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Rollovers are one of the deadliest and most dangerous types of auto accidents. Any vehicle could potentially roll, though the risk is much higher in top-heavy vehicles with higher centers of gravity. A vehicle may roll onto its side or top, or it may roll over repeatedly, and the speed and number of rotations can impact the severity of the accident.
Because the injuries from rollovers can be so severe, injured parties may need substantial damage awards to address medical bills, replace lost wages, compensate for a loss of earning capacity, and pay for pain, suffering, and trauma. A local auto accident attorney can examine your claim and determine what type of compensation may be available in rollover accidents in West Virginia.
Rollover accidents can happen for many reasons. While these are not the majority of accidents, they are linked to about one-third of all traffic fatalities.
The leading cause of rollovers is something known as tripping, which is not unlike when a person trips or stumbles after hitting something on the sidewalk. A tire hits something irregular in the roadway, such as a pothole, barrier, or a curb, and the tire to lose contact with the road, causing it to flip or otherwise leave the ground.
Another cause of rollover accidents is when another vehicle strikes a car or truck. The impact can directly force the car into a roll, but it is more likely that the impact will lead to a secondary trip. The trip is at the core of more than 90 percent of all rollover car accidents.
Of course, drivers encounter obstructions in the road every day and most of them do not lead to such a severe crash. Factors that can increase the risk of a rollover include:
While not exactly a risk factor on the road, there is also a connection between driver age and rollovers—drivers under age 25 are more likely to get involved in a rollover in West Virginia, possibly because they are more likely to engage in the behaviors listed above.
When the vehicle rolls, many things happen on the exterior and in the interior of the vehicle. Even with seatbelts, these wrecks toss around vehicle occupants, who will emerge battered and bruised, even if they escape other injuries. Some other potential injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), neck or spine injuries, broken bones, burns, and crush injuries.
The nature and severity of the injuries influence the recovery and the time away from work. In addition to the obvious forms of harm, intangible injuries are those that come without a price tag. Trauma, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering are three examples of these intangible injuries. While they may not take money out of a person’s pocket, they do cause a decline in quality of life. Compensation cannot undo those damages, but it can help someone make accommodations to try to return to their previous standard of living .
A personal injury attorney will examine those factors when helping a victim understand their potential damages. Armed with that information, they can make decisions about whether to pursue the claim.
Rollover accidents are usually traumatic and often lead to substantial and life-changing injuries. You have to focus on healing while also dealing with fundamental changes that can impact every aspect of your life. It can be challenging to prioritize seeking damages for your injuries, but you do not have an unlimited amount of time to make your decision.
Our attorneys can file insurance claims, negotiate settlements on your behalf, and represent you if the case needs to go to court. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about the legal aspects of rollover accidents in West Virginia.
To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
