Many vehicle accidents are what we would consider “predictable.” That does not mean that they are less severe, but just that. Predictable. However, rollover vehicle accidents are anything but predictable. These incidents can occur in a several ways, cause by the negligence of other drivers on the roadway. Rollover accidents can lead to devastating injuries for those involved, and recovering compensation can be challenging.
Rollover Accidents and How They Occur
Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle tips (or is forced over) over onto its side or roof. These collisions can occur for various reasons, including:
- Speeding. Driving at high speeds, especially around curves or turns, can cause a vehicle to lose balance and rollover.
- Sharp turns. Taking sharp turns too quickly can lead to rollovers, particularly in taller vehicles like SUVs and trucks that have a higher center of gravity.
- Tripping. Vehicles can trip over objects such as curbs, guardrails, or uneven road surfaces, leading to a rollover.
- Collision impact. A strong impact from another vehicle, particularly on the side, can cause a rollover.
- Overcorrection. When drivers overcorrect their steering, often in response to an emergency or sudden obstacle, it can destabilize the vehicle and result in a rollover.
- Tire blowouts. A sudden tire blowout could lead to the driver losing control, increasing the risk of a rollover.
Types of Evidence Used to Determine Liability
Determining liability in a rollover accident involves examining various types of evidence to understand what caused the accident and who is responsible. Key types of evidence include:
- Accident scene photographs. Photographs of the rollover incident scene, including the positions of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible damages, can provide crucial information about how the rollover occurred.
- Eyewitness statements. Testimonies from those who witnessed the rollover collision can offer valuable insights and help corroborate the events leading up to the rollover.
- Surveillance footage. Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses can capture the accident in real-time, providing clear evidence of how the incident happened.
- Vehicle damage analysis. Analyzing the damage to the vehicle can help determine the points of impact and the forces involved, shedding light on the cause of the rollover.
- Police reports. Official reports from law enforcement officers who responded to the accident can include details about the accident, initial assessments of fault, and any citations issued.
- Black box data. Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders, or “black boxes,” which can provide information on the vehicle’s speed, braking, and steering at the time of the accident.
Will You Recover Compensation After a Rollover Accident?
Recovering compensation after a rollover accident involves demonstrating the extent of your injuries and losses, as well as proving that another party’s negligence caused the accident. There are two main types of damages you can claim – economic and non-economic.
- Economic damages cover the financial costs associated with the accident. This includes any medical expenses arising due to hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation. Additionally, victims can claim lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working. This also includes compensation for future lost earnings if the injuries result in long-term/permanent disability. Property damage is another aspect of economic compensation, covering the repair or replacement costs of the vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts of the accident on your life. Pain and suffering compensation could be awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the rollover incident and subsequent injuries. This can include anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. Loss of consortium compensates for any impacts the incident and the aftermath have on your relationship with your spouse or family, providing for loss of companionship and support.
A car accident lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona can help you understand what you may be able to recover and whether or not a personal injury lawsuit is the right option for you.