Are you grappling with the aftermath of a rollover accident in Florence, South Carolina? At the Jebaily Law Firm, our Florence rollover accident lawyers know how life-altering these incidents can be, and we’re here to help. If you’re worrying about a growing stack of medical bills and wondering how you’ll keep paying your bills while you’re out of work, talk to us about how we can help.
Our dedicated and experienced attorneys have the knowledge and resources to fiercely advocate for your rights and guide you through the complex claims process. We will work diligently to secure as much compensation as possible for your physical injuries, emotional distress, and other accident expenses.
Call us today or reach out online for a free case evaluation.
Rollover Accident Statistics
The violent nature of rollover crashes in South Carolina means they frequently cause catastrophic or even deadly injuries. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) reported 1,367 rollover crashes statewide in one recent year, including 31 fatal crashes and 649 crashes with injuries. That works out to a fatality rate of 2.27 percent.
At the national level, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 83,874 rollover accidents nationwide in one recent year. These crashes accounted for about 1.6 percent of all crashes for that year. That might not sound like much, but NHTSA also noted that rollover crashes accounted for about 7.5 percent of all fatal crashes and roughly 3 percent of all crashes with injuries. Those figures indicate that rollover crashes are often much more serious than other types of accidents.
What Are the Most Common Causes of a Rollover Accident?
Rollover accidents can occur due to numerous factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Speeding – Many rollover crashes happen because drivers are moving too fast, especially around curves or on off-ramps.
- Distracted Driving – When drivers are not fully attentive to the road, it increases the likelihood of accidents. Texting, eating, or any activity that takes a motorist’s focus away from driving can contribute to rollover accidents.
- Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs can significantly impair driving abilities. The risk-taking that comes with lowered inhibitions makes rollovers more likely. Even prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect driving performance and result in severe crashes.
- Vehicle Type – Some vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, have higher centers of gravity and are more susceptible to rollovers.
- Poor Road Conditions – Uneven surfaces, potholes, or lack of proper road signage can all contribute to rollover accidents.
- Tire Blowouts – A sudden tire failure can contribute to a rollover when it causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Remember, you have the right to seek compensation if you suffered injuries in a rollover crash due to someone else’s negligence, no matter the particular cause of the accident. Our rollover car accident attorneys in Florence are ready to help you navigate this process.
What Types of Vehicles Have the Highest Rollover Risk?
Our rollover car accident lawyers have seen how certain vehicles have a higher risk of overturning in a crash due to their structure and design. These vehicles include:
- Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) – SUVs have a high center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers, particularly during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Pickup Trucks – Similar to SUVs, pickup trucks also have a high center of gravity. Furthermore, if not properly loaded, the weight distribution in a truck can create instability and increased rollover risk.
- Vans – Both passenger and cargo vans, especially when fully loaded, are at higher risk of rollover due to their elevated center of gravity and the potential for uneven weight distribution.
- Tall, Narrow Vehicles – Any vehicles that are tall and narrow, such as some models of buses, tanker trucks, and semi-trucks, have a higher likelihood of rollovers.
Characteristics of a Rollover Accident
Rollover accidents are destructive due to the forces applied to vehicle structures that are not intended to bear massive weight. They involve a vehicle tipping over onto its side or roof and can result in severe injury or even death.
There are two main types of rollover accidents:
- Tripped rollovers account for most rollover accidents. In a tripped rollover, a vehicle leaves the roadway and slides sideways, digging its tires into soft soil or striking an object like a curb or guardrail. The high force of the vehicle, when it strikes the object, can cause the car to roll over. A collision with another car can also cause a tripped rollover.
- Untripped rollovers are less common and happen mostly with top-heavy vehicles, like SUVs or vans. Untripped rollovers typically occur when a driver swerves at high speeds to avoid a collision. For example, a driver might swerve suddenly to avoid an unexpected obstacle, causing the vehicle to tip over due to its high center of gravity and the lateral forces involved.
Injuries Frequently Sustained from Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are often violent and can result in severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. The types of injuries commonly sustained in these accidents include:
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Cuts and Lacerations
How Our Florence Rollover Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Our vehicle rollover accident lawyers can support you through this difficult time. We have extensive experience managing rollover accident claims. We can advocate for your rights and strive to obtain the justice you deserve.
Here’s how we can help you seek the money you need:
- Case Evaluation – We can meticulously review your case, identifying all liable parties and establishing the extent of your injuries and other losses.
- Evidence Collection – We can gather all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction reports, for example.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies – We can deal directly with the insurance companies for you so you don’t inadvertently settle for less than you deserve.
- Legal Guidance – We’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process, providing clear, concise information so you can make informed decisions about your case.
- Trial Representation – If necessary, we are ready to take your case to court to seek maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
You don’t have to face this daunting journey alone. Let us shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on recovery. Call us now or fill out our online contact form to get started with a free claim review and advice about your best legal options.