Tampa Rollover Accident Lawyers
Rollover accidents are some of the most dangerous events that can occur on the road. These crashes come with a significant risk of fatal injuries for occupants. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only about 2.1 percent of all crashes lead to a rollover, but 35 percent of collision-related deaths take place in these incidents. When it comes to what makes these accidents so deadly, the reason is that occupants in rollovers are frequently thrown from their cars.
Deadly crashes are unfortunately common in Florida. Last year, 3,179 people died in crashes in the Sunshine State. Hundreds of thousands sustained injuries in these collisions. Not only are these injuries potentially tragic and debilitating, but they can also be financially devastating for victims and their families.
The law provides remedies to individuals injured in car crashes caused by another person’s actions or by defective vehicles. If you suffered injuries in a collision, contact the compassionate and dedicated personal injury attorneys at the Durham Law Group. Our experienced lawyers are ready to advocate on your behalf. Call 813-333-6250 to speak to a Tampa rollover accident attorney today.
What Causes Rollover Crashes?
Rollover crashes are often associated with SUVs and tall, top-heavy motor vehicles. SUVs, in particular, had a poor record when it comes to overturning in accidents. In more recent years, the dangers posed by these vehicles have declined as manufacturers have worked to improve the design and add additional safety features to prevent rollovers. It is also possible that a car that is overloaded will become more top-heavy and likely to roll as well. Ensuring proper tire pressure is another way to avoid these collisions.
However, like most car crashes, the driver’s behavior is often at fault when it comes to rollovers. For instance, rollovers take place more often when drivers are traveling at high speeds. The majority of rollovers occur on rural roads where speed limits are frequently 55 miles per hour or higher. Additionally, around 40 percent of deadly rollovers involve drivers who were violating the speed limit. Risks are high when drivers travel too fast for the road conditions as well, even if their speed is within the posted limits.
Why are Rollovers so Deadly?
One of the worst things that can happen in a rollover is that the occupants are thrown from the car. In most cases, people who are ejected from a car will die as a result. In other cases, the roof of a vehicle can become crushed, and in some cases, trap the people in the car. Some common injuries in rollovers can include broken bones, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Any of these can lead to horrific results.
In the case of ejections, the risk is far greater when occupants are not using their seatbelts.
Who is at Fault in a Rollover?
Claims related to rollover crashes can stem from a variety of different events. In some cases, the individuals in the vehicle that overturned might have been injured because another vehicle struck their car, causing their vehicle to roll. This can be the case if another driver sideswipes a car, pushing it off the roadway or down an embankment. In such events, the injured victims can file a claim against the driver who caused the crash.
However, in most rollover crashes, only one vehicle is involved. If you were a passenger in a car that rolled over, you could have a claim against the driver. That driver may have been speeding, distracted, or impaired and caused you harm as a result.
Other cases may involve a car that was overturned because of a design defect. Some plaintiffs may file claims against the manufacturer of a car that created greater risks of overturning. Those claims would rely on product liability issues.
It is important to know the best type of claim to file in your particular case. To learn more about your legal rights for pursuing a claim against another driver, contact a Tampa, Florida personal injury attorney.
What if I Did Not Have a Seatbelt on?
Of course, wearing a seatbelt is an important way to reduce the risks of being involved in a crash. In Florida, it is also illegal not to use a seatbelt. For people injured in crashes, the fact that they were not buckled up can make them wonder whether they still have a valid claim against another person who caused the injuries. Fortunately, the answer is yes. In Florida, liability can be divided between at-fault parties under what is referred to as comparative negligence. The fact that you did not use a seatbelt might mean that the damages you receive will be lower than they otherwise would have been, but if another person was largely at fault, then you will still have a strong claim.
Call the Durham Law Group Today After a Rollover Accident in Tampa
At the Durham Law Group, our attorneys have experience representing people who suffered injuries in car crashes, and we know just how devastating these incidents can be for victims and their families. Call us today at 813-333-6250 for a consultation with one of our dedicated Tampa, Florida car accident attorneys.
