravity. For instance, a driver may swerve to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, another vehicle, or an object and hit something such as a shoulder or curb, abruptly shifting the car’s center of gravity. When the force is strong enough, it can push the vehicle onto its side or roof.
In extreme cases, particularly crashes that occur on hillsides, the vehicle may complete several rotations before stopping. The vast majority involve a single car. According to NHTSA data, approximately 40 percent of rollovers involve excessive speed. In Seattle, rollovers most often occur on slick roadways when drivers do not adjust their speed to reflect conditions.
Certain vehicles are more susceptible to rollovers than others. Those with a low center of gravity, such as sedans and coupes, are less likely to roll over. On the other hand, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more likely to roll over because of their height and high center of gravity. NHTSA research shows SUVs and pickup trucks also have a higher fatality rate in rollover crashes than passenger cars.
For a free legal consultation with a rollover lawyer serving Seattle, call (844) 730-0233
Injuries and Damages Associated with Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes can result in injuries ranging from mild to fatal. Common injuries associated with rollover accidents include:
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Bone fractures
- Broken ribs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal bleeding
If you were in a car crash, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you did not see a doctor immediately after the accident, some injuries could lie dormant for several days, so schedule an appointment right away to reduce your risk of severe, long-term issues, including permanent disability or even death.
Seeking prompt medical attention can also prove beneficial when you file an insurance claim or civil suit to seek compensation for your medical bills. The damages associated with car crashes can also vary broadly depending on the situation and your injuries. A car accident lawyer can help you determine what kinds of damages you could receive. Some damages commonly associated with rollovers include:
- Current and reasonably anticipated medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- In-home assistance
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
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How to Seek Compensation
Establishing who or what caused the crash is the first step in any personal injury case stemming from a car accident. Typically, a driver causes the accident. However, in some rollover crashes, you could hold the vehicle manufacturer liable—for example, if the vehicle had a manufacturing defect that contributed to the crash. You must prove liability to pursue compensation from the responsible party or parties. A Seattle rollover accident lawyer can help you determine liable parties.
Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 4.22.070, Washington determines fault under the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning one party could be entirely responsible or multiple parties might have partial liability. With rollover crashes, law enforcement almost always responds to the scene. After ensuring those who need it receive medical attention, the responding officer will file a report per RCW § 46.52.070 that identifies which driver they believe caused the accident.
Insurance companies usually conduct independent investigations to determine fault as well. However, the other party’s insurance company will not have your best interest in mind and may not perform an objective evaluation.
If you believe an officer or insurance provider has blamed you unfairly, you might want to contact the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, for assistance. Our attorneys can perform an independent investigation, including a review of the police report, insurance claims, and emergency medical reports, and interview eyewitnesses and refer to photos and videos from the scene. Call us today to get started.
Uninsured Motorists
While Washington requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance—specifically to protect victims in crashes—if the at-fault driver did not have insurance or their insurance does not fully cover your expenses, this can further complicate matters.
If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance provider. However, if you do not have such coverage, or your policy does not fully cover your injuries, you might want to bring a civil suit against the responsible party.
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How a Seattle Rollover Accident Lawyer Can Help
In the aftermath of a rollover accident, faced with mounting medical bills and the challenges of recovery and rehabilitation, it is understandable you might feel distraught, overwhelmed, and stressed. You do not have to go through this dark period alone. A personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf or represent you in civil court. Here are some steps they may take to support you:
- Gather evidence to prove liability.
- Build a case and strategy based on the details of your situation.
- Pursue compensation on your behalf.
- Communicate with insurance companies.
Our team will keep in touch throughout the process to update you on your case’s progress and answer any questions and concerns you may have.
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Get in Touch with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered injuries from a rollover accident caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain of where to turn for help. A Seattle rollover accident lawyer can support you in this challenging time. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233 to speak with a staff member. We can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and determine if you have a case.
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