Rollover accidents have a high rate of severe injuries and fatalities. However, despite your best efforts, you may get injured in this way due to another driver’s negligence. In this situation, consult with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer to file a claim successfully and get fair compensation.
In this article, we will discuss the causes leading to rollover accidents and what you can do to minimize the risk of causing this kind of crash. We will also explain what you need to do to protect your legal rights after the accident.
The Most Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Without a doubt, driver error is the main cause of any kind of traffic accident. Lack of focus on the task of driving and disregard for traffic laws are the primary factors that lead to an accident.
In the specific case of rollover crashes, the most common causes are:
- Speeding
- Making sharp turns
- Uneven distribution of cargo
- Vehicle malfunctions, including failing brakes and tire blow-ups
- Poor road conditions: potholes, debris on the road, uneven pavement.
Types of Vehicles Prone to Rollover Crashes
Rollovers are influenced by the car’s design. Factors such as vehicle height and center of gravity determine its stability on the road. Thus, vehicles with a narrow width and high center of gravity are more likely to tip to one side and flip over. Examples of such vehicles include:
- SUVs
- Vans
- Pickup trucks.
Tips to Prevent Rollovers
First of all, you should look for a car with a good rollover rating. Secondly, make sure that it is properly maintained for optimal stability on the road. This includes:
- Make sure that the tires are not under-inflated.
- Go for regular brake inspections.
- Check suspensions and wheel alignment.
- Always comply with the vehicle load capacity when carrying cargo.
When you are on the road, make sure that any cargo is evenly distributed in the trunk or the cargo area. Take turns as widely as possible to avoid destabilizing the vehicle. Last but not least, adapt your speed to special conditions, such as poor weather and poorly maintained roads.
How to Get Compensation After a Rollover Accident
When you consult with an Atlanta car accident lawyer, make sure to bring all the evidence you have, such as photos and videos, the accident report, and medical reports detailing your injuries.
An experienced attorney will evaluate the following aspects.
Who Is Liable for Your Damages?
In most of the cases, the negligent driver is the at-fault party in a rollover collision. However, it is possible that they share fault with other liable parties:
- Their employer, if the driver was on a job-related drive (for example, distributing merchandise from a warehouse to a store)
- The authorities in charge of road maintenance, if potholes or uneven pavement contributed to the rollover
- The car manufacturer or maintenance provider, if a defective part caused the accident.
What If You’re Partially at Fault?
There are very few cases when one of the drivers carries 100% responsibility for a crash. In reality, even the victim will be found to have acted negligently in a slight measure. This would translate into 10% – 15% of the fault attributed to them.
However, under the comparative negligence principle in Georgia, you can file a claim for damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation amount, though, will be reduced by your percentage of fault
What Is the Value of Your Damages?
Accident victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent all the present and future costs and financial losses related to the accident, such as:
- Medical care costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity
- Cost with assistive devices, if you are left with a disability.
Non-economic damages compensate the victim for pain, suffering, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life. An experienced attorney knows how to calculate these damages, making sure that you get a fair settlement.
Schedule a Free Case Review with an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer!
Reach out to GMV Law Group after your accident and let an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer at our firm handle your claim. We know how to interpret laws and evidence in your favor and how to negotiate the best settlement with insurance adjusters.
As a new client, you benefit from a free case evaluation, so call us today at 404-975-4878!
