Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. In the bustling streets of New York City, these accidents can be especially devastating due to the high traffic volume and diverse road conditions. Every rollover accident comes with its own set of unique circumstances and risks. That is why it is so important to contact an experienced rollover accident attorney if you are injured in this type of car accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident, you need a skilled legal team on your side to ensure your rights are protected. At Ajlouny Injury Law, our experienced NYC rollover car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Rollover Car Accidents in NYC
Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof, often resulting in serious injuries to the occupants. These accidents are less common than other types of car accidents, but they are more likely to result in severe injuries or death. Rollover accidents can happen for various reasons, including:
- High Speeds: Vehicles traveling at high speeds are more likely to roll over, especially if the driver loses control.
- Sharp Turns: Taking a sharp turn too quickly can cause a vehicle to tip over, particularly if the vehicle has a high center of gravity.
- Collision Impact: A side-impact collision, or being struck by another vehicle, can cause a car to roll over.
- Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, debris, or uneven surfaces can contribute to rollover accidents.
Understanding the causes and dynamics of rollover accidents is crucial in determining liability and pursuing a successful claim.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
As you can imagine, it is actually quite difficult to flip a car over. You might think that this would make it easier to determine the cause of these accidents but that is, unfortunately, not the case. Rollover accidents are often the result of a combination of factors, making them complex to investigate and litigate.
Some of the most common causes of rollover accidents in New York City include:
- Driver Error: In many cases, driver negligence or recklessness is a primary factor in rollover accidents. This can include speeding, aggressive driving, or failing to navigate turns safely.
- Vehicle Design: Certain vehicles, particularly SUVs, vans, and trucks, are more prone to rollover accidents due to their higher center of gravity. Defects in vehicle design, such as stability issues or tire failures, can also contribute to rollovers.
- Environmental Factors: Slippery roads, poor weather conditions, and road hazards like potholes or debris can increase the likelihood of a rollover accident.
- Multi-Vehicle Collisions: When a vehicle is struck from the side or rear, the impact can cause it to roll over, especially if the struck vehicle is moving at high speed or if the impact occurs on uneven terrain.
- Overloading: Vehicles that are overloaded or improperly loaded can become unstable, increasing the risk of a rollover, particularly in commercial trucks or large vans.
Identifying Liability in Rollover Accidents
Determining who is liable in a rollover accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties in a rollover accident include:
- The Driver: If the rollover was caused by driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving, the driver may be held liable for the accident.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in the vehicle's design or manufacturing contributed to the rollover, the manufacturer could be held accountable. This includes issues like tire blowouts, stability problems, or defective brakes.
- Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or hazardous conditions can make government agencies responsible for an accident. Proving government liability requires careful documentation and adherence to specific legal procedures.
- Other Drivers: In cases where another driver's actions led to the rollover, such as a side-impact collision or aggressive driving, that driver could be held liable for the resulting damages.
- Tire Manufacturers: If a tire blowout or defect contributed to the rollover, the tire manufacturer could be held liable. This includes situations where the tire was improperly designed, manufactured, or labeled.
- Maintenance Providers: If a vehicle was improperly serviced or maintained, leading to mechanical failures that caused the rollover, the mechanic or auto shop responsible for the maintenance could be held accountable.
- Cargo Loaders: In cases where a vehicle's cargo was improperly loaded or secured, resulting in an unbalanced load that contributed to the rollover, the individuals or company responsible for loading the vehicle could share liability.
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and ensure they are held accountable.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the violent nature of the crash. The impact of the vehicle rolling over can cause occupants to be ejected from the vehicle, suffer from crushing injuries, or experience traumatic impacts as the vehicle tumbles. Common injuries in rollover accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of a rollover can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to concussions, brain bleeding, or other serious brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a rollover can cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force exerted during a rollover can lead to broken bones, including fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a rollover can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or other critical conditions.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass and other debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations, sometimes requiring extensive medical treatment and leaving permanent scars.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care, making it essential to pursue full compensation for your losses.
Potential Damages to Recover
It is important to keep in mind that there are more to car accidents than damage to your vehicle. While that is an important aspect of your case, there are also several other examples of damages that you might be able to receive compensation for after a rollover accident.
Victims of rollover accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. The damages you can recover may include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes coverage for current and future medical bills, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to being unable to work after the accident, as well as any reduction in your future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs to your vehicle or, if it was totaled, its replacement value.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the other party’s behavior was particularly reckless or malicious, you may be awarded punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
