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Rollover Accident Lawyer in Michigan

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If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover car accident, you know that the injuries that are caused by these types of accidents can be extremely serious. Recovery can be costly, as victims often need extensive hospital stays and long-term rehabilitation.

Expenses can quickly skyrocket, which is why it is important for auto accident victims to retain a qualified Michigan personal injury attorney.

At Lipton Law, our team of Michigan car accident lawyers has been successfully representing clients injured in motor vehicle accidents since 1964. We prioritize your needs when we advocate for you in Michigan courts or negotiating sessions. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney at Lipton Law, call us today at (248) 557-1688.

What Is a Rollover Accident?

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A rollover accident is a vehicle accident where a vehicle tips over onto its side or rolls completely over. In some rollover accidents, a car or truck may roll over several times before it comes to a rest. Rollover accidents occur in two different ways: tripped and untripped rollovers.

Tripped rollovers occur when the vehicle comes into contact with an object that causes it to roll. This can be a curb, another vehicle, or even when tires dig into soft ground. This is the most common type of rollover accident.

Untripped rollovers are less common, but still just as dangerous. With an untripped rollover, there is nothing that the vehicle comes into contact with that causes the rollover. Top-heavy vehicles are at a higher risk for untripped rollovers, especially when they travel at high speeds.

Rollover Car Accident Statistics

According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, over 3,500 passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover accidents in 2021. This accounts for around 14% of the total number of passenger vehicle occupant deaths. While a rollover car crash is not the most common source of passenger vehicle accident deaths, these crashes still account for a significant percentage of the total. Head-on collisions, followed by T-bone accidents, are the two most common accident types resulting in vehicle occupant deaths.

Common Causes of Rollover Accidents in Michigan

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Many factors can result in a rollover accident. Our rollover injury lawyers know how to build strong cases for victims, using evidence that represents your interests in a variety of rollover accident cases. Since 2012, all passenger cars are required to have electronic stability control. Even with this additional safety feature, passenger vehicles are still prone to rolling under certain conditions.

Driver behavior contributes to traffic fatalities every day. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while distracted, falling asleep at the wheel, and overly aggressive driving are all common negligent acts. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of vehicle rollovers. Alcohol impairment reduces a number of driving skills necessary for safe operation. Impaired drivers also have a higher risk of speeding and making other unsafe driving choices.

Michiganians are no stranger to ice and snow. Hazardous weather conditions can contribute to rollover accidents. An improperly designed road, debris on the road, and missing or malfunctioning traffic signals can also contribute to hazardous road conditions. Curvy roads or exits, in conjunction with excessive speed, alcohol use, or driving a top-heavy vehicle can cause rollover accidents as well.

A rollover accident can also occur due to a faulty airbag, tire failure, poor suspension system design, defective brakes, and more. If the vehicle was designed in a way that contributed to your rollover accident injuries, the manufacturer can be held responsible.

Any vehicle, regardless of how nice, can roll over if the conditions are right. However, vehicles with a high center of gravity are the most likely to experience a rollover. These include SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and commercial trucks. Top heavy vehicles are more likely to roll over without a collision involved.

Speeding is one of the most common causes of vehicle rollover. Increased speed causes a reduction in reaction time. Excessive speeding can cause the vehicle to become unstable. Going over the posted speed limit can cause a rollover accident without hitting another vehicle. Single-vehicle rollovers can be just as deadly as those that involve multiple vehicles.

Another cause for rollovers is an excess of tire grip, which can lead to excessive sideways force. And, on the opposite end of the spectrum, not enough tire grip can also lead to vehicle rollovers.

Overloading a cargo vehicle can cause rollovers, as it makes the vehicle harder to maneuver. Improper loading can cause the vehicle’s center of gravity to change, and the vehicle can be harder to control. Uneven weight distribution can cause the vehicle to flip in cases where the same kind of driving would not normally end in a rollover.

Injuries Caused by Rollover Crashes

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Vehicle rollovers are some of the most violent vehicle accidents there are. They often result in catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. The severity of the car accident injuries will depend on whether or not the driver or passengers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. Those who don’t wear a seat belt can be ejected from the vehicle during a crash.

Some of the more common rollover injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Bruises and lacerations
  • Whiplash
  • Burns
  • Seatbelt syndrome

In severe cases, rollovers can end in death. The personal injury lawyers at Lipton Law can help you recover compensation for your serious injuries.

What Happens to Occupants in a Rollover Crash?

Rollover car accident victims can experience various degrees of injury depending on several factors, including the speed of the vehicle, whether they are wearing seat belts, the type of vehicle, and the number of rollovers. Occupants of a vehicle that rolls over in a crash could experience the following.

