Although a rollover accident is among the least common of car and truck crashes, they are some of the most dangerous. They account for nearly 35 percent of traffic fatalities and result in 10,000 deaths per year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
A rollover accident occurs when a car, truck, or other vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. Depending upon the speed of the vehicle and other factors, it might continue to roll multiple times—endangering the driver and passengers in the rolling car, as well as those in other vehicles on the road.
If you’ve sustained injuries in a rollover accident caused by a negligent driver, Minnesota law allows you to file a claim against the driver’s insurance company for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Tripped vs. Untripped Accidents
Rollover accidents are divided into two categories: tripped and untripped.
Tripped accidents are the most common. They can occur when a vehicle’s tires hit an uneven surface (like the shoulder of the road) or road debris that causes the rollover.
Untripped accidents are less common and result from a number of causes. For example:
- Under-inflated, bald, or incorrect tires.
- Improperly loaded cargo that makes a vehicle top-heavy.
- Driving over the posted speed limit and/or failing to adjust speed to weather and road conditions. (Speeding is a factor in 40% of rollover accidents.)
- A tired, distracted, or impaired driver who turns too sharply when changing lanes or overcorrects when trying to avoid another car or an object on the road. (Alcohol is a factor in half of rollover accidents.)
Understanding the type and cause of your particular accident can help you determine whether you have a legitimate claim and, if so, against whom. An experienced lawyer can mount an investigation to gather evidence that’s important to your case. After seeking medical attention to document and treat your injuries, you’ll need to consult an attorney familiar with rollover accidents.
Common Injuries Suffered in Rollover Accidents
Some of the injuries associated with rollover accidents include:
- Cuts, lacerations, and scars. These can result from broken window glass or other objects flying around in the interior of the car. Impact with the windshield or steering wheel can cause dental injuries and broken facial bones.
- Broken or fractured bones. Breaks or fractures in the hands, arms, and legs can be caused by impact with the dashboard or other parts of the interior. Tightening seat belts and shoulder harnesses can break or fracture ribs or the pelvis.
- Organ or nerve damage. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and permanent nerve damage are common in rollover accidents.
- Crush injuries. Crushed limbs might be damaged beyond repair and even require amputation.
- Brain or spinal cord injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, skull fractures, whiplash, and spinal cord injuries causing partial or complete paralysis can occur, especially if the rolling vehicle lands on its roof.
- Mental health injuries. Emotional or psychological trauma can result from the experience of being in a rollover crash.
- Death. If you’ve lost a loved one in a rollover crash, your attorney can help you to file a wrongful death claim.
Of course, the first thing to do if you’ve been injured by a negligent driver in a rollover accident is to seek medical attention. The second thing to do is get legal advice.
Injured in a Twin Cities' Rollover Accident? Our Minnesota Auto Accident Referral Service Can Help
Your first step toward justice is seeking medical attention from the right doctor and documenting the injuries you’ve sustained in the accident. Our experienced Minnesota accident doctor referral service can put you in touch with the perfect physician for your unique needs. The second step is consulting an attorney to help you recover fair compensation for your damages. As the premier auto accident lawyer referral service in Minnesota's Twin Cities, 763-251-PAIN can speed up and simplify both these crucial steps for you.
Our free auto accident referral service will find you the right local doctor to treat your specific injuries, as well as an experienced local rollover accident lawyer to evaluate your claim and ensure that you get fair compensation if you were a victim of negligence. Contact us online or call 763-251-PAIN for a free consultation about your accident. Just one call puts you two steps closer to justice!
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