Rollover accidents are among the most serious types of car crashes, often resulting in life-changing injuries and significant damage. These accidents can occur in an instant, leaving victims and their families overwhelmed by the aftermath. Rollovers are uniquely dangerous because they involve a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof, subjecting occupants to intense forces.
After being hurt in an accident, victims must take legal action immediately. Our Queens car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, is dedicated to helping rollover accident victims in Queens rebuild their lives by securing the compensation they deserve.
What Are Rollover Car Accidents?
A rollover car accident happens when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often due to sudden turns, high speeds, or collisions. Rollovers can involve just one vehicle, such as when a car loses control on a sharp turn, or multiple vehicles, like when a car is struck from the side.
Several factors contribute to the likelihood of a rollover, including the type of vehicle, road conditions, and speed. SUVs and trucks are more prone to rollovers because of their higher center of gravity. Understanding how and why these accidents happen is key to holding the responsible parties accountable.
Statistics on Rollover Accidents in Queens, NY
Rollover accidents, while less common than other types of crashes, account for a disproportionate number of serious injuries and fatalities. Nationally, rollovers represent about 3% of all car crashes but cause nearly 30% of traffic fatalities.
In Queens, dense traffic and challenging road conditions increase the risk of these devastating accidents, highlighting the importance of safe driving and proper vehicle maintenance.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are often caused by a combination of factors, many of which are preventable.
- Driver Behavior: Speeding, reckless driving, and distractions like texting or eating behind the wheel can significantly increase the risk of a rollover.
- Vehicle Design and Manufacturing Defects: SUVs and trucks are more likely to roll over due to their design. Defective parts, such as faulty tires or malfunctioning brakes, can also contribute.
- Environmental and Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, sharp curves, and bad weather create dangerous conditions that can lead to rollovers.
- Collisions With Other Vehicles: Side-impact crashes, in particular, can generate enough force to tip a vehicle over, endangering everyone involved.
Understanding these causes is crucial for identifying who should be held responsible.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
Common Injuries From Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents often lead to severe injuries because of the violent nature of the crash.
Physical Injuries
Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, burns, or severe lacerations. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Surviving a rollover can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and depression, making it difficult for victims to move forward with their lives.
Long-Term Consequences of Injuries
Many victims face chronic pain, permanent disabilities, or the need for ongoing rehabilitation, all of which can impact their ability to work and maintain their quality of life.
Liability in Rollover Accidents
Determining fault in a rollover accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: Defective designs or faulty parts, like tires or stability systems, can make vehicles more prone to rolling over.
- Government Entities: Poorly designed or maintained roads can contribute to dangerous conditions that lead to accidents.
- Other Drivers: In cases involving collisions, the actions of another driver may have triggered the rollover.
Evidence such as police reports, crash scene photos, black box data, and witness testimony is essential for establishing liability and building a strong case.
Shared Fault in New York
In New York, the law uses comparative negligence, allowing you to recover damages even if you share some blame for the accident. Being partially at fault doesn’t disqualify you from seeking compensation. However, the amount you receive will be adjusted based on your level of responsibility.
For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by that percentage. If your total damages are $50,000, you would receive $40,000. This system can still provide much-needed financial help for your recovery, even if you made a mistake. It ensures that you get the support you deserve for the harm caused by others.
Compensation Available to Rollover Accident Victims
Victims of rollover accidents can pursue several types of compensation to help recover from their losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover measurable costs like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation expenses. These damages are essential because they help victims pay for immediate and long-term costs directly caused by the accident. Without this support, many victims would struggle to afford the care and resources needed to recover and regain stability.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are important because they address the deep personal toll the accident takes on a victim’s well-being, not just financially but emotionally and mentally. They can help victims find a sense of justice and support as they adapt to life after the accident.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where gross negligence, such as a manufacturer ignoring known safety defects, caused the accident. These damages are crucial because they go beyond compensating the victim. Instead, they are meant to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar negligence in the future. Holding the responsible party accountable can bring victims a sense of closure.
The total compensation you may receive depends on factors like how severe your injuries are, how the accident affects your daily life, and the strength of the evidence in your case. Pursuing these damages can help you secure the financial and emotional resources needed to rebuild after such a traumatic event.
Steps to Take After a Rollover Accident
Knowing what to do after a rollover accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Always prioritize your health by seeking medical care, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Preserve Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Keep records of medical bills and repair estimates.
- Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance companies may try to undervalue or deny your claim. Having legal representation ensures your rights are protected.
- Consult With a Top-Rated Auto Accident Lawyer in Queens: Speaking with a rollover accident attorney in Queens, NY, can help you build a strong case throughout the legal process.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III?
Our firm has a proven track record of success with decades of combined experience handling rollover accident cases. We understand victims’ challenges and are committed to providing personalized representation tailored to each client’s unique situation. We aim to achieve the best possible outcome for every case, ensuring our clients receive the support they need.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
Contact Our Queens Rollover Car Accident Lawyer
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we are dedicated to helping rollover accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your case, identify liable parties, and gather evidence to build a strong claim. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure fair settlements, and if necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
If you were injured in a rollover accident, don’t wait to seek help. Contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III today to schedule a free consultation with a no-win, no-fee rollover car accident lawyer in Queens. Let us fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
“Joseph J Perrini, esquire and his staff were top-notch and extremely caring and professional from the inception to the conclusion of my case. They got me so much more money than I expected and I strongly recommend anyone injured in an accident to use their”
- Margaret H.