Rollover accidents are among the most serious types of car accidents. These types of accidents mainly result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities to the driver or passengers. The major causes of vehicle overturn are defects in the car parts or a driver’s negligence. If a defective piece of the car causes a rollover accident, those in the car can sue the car’s manufacturer. If the accident occurred due to the driver’s negligence, the driver might be liable for the injuries endured by the passengers.

Being involved in a rollover accident can be traumatic. If you or your loved one has been involved in such an accident in Las Vegas Nevada, it is crucial to reach out to an experienced rollover accident attorney from G. Dallas Horton & Associates to help you determine the liable party of your crash. We are ready to help you seek justice and get the compensation you deserve.

Rollover Car Accident Overview

Rollover accidents occur when a car tips over onto its roof, and it’s one of the deadliest car accidents. Due to the pressure and violence involved in a rollover accident, it has a higher fatality rate compared to other car crashes. There are two types of rollover accidents which include:

  • Untripped — Untripped rollover accidents occur when vehicles attempt quick maneuvers at high speed. For instance, when trying to change a harsh lane, evading obstacles, or cornering at very high speed. Untripped rollover accidents are less common compared to the tripped rollover accidents.
  • Tripped — Tripped rollover accidents occur when a vehicle slides sideways away from the roadway, hitting an object like a rock, digging into soft soil, or colliding with another car, making the vehicle lose control. The significant tripping force on the tires is what makes the car roll over.

Tripped rollover accidents can further be classified into three types which include:

  • Guardrail — This occurs when you are driving on a two-lane highway at a very high speed. As the vehicle deviates off the left side of the road, you steer the left wheel to the left to avoid the guardrail, but the front right part of the vehicle hits the guardrail making the car roll over.
  • Soft soil — This happens when you are driving your vehicle on a two-lane highway at a very high speed. The car swerves off to the left side of the road, and you steer the wheel harshly to the right to try to remedy this. The wheel digs into the soft soil causing your vehicle to roll over.
  • Steep slope — For example, A SUV driver is driving slow on an off-road and begins to speed up as he rides up a steep hill. The driver mistakenly turns right, making the car roll over down the hill.

Rollover accidents can occur to any type of car, but vehicles with a higher mass center like the SUV are at a higher risk of rollover accidents.

Causes of Rollover Accidents

Rollover car accidents make up a third of fatalities related to car accidents, and learning about their causes can help you avoid being involved in one. Here are some of the most common causes of rollover car crushes:

  • Aggressive Driving — Over speeding and other driver negligent behaviors on the road can be dangerous. When speeding, you barely have time to react or notice things and signs on the road, and you also place extra force on the car and body. If you notice an obstacle on the road like an oncoming vehicle or an officer and try to turn the wheels by hitting the brakes hard, the vehicle may keep moving in the same direction while the tires try to steer you in a different direction. Since you exerted great forces while trying to maneuver, your car is likely to roll over.
  • Distracted Driving — There are different ways and things that can distract a driver. For example, trying to turn on the vehicle’s radio, using cellphones, daydreaming, turning to respond to passengers, adjusting seats, or watching other drivers drive away. These destructions can make the driver collide with other vehicles or guardrails, causing the vehicle to roll over.
  • Multi-Vehicle Crashes — Even though most rollover accidents include a single vehicle, there are rollover accidents that involve multiple cars. If a vehicle hits a speeding vehicle on the side, the other vehicle is likely to roll over.
  • Hazards on the Road — Poor roads can also cause rollover accidents. Roads with huge potholes and poorly placed construction signs can be dangerous for drivers. Drivers may lose control, collide, and roll their vehicles while trying to evade road hazards. The sudden steers may also cause their vehicles to roll over.
  • High center of Gravity — Cars that are high off the ground and have a narrower base of the wheels have a heavy top (high center of gravity) and can easily tip over compared to cars whose bodies are closer to the ground. For example, SUVs, minivans, and trucks risk rolling over, especially when turning sharp corners.
  • Poorly maintained vehicles — Driving improperly maintained cars can lead the driver to lose control easily. Bent axles, overused brakes, worn-out tires, and oil leakages have been previously linked to rollover accidents.
  • Impaired Driving — Driving while tired or intoxicated can make a driver make mistakes while driving. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol or tired drivers Tend to react slowly to any emergencies/alerts on the road. It is easier for a sober driver to steer around a hazard on the highway than an intoxicated driver. An intoxicated driver is likely unable to spot the hazard and hit it, making the vehicle rollover.
  • Country Roads — Driving o remote roads can be dangerous even for sober drivers. Remote roads often have debris, sharp corners, and speed often change without notice. Unlike highways in the city, most rural roads have no guardrails and have plenty of potholes. Most drives drive off the road, trying to evade the potholes in a road with no guardrails. When a vehicle drives off the road, it’s likely to roll over.
  • Other Drivers — Not all rollover accidents are caused by the actual driver. Another driver can swerve into your lane drastically, making you jerk the wheels. Trying to evade the other vehicle could make your vehicle roll over or flip.
  • Driver’s panic — If a driver panics, they are also likely to cause a rollover accident. For instance, you are driving on the highway a5t a high speed, and the car in front of you bursts its tire. It can cause panic, but you will be safe if you stay calm, slow down, and steer the wheel around. But if you panic and swerve hard, you could cause a fatal accident. Keep a distance from other cars and stay calm during emergencies.

