Rollover accidents occur when one or more of the vehicles involved in an accident rolls or flips, usually over the side. Frequently, these accidents toss around all of the occupants of the vehicle, leading to significant injury for everyone involved. What should you do after a vehicle rollover accident? Understanding the right steps to take after a rollover accident will not heal your injuries, but it can help you seek the funds you deserve.
Determining Fault
85% of all rollover fatalities, according to the NHTSA, are single-vehicle accidents: no other driver is involved in the process, which means that driver behavior is likely to blame for the accident. That does not necessarily mean, however, that you are automatically to blame for the accident if you were in a rollover accident. Consider these factors:
Another driver’s behavior. In some cases, another driver’s actions can cause you to end up in a rollover accident. You might, for example, swerve off the road in an attempt to avoid a reckless or distracted driver.
Poor conditions on the road. Poor road conditions can substantially increase the risk of a rollover accident. Around three quarters of rollover accidents occur on country roads, which may be poorly maintained or have sharp drops at the side. In some cases, road work or other road hazards may significantly increase the risk of a rollover accident in a particular area.
Improperly constructed vehicles. Top-heavy SUVs are known to have a higher risk of rollover than other types of vehicles. In some cases, manufacturer defect may increase the risk of rollover and fail to adequately protect the driver and passengers in the vehicle, which can leave the manufacturer liable for some of your damages.
If you suffer injuries in a rollover accident, you may need legal help to determine who bears liability in your accident. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is the most effective way to get the support you need.
What to Do After the Accident
Any time you suffer injuries in a rollover accident, you should seek medical care immediately. Call 911 and summon help to the scene of the accident. Try not to move around the scene of the accident more than necessary, since some injuries, including spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injury, may not show symptoms immediately. Follow all instructions given to you by medical personnel.
Keep track of your medical records. Once you begin medical care, keep records of everything the doctors tell you about your injuries, your medical bills, and any other information about your recovery, including photographs of your injury. This can make it easier for you to seek compensation later.
Collect evidence about the accident. You may have been able to move around the scene and take some pictures of the vehicles or the other driver. You can also seek witness statements. Include a copy of the police report in your evidence file.
Contact your insurance company. Regardless of who caused the rollover accident, contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident. Your vehicle may be totaled due to damage from the accident. Your insurance company may also help you pursue compensation from the other driver’s insurance company, if another driver contributed to your accident.
Contact a lawyer. If you suffered serious injuries in a rollover accident, you may need an car accident attorney. At Swor & Gatto, we provide substantial legal support for our clients following accidents of all types, including rollover accidents. If you need help filing your claim or pursuing the compensation you deserve, contact us today to set up your consultation or to learn more about our services.