Car accidents happen in many ways, but few are as frightening as a rollover crash. These crashes can happen to any driver, on any road, at any time, which is why knowing the basics can make a real difference. Learning what causes rollovers, who can be held responsible, and what steps to take afterward provides the information needed when someone is ever involved in one.
How Does a Rollover Accident Happen?
A “rollover” car accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof during a crash. Although any vehicle can roll over, taller ones such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans face a higher risk because their elevated center of gravity makes them less stable. These crashes account for a disproportionate number of serious traffic fatalities each year, as occupants face greater forces than in many other collision types.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Rollover Crashes?
Rollovers are most often triggered by “tripping,” which happens when a tire strikes a curb, guardrail, or soft shoulder and causes the vehicle to flip. Sudden turns taken at excessive speeds, overcorrection after a close call, and distracted driving also cause these crashes. Driver behavior contributes to about 85% of rollover fatalities, while road conditions and vehicle design issues account for the rest.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Rollover Accidents?
Because the vehicle rotates and may crush the roof, occupants can suffer severe head and brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and lacerations from broken glass. “Ejections,” which occur when an occupant is thrown from the vehicle, are a leading cause of death in rollover crashes. Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the chance of ejection, as well as the overall severity of injuries sustained.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rollover Accident?
Liability in a rollover case can rest with several parties, depending on how the crash occurred. A negligent driver who was speeding or distracted may bear responsibility, while a municipality could be liable if poor road design played a role. In some cases, a vehicle or tire manufacturer may be at fault where a defective product contributed to the crash.
What Is Roof Crush and Why Does It Matter?
“Roof crush” refers to the collapse of a vehicle’s roof structure during a rollover, which can reduce the space available to occupants and raise the risk of head and neck injuries. Federal safety standards set limits on how much a roof can deform under pressure, although some vehicles still fail to offer adequate protection. A roof crush claim may be pursued against the manufacturer when a defective design worsened the outcome.
What Should Drivers Do After a Rollover Accident?
After a rollover crash, call 911 immediately and wait for emergency personnel to arrive, as injuries may not be apparent right away. Documenting the scene with photos, collecting the other driver’s information, and seeking medical attention even without obvious symptoms are all important steps. Keeping records of all medical visits, bills, and missed work will support any future legal claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rollover Accident Claim in New Jersey?
New Jersey law generally gives injured parties two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, which is known as the “statute of limitations.” Waiting too long can eliminate the right to seek compensation, so acting promptly matters. Certain circumstances, such as claims involving government entities, may require even shorter filing windows, where missing a deadline can permanently bar recovery.
Let Our Experienced Atlantic County Car Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Get You the Compensation You Deserve
If you were injured in a rollover crash, contact our Atlantic County car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. For a free consultation, call today at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. With office locations in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.