Rollover accidents are less common than other crashes in Valdosta, but they are some of the most serious. Rollovers often cause life-threatening injuries or death. If you or a loved one were victims, you might deserve full compensation for your costs.
Our Valdosta car accident lawyers can help. We’ll go over your damages and what you might recover. With over 20 years of experience, our team knows what it takes to win cases.
You may have costly medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma after the accident. Don’t wait to fight for what you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. We work only on contingency, which means:
- You only pay a legal fee if we win you money.
- The fee is simply a percentage of what you win — no out-of-pocket costs.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your call.
Types of Rollover Accidents
According to Safer Car, there are two types of rollover accidents: tripped and untripped. Either can result in deadly injuries or serious vehicle damages.
Tripped Rollover Accidents
Tripped rollovers are the most common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 95% of single-car rollovers are tripped rollovers.
A vehicle “trips” over an object, leaving the road and sliding as it turns over. The car might slide on its side, rollover once, or roll several times. A vehicle might trip over objects like:
- Soft soil
- Curbs
- Guard rails
- Steep hills
Leaving the road increases the risk of a rollover. For example, a distracted motorist might drive up onto a curb, causing their car to tip over. Tripped rollovers typically involve just one car, while untripped rollovers can involve two or more drivers.
Untripped Rollover Accidents
Untripped rollovers make up about five percent of rollover crashes. As the name suggests, untripped rollovers don’t involve a tripping action.
These accidents often happen when the driver makes an evasive maneuver. For example, another car might move into the driver’s traffic lane. The driver swerves to avoid the first car, causing a rollover.
Side-impact collisions can also cause untripped rollovers. Top-heavy vehicles like trucks, vans, and buses are most likely to tip and roll. However, any car may roll during an accident.
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Driver Actions that Cause Rollovers
Most accidents happen because of driver carelessness. Under Georgia law, the careless driver in an accident is responsible for the costs. If you were injured, you can seek compensation for your damages under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-4.
Before filing a personal injury claim, you’ll need to prove how the accident happened. Thankfully, our lawyers can help determine how another driver caused your accident.
Here are some common factors in rollover accidents.
High Speeds
Many rollover accidents happen at high speeds. Nearly three-fourths of deadly rollovers occur when the speed limit is 55 mph or above.
Drunk Driving
According to the NHTSA, almost 50% of deadly rollover accidents involve some amount of alcohol.
Distracted Driving
Most rollovers are single-car accidents, meaning the driver’s actions probably caused the crash. Distracted driving is a typical driver behavior that leads to single-vehicle rollovers. That driver might collide with other vehicles as it rolls over.
Rural Roads
Undivided country roads are often the scene of deadly rollovers. It’s harder for drivers to see the center line and stay on the road. Rollovers and collisions are more likely on these types of roads.
High Centers of Gravity
Vehicles with higher centers of gravity are most likely to roll over. However, vehicles should have certain safety features that help prevent rollovers.
Sometimes, a rollover accident can happen due to vehicle defects. If a defect might have caused your accident, talk to an experienced lawyer. You might have a case against the manufacturer.
Common Rollover Accident Injuries
When a vehicle rolls over, the people inside can suffer terribly. The roof, sides, or items in the car can cause severe injuries from all angles. Common injuries we see include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Facial injuries
- Severe burns
- Scarring or other disfigurements
Not all injuries are physical. Victims can suffer emotional trauma, too, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
After a rollover, don’t wait to get medical treatment. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor as soon as possible. You could have injuries that worsen with time. They might also be more severe than you realize.
If you wait to see a doctor, it can hurt your case. The other driver’s insurance company will question your medical costs and much more. You can protect your rights by seeing a doctor and speaking with an experienced lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Our Valdosta rollover accident lawyers know how to build strong cases. We’ll also protect your rights from the beginning. To get a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Don’t Admit Any Blame for the Accident
Be careful what you say after a rollover accident. Even if you’re worried about being partly at fault, talk to our lawyers first. Many victims are surprised to learn that they hold no responsibility at all in their accident.
After the crash, the other driver’s insurance company will spring into action. An insurance adjuster might even try to contact you. But don’t let the insurer take you for a ride.
Insurance companies are skilled at looking for ways to pay you less. That can include tactics like:
- Downplaying your injuries
- Questioning your damages
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Making you feel like you don’t need a lawyer
Before you discuss the crash with anyone else, contact a lawyer. Our team can help communicate and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
Talk to a Valdosta Rollover Accident Lawyer for Free
Rollover accidents can be devastating for everyone involved. If you or a loved one were victims, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your accident and your compensation options.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free consultation. There is no charge unless we win you money. Contact us 24/7 to get started.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form