Rollover accidents are among the most serious collisions on Texas roads. In one recent year, collisions involving an overturned vehicle caused 350 fatalities and over 1,500 serious injuries.
When a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, occupants can suffer serious injuries due to the force of the crash and the repeated impacts that often occur as the vehicle rolls. These accidents commonly involve SUVs and large commercial trucks. However, any passenger car can rollover in an accident.
If you were injured in a rollover crash involving a car or truck, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
What is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof during a crash. Some rollover accidents involve a single vehicle losing control, while others occur after a collision with another car or truck.
Several factors can contribute to rollover accidents. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, are most susceptible to tipping, but any vehicle can be forced onto its side or roof during a collision.
Common causes of rollover accidents include:
- Sudden swerving to avoid obstacles
- High-speed impacts
- Striking guardrails, curbs, or uneven road surfaces
- Tire blowouts or other mechanical failures
- Unsafe lane changes involving large trucks
Truck rollover accidents can be especially dangerous because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. When a tractor-trailer overturns, it may block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to secondary collisions involving other motorists.
Rollover Accidents Commonly Lead to Catastrophic and Fatal Injuries
Rollover crashes frequently cause serious injuries because occupants may be forcefully tossed inside the vehicle during the crash. In some cases, victims may be partially ejected from the vehicle if seatbelts fail or are not properly worn.
Not surprisingly, rollovers regularly lead to serious and fatal injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Crushing injuries and amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Disfigurement and disability
- Wrongful death
Passengers seated near the side of the vehicle that strikes the ground may experience the most severe injuries. In crashes involving trucks or large vehicles, the force of the impact can cause catastrophic harm to the truck driver and any other driver or passenger who comes in contact with the cab or trailer of the truck.
Car and Truck Accident Claims After a Rollover Accident
If another driver’s negligence caused your rollover accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a car accident claim. Depending on the circumstances, more than one party may be responsible for the crash
Potential defendants in a rollover accident claim may include:
- Negligent drivers who caused the initial collision
- Commercial truck drivers or trucking companies
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect contributed to the rollover
- Maintenance providers responsible for unsafe vehicle conditions
Victims of rollover accidents may be entitled to compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage.
An experienced car accident attorney can help identify responsible parties and pursue the compensation you deserve from all available insurance and legal sources. If you were injured in a rollover accident involving a car or truck, contact Dow Law Firm today to speak with an experienced Austin car accident attorney during a free consultation.