A rollover car accident is a relatively rare but extremely dangerous type of wreck. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that rollovers account for only 2 percent of all crashes, but 35 percent of passenger car fatalities come from rollovers. That makes them one of the deadliest crashes that could happen on America’s roadways today.

Those who survive of rollover car accidents may suffer serious injuries that cause permanent disabilities. Others face months or even years of rehabilitation. Even relatively minor injuries can be costly and stressful.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a rollover crash, you should speak with a car accident attorney. You may be entitled to compensation that could provide much-needed relief during such a worrisome time.

Call or contact the Jebaily Law Firm now for a free consultation. For Over 50 Years, our auto accident attorneys have handled claims for injured people in Florence, Myrtle Beach and surrounding South Carolina communities. We won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. We’ll protect your rights and pursue the results you deserve.

Common Causes of South Carolina Rollover Car Accidents

Many factors can cause a rollover accident. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Speed – Data shows that 40 percent of fatal rollovers involve drivers who were speeding or driving too fast for the road conditions.
  • Alcohol – About half of all rollover accidents involve alcohol. Even drivers with blood-alcohol concentrations below the legal limit may still suffer clouded judgment and delayed reaction time after a drink, leading to a crash.
  • Road conditions – Rollovers frequently happen on rural roads. Bad weather, uneven surfaces, objects in the road and soft shoulders can also make it more likely for drivers to lose control and flip.
  • Overcorrection – The natural inclination when a driver anticipates a crash is to swiftly move the steering wheel to avoid impact. Turning the wheel too sharply and suddenly can cause a car to roll over. Overcorrections are common among teenage drivers, distracted drivers and fatigued drivers.
  • Tire or vehicle defects – Any car has the potential to roll over. Taller and narrower vehicles like SUVs are more likely to flip due to a higher center of gravity. But if the car or tires have defects that increase the chances of a rollover, you may have a products liability claim against the manufacturer.
  • Poor road maintenance – Government agencies or contractors could be held liable for a rollover car accident if the road where the accident occurred was damaged or defective in design. It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible because there can be short deadlines to file a claim against certain agencies.
  • Cargo – Extra cargo attached to the roof of the vehicle can make it more likely to tip over. Injuries can also result from unsecured items shifting in the car as the driver loses control.

Insurance companies tend to be suspicious of rollover car accident claims since the vast majority are single-vehicle crashes. But a one-car wreck does not automatically make the driver responsible for the resulting injuries or damage. An extensive investigation of your claim may reveal that someone else is responsible for the rollover, opening the door for you to receive money you need as you recover.

Also, if you were a passenger in a single-vehicle crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation from the driver’s insurance policy.

Serious Injuries in South Carolina Rollover Accidents

More than 10,000 people die in rollover crashes per year. The violent shift in directional force means that vehicle occupants are especially at risk for ejection, but also other traumatic injuries such as:

  • Broken bones – A hard impact or series of impacts can cause bones to break. Serious breaks may require surgery and a long recovery period.
  • Cuts – Broken glass or contact with pavement may result in painful lacerations and lasting disfigurement.
  • Traumatic brain injury – Head trauma is common when a car’s roof caves in. A brain injury can be minor or catastrophic, leading to permanent impairments.
  • Spinal cord injury – Some survivors of rollover crashes break their necks or vertebrae, causing paralysis.
  • Internal organ damage – Internal bleeding, collapsed lungs, chest injuries and abdominal bleeding can be fatal if not detected quickly.

What Our SC Rollover Accident Attorneys Can Do for You

Getting advice at the Jebaily Law Firm always starts with a no-cost case review. We will examine the facts of the case and discuss your legal options. We can also answer any of your questions free of charge.

Our client services are comprehensive and compassionate. We will:

  • Explain the no fee payment arrangement. Every injury case at Jebaily Law Firm is taken on a contingency fee basis. That means that we pay for all of the necessary costs to prepare your claim up front. You only pay if we win.
  • Perform a thorough independent investigation. Our lawyers will closely examine the circumstances that led to your accident. Rollovers happen for many different reasons. There are plenty of times when the driver is not to blame. But it can be an uphill battle to get profit-driven insurers to agree with that.
  • Collect supporting evidence. Successful cases have a lot of evidence to back up the injured person’s claim. We will collect law enforcement reports, video surveillance, photographs, eyewitness testimony, expert opinions and anything else necessary to prove the extent of your injuries and who should be held liable.
  • Identify all possible defendants. Determining who is at fault depends on the specifics of your case. Potential defendants could be other drivers, city or government entities, property owners, car and tire manufacturers, and others.
  • Handle all negotiations with the insurance company. You can count on our rollover accident attorneys to prevent insurance adjusters from getting you to take unfair settlement offers that are far less than what you are entitled to.
  • Keep you updated. We know how badly you need to resolve your claim. We work hard to make the process as quick as possible. However, some claims take more time to finalize than others. Our lawyers will be able to give you a general idea of the timeline for your case and keep you informed of any changes.

To learn more about how Jebaily Law Firm can help with your rollover accident claim, contact us today.