There are millions of drivers on the roads in the state of Florida. This is one of the factors that make car accidents a very common occurrence. One of the most potentially dangerous types of car accidents that may occur is a rollover accident. This occurs when a vehicle flips either side over side or end over end. The total amount o weight that is involved may cause more injuries, than in any other type of accident that may occur. If you have suffered an injury due to a rollover accident, it is smart to hire an attorney to help you navigate the somewhat complicated process that must be followed to recover compensation.
The Various Causes of Rollover Accidents
There are more than a few causes for rollover accidents, with some that originate with the vehicle, while others originate with the driver. In some situations, a rollover accident involves a single vehicle (according to the NHTSA this may be up to 85 percent of all accidents), which means there is only one vehicle that sustains damage, although another driver could be involved and just escape injuries.
There is also a much higher likelihood of rollover accidents with cruiser vans and sport utility vehicles – these are vehicles that are taller, but that have narrower bodies, which may alter the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Some of the other factors that may result in a rollover crash include speed, which plays a part in approximately 50 percent of all rollover accidents that occur in a year, the use of alcohol, and others. While this is true, statistics from NHTSA have also shown that most rollover accidents occur when basic and regular driving maneuvers are taking place, rather than something more complex. This helps to support the concept that driver error plays a much bigger role in rollover crashes than it does with other accident types, such as front-end or T-bone.
Who is Responsible?
In a rollover accident, more often than with other crash types, there is the question of who to file a suit against. This can be difficult to figure out. Depending on the facts of the situation, there are several defendants that may have played a role in the injuries besides the driver of the car that hit you (if there even was one). A common situation in a rollover accident is to file a suit against the manufacturer of the SUV or car if there is any evidence that a vehicle malfunctioned or if it caused you more harm than what you may have otherwise suffered.
It may also be possible for you to file a suit against the entity that is in charge of maintaining the road where your accident took place, such s the Florida Department o Transportation or the Public Works Department for the city. If your accident was the result of an improperly maintained road, for example, or if there was a guardrail sign that was missing, the city’s government may be held liable. However, you believe this is a road that is worth pursuing, you need to ensure your claim is not barred by some type of sovereign immunity – this is a law that disallows some lawsuits from being filed against the government.
Call an Attorney for Help
If you have been involved in a rollover accident, the best thing you can do is to find and hire a personal injury attorney. They can help you figure out who is liable and how you may be able to recover compensation from. For more information, contact our legal team at Fetterman & Associates by calling 561-845-2510.
