Luckily, most traffic accidents are minor fender-benders and the occasional sideswipe. In such cases, litigation is not always necessary and may not be too complicated. But in accidents where a rollover occurs (one or more cars completely flip over), the investigation, repairs medical procedures, and liability determinations can be infinitely more complicated. It’s crucial to know what takes priority after a rollover accident and how a Louisville personal injury lawyer can help.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can occur for a variety of reasons but usually take place on highways and at accelerated speeds. In many cases, larger vehicles that contain cargo are involved like semi-trailer trucks. Additional causes include:
- Speeding
- Road conditions
- Cargo malfunction
- Driver malfeasance
- Collision
- Tire blowouts
Understanding and addressing the causes of roll-over accidents is essential for ensuring safety and reducing the incidence of such potentially devastating events.
Common Rollover Accident Injuries
Airbags and seatbelts do a lot to protect us from injury, but rollovers still frequently result in injury, ranging from mild to severe. It’s important to seek proper medical attention after any accident and to obtain proper medical documentation for any future claims. Common injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Neck Injuries/Whiplash
- Broken Bones/Sprains
- Internal Bleeding/Organ Damage
- Lacerations/Punctures/Glass Damage
- Crushed Limbs
- Burn injuries
Potential Liability in Rollover Accidents
The severity of rollover accidents often complicates the investigation process and the determination of liability. As with any accident, there are a variety of parties that can be found liable for the accident. The most common liable parties include:
- Driver: In any accident, the most likely party to be found liable is one of the drivers. If it can be shown that a driver was speeding, driving aggressively, or violated right-of-way laws they can be held liable for any damages incurred. Oftentimes, police reports, eyewitness testimony, and physical evidence – such as dashboard footage or vehicle damage – is used to determine which driver is at fault.
- Employer of driver: Employer liability in rollover accidents can manifest as either vicarious liability, where employers are held responsible for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment, or negligence, where employers directly fail to provide safe working conditions, adequate training, or proper maintenance of vehicles.
- Vehicle manufacturer: If it can be shown that the accident occurred due to vehicle malfunction or improper manufacturing, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable for the accident and subsequent damages. With the number of vehicles making use of AI and smart brakes, this is likely to become more common than it used to be.
- Government entities/those responsible for road maintenance: Poor road conditions (potholes, ice, heavy rain, poor illumination) are one of the leading causes of rollover accidents, and the agencies responsible for proper maintenance of those roads could be held liable for any accident that occurs as a result.
If you’ve been in a rollover accident in Louisville, contact a Louisville car accident attorney for a free consultation. Skilled legal advice is absolutely vital in rollover cases. We will ensure your legal needs are looked after and that claims are handled smoothly and accurately.