  • Ejection: Unrestrained occupants are at a high risk of being partially or completely ejected from the vehicle during a rollover, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Injuries from Impact: Occupants can sustain injuries from hitting the interior surfaces of the vehicle, such as the roof, windows, or other passengers. Head, neck, spinal, and limb injuries are common.
  • Crush Injuries: The vehicle’s roof can collapse or deform during a rollover, potentially causing severe crush injuries to the occupants.
  • Seat Belt Injuries: While seat belts are crucial for preventing ejection and reducing the severity of injuries, they can also cause injuries, such as chest or abdominal trauma, especially if not worn properly.
  • Fatalities: Rollover crashes can be particularly deadly, especially if the vehicle rolls multiple times or if occupants are ejected or sustain severe injuries.

How Can Drivers Avoid a Rollover Crash?

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Drivers can take several precautions to help prevent rollover crashes. Some of these important precautions include the following.

  • Maintain your vehicle regularly, paying attention to tires, brakes, and suspension.
  • Reduce speed on curves and in challenging road conditions.
  • Avoid overloading your vehicle and secure cargo properly.
  • Exercise caution in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice.
  • Stay focused and avoid distractions while driving.
  • Understand your vehicle’s limitations, especially if it has a higher center of gravity.
  • Refrain from sudden steering maneuvers; try to regain control smoothly.
  • Always wear seat belts to minimize injury risk in a rollover.
  • Consider vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for added safety.
  • Prioritize safety ratings and advanced safety features when selecting a vehicle.

Following these measures can significantly reduce the risk of rollover crashes by maintaining vehicle control, minimizing distractions, and prioritizing safety features and precautions. Those who sustain injuries in rollover crashes should contact an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Do I Have a Rollover Crash Claim?

If you have sustained injuries in a rollover accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. In personal injury law, victims and their legal team must prove four elements to establish negligence. To qualify for a rollover crash claim, you must meet the criteria below.

  • Your accident was caused by someone who owed you a duty of care,
  • Someone breached the duty of care they owed you,
  • The breach caused your injuries, AND
  • Your injuries caused financial losses.

Contact the car accident attorneys at Lipton Law today for a free case evaluation to see if you can pursue a rollover crash lawsuit.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Michigan?

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The Michigan personal injury statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically three years from the date of the accident. This means that individuals involved in a car accident generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, or other losses resulting from the crash. This is the same deadline for any personal injury claim in Michigan.

To protect your rights and ensure compliance with the statute of limitations, it’s advisable to seek legal advice promptly after a car accident. Consulting with a qualified attorney experienced in handling car accident cases in Michigan can help determine the applicable deadlines and guide you through the legal process.

How Can a Rollover Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

The experienced Michigan rollover accident attorneys at Lipton Law can help you work toward a successful outcome in your case. The days and weeks immediately after an accident can be overwhelming and stressful. It takes a skilled attorney to establish negligence in a rollover accident and negotiate with the insurance company.

At Lipton Law, we can help you prove the elements of negligence — duty, breach, and causation — and we have the tenacity to see your case through to successful completion. An attorney-client relationship with an experienced attorney can ensure that your rights are protected through all aspects of your personal injury case.

We can help you gather evidence, such as pictures, videos, the accident report, and much more. We can also help you negotiate with the insurance company and litigate your case in court if necessary.

Liability in Rollover Car Accidents

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Liability for rollover crashes often comes down to whether you were at fault in the accident or if there was negligence involved. Potential parties from which you could seek a third-party liability claim include:

  • the driver of your vehicle, if he or she was operating the vehicle under the influence
  • the driver of the other vehicle, if he or she were negligent
  • car manufacturers, if the car was designed unsafely
  • manufacturers or retailers of defective tires
  • the state, or those responsible for maintaining proper roadway conditions, if the dangerous condition caused the vehicle to “trip”

Working with a dedicated team of accident attorneys at Lipton Law can ensure that the liable party is held responsible for their negligent actions.

Compensation in Rollover Accidents

Determining compensation after a rollover accident depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident and the severity of the injuries. In general, there are three categories of compensation in the state of Michigan for car accident cases: economic, non-economic, and exemplary damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are also called compensatory damages. These financial losses can be easy to track. It includes things like:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills
  • Permanent disability
  • Funeral and burial expenses, in the event of a wrongful death

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages aren’t as easy to quantify. These losses are meant to compensate the victim for things like:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium

Exemplary Damages

Exemplary damages are often called punitive damages, but Michigan does not allow punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish defendants for their negligent actions. Michigan courts do, however, allow exemplary damages if the defendant was grossly negligent. Impaired and/or reckless driving can result in exemplary damages if the injuries are especially severe.

The attorneys at Lipton Law fight for all these damages and more. Our team is focused on getting you the most successful outcome in your case. If you have more questions about how we can help, check out our FAQ or call us today.

Michigan Car Accident Attorney for Rollover Injuries

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If you have been severely injured in a rollover crash or have lost a loved one in such an accident, contact the rollover car accident lawyers at Lipton Law. We can help you obtain compensation from all negligent parties so you can move on with your life. Contact us online or call our Southfield law office at (248) 557-1688 to schedule a free consultation today.