Maison Law helps car accident victims in California. There’s a number of different scenarios that can leave you and your passengers injured, but not every accident is the same. One of the worst types for everyone involved is a rollover, where the car flips and rolls. When you or someone you care about is injured in a rollover accident, our California car accident lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Rollover Car Accident?
In California, you don’t have to hire a lawyer by law. For smaller accidents or minor injuries, you might not need legal help. But if you were in a serious rollover crash, you’ll probably need extra support. Our team can help you through the legal process, whether it’s filing an insurance claim, asking for a settlement, or going to court for a personal injury case.
We will help you collect evidence and build a strong case to get financial support. Our team will handle negotiations for you and make the legal process easier, so you can focus on healing. The choice to work with us is completely up to you. Remember, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t pay anything upfront.
Who’s Liable For a Rollover Car Accident?
A rollover car accident is obviously extremely scary just to witness, let alone be inside the car when it happens. But at the same time, because there’s a legal process involved, there’s something very important to figure out: liability.
It’s here that a rollover is a bit unique. Very rarely does a rollover accident happen because of an initial collision. With that said, though, negligence is still involved, and that means someone is responsible for what happens.
In a rollover accident, then, potentially liable parties might be:
- Drivers – If a driver was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly, they might be responsible for the rollover.
- Other drivers – If another driver caused you to swerve or lose control, they might be at fault, especially if they were driving recklessly or changing lanes suddenly.
- Car or parts makers – If a problem with the car, like faulty tires or a design issue, caused the rollover, the car manufacturer might be liable.
- Government agencies – If poor road conditions, like bad pavement or potholes, cause your car to rollover, the government agency in charge of road maintenance could be responsible.
Even with an accident as stark as a rollover, it can be tough to unravel liability. Yet, like any car accident, this is incredibly important. It not only tells you who you’ll be filing a claim against, but who has to pay for your damages.
What Damages Are Available in a Rollover Car Accident Claim in California?
While it’s often more serious in terms of the injuries and outcomes, a rollover car accident gives you the same options as any other in California. Namely, you have the legal right to file an injury claim against whoever is responsible so that you can recover damages.” In order to do that, there’s generally two options:
- File an insurance claim – This process is generally faster and less formal, but settlements are usually lower and controlled by the insurance company.
- File a personal injury lawsuit – This can potentially result in a higher recovery, especially for severe injuries, though it requires more time and effort.
Regardless of your choice, you could potentially recover things like:
- Medical expenses and costs related to ongoing care needs
- Lost wages from missed work, as well as lost earning potential if you can’t work anymore
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle, as well as other property that’s damaged in the accident.
- Costs related to your pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life or companionship damages
- Wrongful death expenses if your injuries end up being fatal
- Punitive damages, in cases of intentional or excessive negligence
Even though you have the option to file a claim, the ultimate success of your case depends on the evidence you provide and how you present your case. In California, you have to file your claim within two years from the date of the accident.
How Do Rollovers Happen in California?
Obviously, there’s nothing inherent to California that makes a rollover more or less likely to happen. But with that said, every rollover has its own unique circumstances, which means that it could happen to you under the right conditions. Still, it’s helpful to look at how these accidents really happen:
- Speeding – Driving too fast, especially around curves or on uneven terrain, increases the risk of a rollover.
- Sharp turns – Taking sharp turns at high speeds can cause a vehicle to lose balance and roll over.
- Road conditions – Poor road conditions like potholes, uneven surfaces, or loose gravel can lead to rollovers, especially if the driver loses control.
- Driver error – Distracted or impaired driving, such as texting or driving under the influence, can contribute to rollovers by causing sudden maneuvers or loss of control.
- Vehicle design – Vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs and trucks, are more prone to rollovers due to their design, which can make them less stable during sharp turns or sudden stops.
- Overloading – Carrying too much weight in a vehicle can affect its stability, making rollovers more likely, particularly if the load shifts suddenly.
- Tire blowouts – A blowout or sudden tire failure can cause the driver to lose control and potentially roll over.
Knowing what these factors are can help in preventing rollovers and improving safety on California roads. But for you or other injury victims, it’s all about taking the right steps after the accident to strengthen a potential claim.
What Can You Do to Strengthen a Rollover Accident Claim?
Even though a rollover accident is usually pretty severe, it’s not unlike other accidents in terms of what needs to be done to strengthen a potential claim. But this is obviously much more difficult the more injured or serious the accident is. Still, it’s necessary. So, if you’re involved in a rollover car accident, here’s what you can do to strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 for an ambulance and police response
- Get medical care from EMTs and cooperate with officers
- If it’s safe, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, focusing on injuries, damage to your car, and anything that might have caused the rollover (like a blown out tire or pothole)
- Get contact and insurance information from others involved, as well as witnesses
- Keep any evidence and communications to support your claim
- Keep track of expenses and other losses that come from your injuries
- Be careful when talking with insurance reps about the accident
- Don’t post about the accident on social media
Rollovers can lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), paralysis, internal organ damage, broken bones, lacerations, facial fractures, and whiplash. In some cases, these injuries can be fatal. If you’re involved in a rollover accident in California, our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help you.
Contact Maison Law After a Rollover Car Accident in California
If you’ve been in a rollover accident, don’t hesitate to get legal help from our dedicated California car accident lawyers at Maison Law. We have extensive experience handling rollover cases and securing financial support through settlements and court verdicts. Contact us today for a free consultation to start your case.
