Des Moines Rollover Accident Lawyers
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Rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous types of auto accidents possible. Although some of these accidents are directly caused by reckless behavior on behalf of the driver, there are many cases in which the crash was a result of forces outside of the driver’s control.
Severe car crashes, especially those involving rollovers, have the potential to cause permanent, substantial injury, and even death. If you or someone you love has been injured in a rollover accident as a result of a negligent third party, you should not hesitate to pursue legal action. The Des Moines rollover accident lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for their behavior and earn compensation for any suffering and related injuries.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
When filing a personal injury claim for a rollover accident, it is important to know the cause of the accident. A Des Moines rollover accident lawyer can help you determine this.
Some common causes of rollover accidents include the following:
- Collisions with other drivers
- Swerving to avoid reckless drivers on the road
- Steering wheel defects
- Obstructions in the road
- Defective tires (resulting in blowouts or fraying)
- Poorly maintained highways
Unfortunately, many auto accidents could have been prevented were it not for the negligence of other drivers, municipal agencies, or auto manufacturing companies. A Des Moines rollover accident lawyer can help you hold these parties accountable for the wrongful suffering they may have caused.
Types of Rollover Accident Injuries
People have very few ways to protect themselves when they are involved in rollover accidents. Victims may be ejected from their vehicles or potentially crushed when a vehicle is completely turned over.
People in these kinds of crashes often suffer extremely serious injuries that will require very lengthy hospital stays, as well as possible follow-up care and rehabilitation.
In addition to medical treatment, many rollover accident victims will be unable to return to work for several weeks, months, or even years. It may be possible that a person is completely unable to regain employment or work in their previous profession because of the nature of their injuries.
Some of the most common injuries in rollover accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Muscle strains
- Sprains
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Burn injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
A rollover crash also greatly increases the chances of an accident ending in fatalities. When a person is killed in a rollover crash, the family of the deceased person could be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party or parties.
Rollover Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that only 2.1% of almost 9.1 million car, SUV, pickup and van crashes involved a rollover. Rollover accidents, however, accounted for almost 35% of deaths in passenger vehicle crashes, killing 7,600 people, 69% of whom were not wearing seat belts.
NHTSA plainly stated rollover crashes are more likely to result in fatalities than other types of crashes. Investigating officers reported that no crash avoidance maneuvers preceded crashes in approximately 40% of fatal single vehicle rollovers and 57% of multi-vehicle rollovers.
Data from a 2014 IIHS study shows that SUVs are most prone to rollover accidents with fatalities because of their design. The study found the following:
- 36% of fatalities in SUV rollover accidents happened when the SUV was hit in the front.
- 14% of fatalities in SUV rollover accidents happened when the SUV was hit in the side.
- 3% of fatalities in SUV rollover accidents happened when the SUV was hit in the back.
- 37% of fatalities in SUV rollover accidents happened when there was no impact to the SUV, but it left the road for unknown reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rollover Accidents
Who can be held liable if my rollover accident didn’t involve any other vehicles?
Many rollover crashes are single-vehicle accidents, but that does not necessarily mean a driver was at fault. In some cases, the cause of the rollover may be a mechanical issue. It will be important to perform an independent investigation to determine the exact cause of the rollover since this can also identify all liable parties. When a rollover is the result of a dangerous or defective part, then a manufacturer could be responsible for all damages. If a rollover was caused by improper repairs, then a maintenance company might be liable.
How do rollover resistance ratings work?
NHTSA states that a rollover resistance rating is based on an at-rest laboratory measurement known as the Static Stability Factor (SSF). The measurement determines how “top-heavy” a vehicle is and whether a vehicle is vulnerable to tipping up on the road in a severe maneuver.
NHTSA assigns a rollover resistance rating of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars representing a rollover likelihood in a single-vehicle crash at 10% or less, while 1 star represents a rollover likelihood of 40% or more. According to Consumer Reports, SSFs for SUVs usually measure out at 1.0 to 1.3, and cars are typically between 1.3 and 1.5.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my rollover accident?
In Iowa, you have 2 years from the date of your rollover accident to file a lawsuit in a personal injury case. When your rollover crash results in a wrongful death action, you also have 2 years, but the limitations period begins on the date of death rather than the date of the crash.
For minors and people who are mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations does not begin until their 18th birthday or when they regain the mental capacity to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a Des Moines Rollover Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered from a rollover accident in Des Moines, the experienced lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. can help you pursue compensation that will cover medical bills, lost wages from missed employment, and other related expenses.
Please call our offices today at (515) 705-0233 to schedule a free consultation.