How to Avoid a Rollover Car Accident

Due to the severity of the injuries caused by rollover accidents, it is essential to evade such fatal accidents. Here are tips to help you avoid rollover car accidents:

  • Ensure your Tires are well Maintained — Have your tires checked regularly since worn-out tires reduce your ability to maintain car balance and control.
  • Ensure your vehicle is updated according to the safety regulations — New technologies on safety regulations keep changing from time to time to increase your safety and that of your passengers if an accident occurs. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your old vehicles are updated with the new safety regulations. Ensure that your vehicle has the required Electronic Stability Control to avoid rollover accidents.
  • Avoid Overloading your car — Too much weight on your vehicle reduces its stability, especially if your vehicle is a pickup or an SUV with a high roll-over risk. Ensure you only load what the car’s manufacturer recommends and place the heavy cargo at the center and lower to the floor. This reduces the risk of your car rolling over on the heavier side.
  • Do not drink and drive — Intoxicated drivers usually cause most rollover accidents. Alcohol impairs your thinking and hinders you from making the right decisions on the road. To avoid this, ensure that you only operate your vehicle when you are sober.
  • Take Corners carefully — Taking sharp corners at high speed or overtaking at a sharp corner puts the driver and passengers at risk of colliding with other vehicles and losing balance. Ensure that you take extra caution when taking corners to avoid rollover accidents.
  • Avoid overspeeding — About 40% of rollover accidents occur due to high speeds. Driving at high speed increases the risk of a vehicle rolling over. Protect yourself by driving at the required speed.
  • Only replace worn-out equipment with those identical to the original one — When car equipment wears out, most people prefer replacing them with “high-performance equipment.” For example, if you change your tires with “high-performing ones,” it may cause a more lateral grip and increase the risk of rolling over when trying to maneuver during an emergency.
  • Avoid distractions when operating a car — It is essential to avoid any distractions while driving to ensure that you do not get involved in an accident. But even if you get into an accident, you still need to focus on preventing your car from rolling over.
  • Avoid overcompensating when driving — most drivers panic over a close call to action and end up overcorrecting. Avoid this kind of steering as it may make you lose control or the balance of your vehicle, causing it to roll over.
  • Drive carefully on rural roads — Driving on rural highways is not always as safe as driving on city highways. Drive at a reasonable speed and watch out for any potholes or hazards.
  • Steer gently while driving at high speed — Avoid making a hard steer while driving at high speed. For example, if you are driving at a speed of 65 mph, it may be impossible for you to make a 90 degrees turn. Forcing your car to do this can lead to a rollover accident.
  • Monitor the movement of other drivers — Drive carefully as you monitor the movement of other drivers near you. This way, you will notice when a driver is about to cause an accident and react accordingly. Being caught off guard can make you act in panic and swerve, causing your vehicle to roll over.
  • If you are driving a pickup or SUV with a high center of gravity, ensure you practice how it works — Learn how to park, stop, make turns, and evade obstacles. This will help you know the distance you need to keep from other vehicles and help you master how to stabilize the car in all situations. It also allows you to respond effectively in case of an emergency without overcorrecting hence lowering the chances of rollover accidents.
  • Buckle your seat belt and ensure everyone in the vehicle does the same — Most fatal injuries like head and chest injuries in car accidents happen unbelted passengers are thrown from the car as projectiles. Having your seat belt in place reduces the risk of experiencing severe injuries in case of an accident.
  • Respect road conditions — Ice and snow make the roads slick and make it hard for drivers to stabilize. It is essential to slow down and take extra caution to avoid rolling over.

Common Injuries From Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are fatal, and those involved are likely to suffer serious injuries. Here are some of the common injuries experienced from these accidents:

  • Spinal cord injuries — The pressure experienced in these accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries risking the victim’s mobility.
  • Traumatic brain injuries — Rollover accidents involve lots of movement and significantly impact the car and the people inside. Individuals involved in these accidents are likely to sustain serious head injuries, which can cause internal brain damage and lacerations.
  • Broken bones — The huge impact can break any bone in the body. If a passenger’s limb gets broken in a similar accident, amputation may be the only solution.
  • Neck injuries — The common neck injuries sustained in a rollover accident include whiplash, herniated and slipped discs, and nerve damage.
  • Soft tissue injuries — These accidents do not only cause serious injuries; passengers involved are also likely to suffer bruises and cuts as well as lacerations.
  • Wrongful death — The impacts of rollover accidents are usually huge, and they often lead to fatalities. Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can be devastating, and the best thing to do is seek justice for them. A skilled car accident can help you fight for their justice and ensure that you get compensated by the liable party.

