Ohio Rollover Car Accident Attorneys
A rollover accident is one of the most devastating types of car accidents that occur on Ohio’s roads. These accidents often leave victims with life-changing or fatal injuries because of the violent forces applied to the body during the crash. For survivors, the physical and financial challenges of putting their lives back together again can be enormous.
The Ohio car accidents attorneys with Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, understand the pain and many challenges you may be struggling with during this difficult time. We also know that you may be facing financial hardship with mounting medical bills and prolonged time off work. That is why we are committed to helping you seek maximum financial recovery after a rollover accident.
If a negligent driver or other party caused your rollover collision, contact an Ohio car accident lawyer with Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law. We can evaluate your case for free and review your legal rights and options for recovering compensation.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover crash occurs when the force applied to a vehicle causes it to tip over onto its side. The momentum of the initial impact may continue to propel the vehicle onto its roof or to roll over completely. A car may roll over once, or the force of impact may cause it to roll over multiple times before it finally comes to a complete stop, generally on its side or roof.
While rollover crashes are generally rare, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that, in one recent year, at least 28 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant fatalities can be attributed to rollover accidents. This proves just how devastating and tragic rollover car accidents can be.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
Rollover crashes can happen in several different ways. A rollover can occur when a passenger vehicle hits an object with enough force that it causes the car to “flip.” The momentum of the impact then continues to propel the car into a rollover. The object can be fixed or stationary, which results in a single-car rollover. A rollover can also be caused when another driver collides with the victim’s car, resulting in a multi-vehicle rollover accident.
Speeding around tight curves and sharp swerves can also cause rollover collisions. These actions can throw off a car’s center of gravity, leading to an imbalance that causes the vehicle to roll. Top-heavy vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and vans are more prone to these types of rollovers because of their high center of gravity. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that, in one recent year, rollovers accounted for 20 percent of fatalities in cars. In comparison, these accidents resulted in 38 percent of occupant deaths in pickups and 39 percent of deaths in SUVs.
Tire and mechanical defects may also contribute to rollover accidents. Design flaws in certain vehicles may also increase the risk of a vehicle rolling over. Several sport utility vehicles have a history of stability problems which may lead to rollover crashes.
Types of Injuries in Rollover Accidents
Injuries from rollover accidents can be severe. The force of the roll can cause a victim to be violently tossed around in their seat. Those not wearing seatbelts can also be ejected from the car, causing traumatic and life-threatening injuries. Crushing injuries are not uncommon in these types of collisions. Head and neck injuries are also prevalent since the head is not restrained and can be jolted around as the vehicle rolls.
Some of the most common injuries that can result from a rollover accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Crushed or broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Contusions
Traumatic injuries can lead to enormous medical bills and significantly alter your quality of life. To help you pursue the money you need to effectively recover, contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law for help. We can review your case and offer suggestions to gather proof of fault on the other driver and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
Liability In Ohio Rollover Accidents
Ohio is what is known as a “modified comparative negligence” state. Modified comparative negligence means that victims of rollover accidents can recover compensation from a driver if that driver is more at fault for causing the crash than they are. It also means that a victim’s percentage of compensation corresponds to their share of the liability for the crash. The modified comparative negligence systems also stipulate that if a driver’s share of the fault exceeds 50 percent, that driver will be barred from recovering financial compensation for the crash.
In practice, the rule works like this: A jury finds that a victim is 10 percent responsible for causing a crash. Therefore, their share of compensation is decreased by 10 percent. If the total amount of damages is $100,000, under modified comparative negligence, the victim can collect $90,000.
This rule must be applied if the case goes to verdict. It also strongly influences how much an insurer will offer a victim after a collision. An insurer will almost always consider how a court would rule in an accident case before negotiating a rollover settlement.
Working with an Ohio personal injury lawyer means you have an advocate on your side with the knowledge and resources to investigate the cause of the crash. An attorney can also work to secure crucial evidence that can help strengthen your claim, establish liability, and improve your chances of recovering fair compensation.
Contact an Ohio Rollover Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If negligence caused a rollover accident and you find yourself suffering physically and financially, contact an experienced rollover accident attorney today. You may be entitled to compensation that could make a big difference in your recovery and path forward. At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we are committed to offering you compassionate advice and advocating aggressively for your best interests.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Ohio attorney, contact our firm today. We have six convenient Ohio offices ready to assist you.
