Columbia Rollover Vehicle Accidents Lawyer
Rollovers are always extremely dangerous crashes, and victims of rollovers have the right to seek out compensation from the negligent driver who caused the collision. Obtaining fair compensation is usually easier said than done, as the other party’s insurance company always does everything it can to minimize the amount it has to pay to the plaintiff. Simmons Law Firm works closely with Columbia rollover accident victims so that they understand the claims process, and are prepared to take every necessary step they can to maximize the compensation they recover.
Tripped Rollover vs. Untripped Rollover
Vehicles usually do not simply roll over on their own, even if they take a corner too fast, though this is certainly possible, especially with trucks carrying trailers, semi trucks, and even tall SUVs. In fact, SUVs have the highest involvement in rollover crashes of any passenger vehicle because of their high center of gravity, according to PBS. Most rollovers, however, are “tripped” rollovers, in which the vehicle is hit from the side by another car, or the tire comes into contact with an object that causes the rubber to deform and the tire to lose its grip on the road. Examples of “trips” include other vehicles, curbs, sidewalks, the soft shoulder of the road, gravel, and other debris.
Serious Injuries are Almost Always Prevalent in Rollover Crashes
Rollovers account for 20 percent of all fatal crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. As the vehicle rolls, the roof or sides may crush inward, causing a pinching or crushing injury to the occupants. Lacerations and head trauma is also likely to occur as the victims inside are thrown against the windows. As the vehicle rolls, victims may even be ejected from the vehicle, which usually results in death. Ejection can occur even if the occupant was wearing a seat belt, and is most common among occupants who are small in stature. Rollover injuries often include the following:
- Facial lacerations;
- Facial fractures;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Fractured vertebrae;
- Herniated discs;
- Muscle strains and tears resulting in chronic pain;
- Whiplash;
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Concussion;
- Fractured arms;
Fractured legs, and lower legs, including fractured knee joints; - Torn ligaments; and
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Damages in a Rollover Crash
Plaintiffs in Columbia rollover crashes may be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses;
- Projected medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of joy of life;
- Lost earning ability due to physical or mental disability;
- Lost wages during recovery; and
- More.
If the victim lost his or her life, their loved ones may be able to file a lawsuit on behalf of their estate, seeking additional damages to those above:
- Lost lifetime earnings;
- Loss of caretaking/parenting;
- Loss of consortium;
- Funeral and burial/cremation expenses.
Call a Columbia Rollover Crash Attorney Today
Rollovers often leave victims with debilitating pain, emotional scarring, and extreme medical bills to pay. Your injuries demand fair and heavy compensation. To hold the distracted, impatient, or drunk driver responsible for these damages, we urge you to speak with one of the Columbia rollover accident attorneys at Simmons Law Firm. Call 803-779-4600 today to schedule a free consultation.