These injuries can affect your life significantly. The pain, the financial baggage, and you may not be able to get back to work for a while. You have the right to receive total compensation from the liable party, but establishing liability can be complex. Reach out to a skilled car accident attorney for guidance.

Nevada Car Accident Laws

As a victim, it is essential for you to understand the Nevada car accident laws to help you avoid mistakes that could hinder you from being compensated. Here are some of these laws:

  • Statute of limitations — It is essential to know your deadline for filing charges. According to Nevada laws, any victim who suffers an injury in a crash should file their injury claim within two years from when the accident occurred. If there was any property damage in the accident, the victims are given three years from when the accident occurred to file their property claim. Note that the court may decide to count the time from the discovery date.
  • Liability Laws — In Nevada, you could still be liable for financial compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be deducted by the percentage of your responsibility. For example, if a victim was 96% at fault for causing the accident, they could still get compensated for the 4%.
  • Fault-based car insurance — According to Nevada laws, every driver should carry $5,000 for property damage liability, and $15,000 for bodily injury coverage per person, and $30,000 for accident coverage. If you were involved in an accident caused by the other party, you should file their insurance provider for damage recovery. Your car accident attorney may advise you to carry lawsuits rather than insurance claims depending on your case.

Ensure you hire an attorney who properly understands the car accidents laws used in Nevada. This will you get the compensation you deserve.

Establishing Liability in a Rollover Accident

You need to establish certain elements to prove the faulty party’s negligence. These elements include:

  • The faulty party neglected their responsibility of care to you in a certain way. For example, they sold defective products, drove recklessly, or did not follow the traffic rules.
  • Their negligence had a direct impact on the rollover crash, and
  • Their negligence made you sustain injuries in the car accident.

What Should I Do After a Rollover Crash?

Being involved in a rollover accident can be traumatic. Knowing how to protect yourself after a rollover accident can help you evade more injuries. Here are the steps you should attempt to take after the accident:

  • Get to safety — Try to keep safe by moving away from the damaged property or the road to avoid more injuries. But do not move from the sight of the accident not unless you are badly injured and need immediate care.
  • Try to stay calm — Avoid panicking and deal with the emergencies at hand cautiously. Ensure you are aware of the events happening at the moment.
  • Check for any symptoms and injuries — even if you are not bleeding or have any pains, ensure you look for any symptoms because you could have internal injuries. Also, ensure that you get checked by medical personnel to ensure that you are alright.
  • Gather any evidence — Ensure that you collect even the tiniest piece of evidence. Take photos of the scene, try to ask for the contacts of any witness, and take videos if possible. If possible, include the damaged vehicles, property, and the condition of the road.
  • Call emergency medical services — If you are badly injured, call 911 and request help. Ensure you also get a report of the accident from the police as evidence of being hurt in the accident.
  • Call a car accident attorney — You can call yourself or ask your loved one to contact an experienced attorney. This is important because the attorney will have time to collect any evidence from the accident scene, gather information from any eyewitnesses, and present this to the liable party’s insurance company to ensure that you get the total compensation.

Insurance companies will try their best to ensure that you only receive the lowest compensation. Having an attorney by your side will help you fight for your justice and get the compensation you deserve.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive?

If another party’s negligence led to a rollover accident and you got injured, you should be compensated for any economic and non-economic losses suffered.

Being involved in a rollover accident can drastically change your life from lost wages, huge medical bills, and pain and emotional damage. Considering that these accidents are fatal and often cause severe injuries, you may take months or years to heal and get back to work.

If you get involved in a car accident in Las Vegas Nevada, you may be eligible for these compensations:

For specific damages, you may be entitled to:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills of serious injuries(past, present, and future)
  • Lost earning potential
  • Relevant vehicle or property modification
  • Vehicle repairmen/replacement services.

For general damages, you may be eligible to:

  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Physical pain suffering

An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine the liable party and help you fight for your justice.

Find a Rollover Car Accident Attorney Near Me

You have the right to seek compensation if you have experienced any injuries from a rollover accident. These accidents are complex, and determining liability can be challenging. At G. Dallas Horton & Associates, we are experienced in handling car accidents, including rollover accidents. Our legal team in Las Vegas Nevada can help you determine liability and aggressively fight for your justice and the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 702-820-5917 for a free consultation.