Rollover Car Accident Lawyer in Palm Coast, FL
Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of vehicle accidents. The occupants of the overturned vehicle may be seriously injured by being struck by unsecured objects, ejected from the vehicle, or suffer crush injuries from the collapsed roof. The violent nature of rollover accidents often results in catastrophic, or fatal injuries.
If you were injured or if you lost a loved one in a rollover car accident in Palm Coast or Ormond Beach, Florida, seek a legal team with the experience and resources to handle the case. Since 1973, Chiumento Law, PLLC has demanded full compensation for those injured in car accidents in Palm Coast and Ormond Beach, Florida. We are ready to put our legal skills to work for you.
Contact us by phone or online to speak with one of our rollover accident attorneys during a free consultation.
What To Do After a Rollover Accident in Palm Coast, FL?
If you were involved in a rollover accident in Palm Coast, you should take these steps to protect your rights:
- Prioritize your safety – If the car is still running, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle via the safest route. Check on others who were involved in the accident if you are able to do so and help them to safety. Keep a safe distance away from the overturned vehicle.
- Call 911 – Call and report the accident. A police officer and emergency medical services (EMS) should respond. Stay at the scene until they arrive. Answer the police officer’s questions honestly but do not say anything that can be construed as admitting fault for the accident.
- Gather evidence at the scene – While you are waiting for the police and EMS to arrive, gather as much evidence as you can at the scene, assuming it is safe to do so. This may include photos and videos of the accident scene, contact information for the other drivers, and the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention – Most rollover accidents result in serious injuries. If EMS does not respond to the scene, you should seek medical attention immediately. A doctor will conduct a thorough exam, diagnose any injuries, and provide treatment. Proper, prompt treatment can make all the difference in your prognosis for recovery.
What To Do If You Were Hurt in a Car Accident?
If you have been hurt in a rollover car accident that was not your fault, you should not have to pay for medical bills and other expenses out of your own pocket. The party responsible for the crash should pay you compensation for the harm you have suffered and the losses you have incurred.
In Florida, drivers typically start by filing a claim with their own insurance company through personal injury protection coverage. Florida has a no-fault insurance system. All drivers in Florida must maintain car insurance that includes personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage. When Florida drivers are involved in an accident, they file a claim with their own insurance regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
If the accident caused serious injuries, the accident victim may pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
To do so, a victim must have sustained a serious injury, which is defined in Florida law as:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Who Is at Fault in a Rollover Accident?
Each rollover accident has unique circumstances and contributing factors.
Depending on the specific facts in your case, the following entities or individuals may be at fault in a rollover accident:
- The driver of the overturned vehicle – Rollover accidents often occur because of a driver error. Examples of driver errors include speeding, distracted driving, intoxicated driving, or oversteering. If the driver’s actions caused the rollover accident to occur, the driver may be financially liable for injuries suffered by occupants of the overturned vehicle.
- The driver of another vehicle – Another driver may be to blame for a rollover accident. If another driver sideswipes a vehicle, causing it to overturn, that driver could be held liable for injuries sustained by occupants of the overturned vehicle.
- Vehicle manufacturer – There may be instances in which the manufacturer of the vehicle may be at fault for a rollover accident. If the vehicle has an unsafe design increasing the likelihood of rollovers, the manufacturer may be financially liable. If the steering wheel malfunctions and causes a vehicle to swerve sharply, the manufacturer responsible for the defective component could be held liable for the rollover accident.
- Government entity – In some circumstances, a government entity could be at fault for a rollover accident. If the local or federal government agency’s negligence in designing or maintaining the road resulted in a roadway hazard that caused a rollover accident, the agency may be held liable for injuries sustained in the accident.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. Any vehicle could potentially roll over, although pickup trucks and SUVs are at higher risk of rollover accidents due to their higher center of gravity. Rollover accidents are uncommon, but when they do occur, they cause serious or fatal injuries.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 7,182 people in passenger vehicles lost their lives in rollover accidents in one recent year. Rollover accident fatalities accounted for 30 percent of all passenger vehicle fatalities.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
According to IIHS data, seventy-five percent of rollover accidents occur because of a pre-rollover impact, such as a collision with another vehicle or hitting a curb or guardrail.
Common causes of rollover accidents include:
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Driver inattention
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Striking a curb or guardrail
- Sharp turns or swerves, especially while speeding
- Colliding with another vehicle
- Running off the road
- Imbalanced/improperly loaded vehicles
- Roadway hazards
- Vehicle malfunctions or defects
- Poor weather conditions
Common Injuries from Rollover Accidents
Some commonly reported injuries from rollover accidents in Palm Coast include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Facial injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Concussion
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Get in Touch with a Palm Coast Rollover Accident Lawyer
Seeking fair compensation from the at-fault driver requires a skilled car accident lawyer who understands Florida law. If you were injured in a rollover accident in Palm Coast or Ormond Beach, contact Chiumento Law, PLLC right now. Our rollover accident attorneys are standing by to answer your questions and help you understand your rights.
