A rollover accident is one of the most serious types of vehicle accidents that often leads to traumatic experiences for the victims. It is not uncommon for the victims to feel disoriented and unaware of what steps to take following a severe accident and injuries. The driver’s immediate actions after a rollover motor vehicle accident should aim to safeguard their health and legal standing for the potential legal claims.
If you are a driver involved in a rollover motor vehicle accident you need to consult a Dayton car accident lawyer from Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz right away. As you focus on recovery, your attorney will handle your legal process of filing compensation claims and representation to safeguard your rights and interests.
Read on to understand what happens after being involved in a rollover motor vehicle crash.
A rollover refers to a vehicle tipping over onto its side or roof. This type of accident is particularly severe due to the forces involved and the potential for occupants to be thrown around inside the vehicle or even ejected if not properly restrained.
Rollovers can happen with any vehicle but are more common in taller vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, whose center of gravity is higher. Mostly, rollovers occur due to factors such as:
Rollover accidents rank as some of the most dangerous crashes on US roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports about 280,000 rollover accidents each year, which are responsible for about 35% of all highway fatalities.
The sudden and violent nature of a rollover can cause severe disorientation. When a vehicle rolls over, it often happens abruptly and without warning, which can leave individuals inside the vehicle momentarily unaware of what has happened.
This disorientation is due to the body’s inability to process the rapid changes in motion and position. In those crucial first moments, it’s common for the mind to struggle to comprehend the new environment, as everything that was once familiar inside the vehicle is now upside down and in a chaotic state.
Also, physical pain is a common and immediate consequence of rollover accidents. The force exerted on the body during a rollover can result in minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma.
The emotional impact of a rollover accident can be as immense as physical injuries. Due to the immediate threat to life, victims of rollover accidents may experience panic attacks characterized by rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and an overwhelming sense of dread.
Lastly, the victims may exhibit a profound sense of urgency. This urgency stems from an instinct to survive and protect themselves from further harm. For instance, if there are children or elderly individuals inside the motor vehicle, the driver may feel an overwhelming need to ensure their safety and get them out of harm’s way as quickly as possible.
Car accident attorneys advocate that despite the chaos, victims should try to take a deep breath and stay as calm as possible. This is because panic can cloud judgment and affect your ability to take the necessary steps to safeguard your rights.
Rollover accidents are known to generate huge force exerted on the body of the occupants. The impact may result in various injuries. Your car accident lawyer will evaluate all aspects of your injuries to push for the compensation you deserve for your claim. Some of the typical injuries include:
When a vehicle rolls over, the glass often breaks, and the sharp fragments can penetrate the skin. These cuts can vary in depth and severity. Even small pieces of glass can embed in the skin and risk an infection if not properly treated.
In more severe cases, deep lacerations can damage underlying muscles and tendons, requiring surgical intervention. Deep lacerations on the face account for up to 8% of emergency visits every year.
Bruising occurs when the body experiences a blunt force impact, causing blood vessels beneath the skin to burst and bleed into the surrounding areas. In a rollover accident, the violent motion can cause the body to slam against various parts of the vehicle.
Even though seat belts are meant to keep passengers safe, they can also cause bruises as they restrain the body during the violent motion of the crash. These bruises can range from minor to severe based on the force of the impact and the part of the body affected.
The intense force exerted on the body during a rollover accident can break or fracture bones. Common fractures in rollover accidents include those of the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. These fractures occur when the body is thrown against hard surfaces inside the vehicle or compressed in unnatural positions.
Internal injuries are among the most severe and life-threatening injuries resulting from rollover accidents. These injuries happen when the accident impact causes damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or other complications.
These injuries might not show up right away, but they can cause severe pain and potentially fatal complications if not treated promptly. Hence, a doctor’s assessment is required to unearth these injuries and prevent potential health complications.
Head injuries are a major concern in rollover accidents as a result of powerful impact and the potential for the head to strike hard surfaces inside the vehicle. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from the brain being jolted within the skull.
Victims may experience concussions, which are a mild form of TBI. More serious head injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, coma, or even death.
These injuries are caused by spinal cord damage due to fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae. The impact can cause the vertebrae to compress or sever the spinal cord, requiring emergency spinal cord surgery.
Spinal cord injuries from rollover accidents sometimes cause loss of movement, sensation, and function below the point of injury. To address these injuries, victims may have to undergo long-term rehabilitation.
Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Due to the violent forces exerted on the body, these injuries are common in rollover accidents.
For example, whiplash is a common type of soft tissue injury caused by sudden jolting of the neck, affecting cervical muscles and ligaments. You may also sustain sprains, strains, and contusions characterized by pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
If you have been involved in a rollover motor vehicle crash, you need to take some steps. We believe the actions you take will protect your health and form a basis for a winning legal claim:
Having a car accident lawyer with you can give you a lot of peace of mind as you deal with post-accident stress. One key area you need them for is collecting and preserving important evidence, such as accident reports and witness statements.
Importantly, insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. They may employ various tactics to lowball payouts, such as arguing you failed to mitigate your injuries. However, a lawyer can argue on your behalf and thwart their attempt to deny claims.
After a rollover accident due to another driver’s recklessness, you need to initiate a legal process for filing claims. This can be complicated, especially if you have sustained severe injuries. Your attorney will take up all paperwork, fill it correctly, and send it on time to avoid potential pitfalls.
While you may have a valid claim, the insurance company may not give an offer that adequately covers your losses. If your lawyer deems the settlement offer inadequate, they will file a case in court to push for significant recovery. Your lawyer will represent you and present compelling evidence before a judge to seek a favorable outcome.
Call Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz at 1.937.222.2222 or contact us online for your free case evaluation with our Ohio Tigers.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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