Protecting Texas Drivers Hurt in Rollover Crashes
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Rollover car accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes. According to federal data, rollovers cause over 10,000 deaths each year in the U.S. In Houston, tens of thousands of serious crashes happen on our roads every year, including many high-speed rollovers on highways like Interstate 45, Interstate 10, US 59 and the Loop 610. When a vehicle flips, occupants can suffer life-changing injuries (even death) as they are thrown around inside or ejected. The Adley Law Firm is based in Houston and serves injury victims throughout Texas. Our bilingual personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free case review after your rollover accident.
Understanding Rollover Crashes
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. These crashes are extremely violent – the car and its passengers can spin or flip multiple times. In fact, rollover accidents can be among the deadliest traffic crashes. Rollover crashes often happen suddenly due to factors like high speed, a sharp turn or impact from another vehicle. Without proper restraint (seatbelts) and vehicle safety features, occupants may suffer catastrophic trauma. Many Houston rollovers occur on curved freeway ramps and major intersections as well as on busy highways (for example, Interstate 45, Beltway 8 or Loop 610).
Common Causes of Houston Rollover Accidents
- High Speed and Sudden Maneuvers: Traveling too fast or making a sharp turn can throw a vehicle off balance and cause it to flip. This is especially true on Houston freeways and ramps (e.g. Interstate 45, US 59, I-10, Loop 610, Beltway 8).
- Tall, Unstable Vehicles: SUVs, pickup trucks and vans have higher centers of gravity. These vehicles are more prone to rolling over if they are pushed or turn abruptly.
- Road Hazards: Uneven pavement, potholes, debris or slick surfaces can destabilize a vehicle. Sudden changes in road angle (like ramp curves or sharp intersections) can also lead to rollovers.
- Collision Forces: A side-impact collision, hitting a curb, or swerving to avoid another car can trip a vehicle’s wheels and cause it to roll.
- Improper Loads: Overloaded or unsecured cargo can shift and destabilize a vehicle, especially on trucks and vans. This sudden weight shift is a common cause of single-vehicle rollovers.
- Driver Error or Impairment: Distracted driving, sudden overcorrection (jerking the wheel), fatigue or intoxication increase the risk of losing control and rolling over.
Common Injuries After a Rollover Crash
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and skull fractures are common when passengers strike the interior or are ejected.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Severe back and neck injuries, including spinal cord trauma, may result in paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Fractures of the ribs, legs, arms, pelvis, and skull often occur due to the violent forces in a rollover.
- Internal Organ Injuries: Blunt force can cause internal bleeding and organ damage (e.g. to the liver, spleen or lungs), which can be life-threatening.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Occupants can suffer deep cuts from broken glass, metal edges or debris inside the car.
- Burns: In severe rollovers, fuel leaks and fires may cause burn injuries.
Determining Fault in a Rollover Accident
- Other Drivers: If another motorist’s negligent action (speeding, tailgating, improper lane changes, drunk driving, etc.) caused the rollover, that driver can be held liable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: Defects in vehicle design or parts (such as faulty tires, suspension, or lack of stability control) may make a vehicle prone to rollovers.
- Cargo or Equipment Loaders: If an improperly loaded truck or van caused imbalance leading to a rollover, the party responsible for loading (or the owner) may be liable.
- Government or City: Dangerous road conditions (badly maintained pavement, missing signage, unsafe on-ramps) can contribute to crashes. In such cases, a government entity could be responsible.
- Others: In rare cases, a parts supplier (e.g. brakes or steering components) or even another driver (if their car was defectively maintained) could share fault.
Compensation After a Rollover Accident
Victims of rollover crashes can recover economic and non-economic damages for losses caused by the crash. This typically includes:
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation and all future treatment needs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and any loss of earning capacity if injuries cause permanent disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Payment for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence (such as drunk driving), Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Typical Settlement Ranges
Every case is unique, but the value of a rollover claim depends on injury severity and fault. Minor injury claims often result in settlements in the tens of thousands of dollars. More serious injuries typically settle for hundreds of thousands, and catastrophic injuries or wrongful death claims can reach well into the millions. A knowledgeable attorney can explain the factors that affect settlement value in your specific case.
How a Houston Rollover Lawyer Can Help
After a rollover accident, you face medical recovery and insurance paperwork on top of trauma. An experienced Houston injury lawyer can handle all the legal work so you can heal. At Adley Law Firm, our team will:
- Investigate Thoroughly: We secure police reports, talk to witnesses, analyze vehicle and scene evidence, and determine exactly what happened.
- Gather Evidence: Our lawyers obtain medical records, expert opinions and photographs to clearly document your injuries and losses.
- Communicate with Insurers: We manage all contact with the insurance company so they cannot bully you into a quick, lowball payout.
- Demand Full Compensation: We prepare a detailed claim or lawsuit demanding fair payment for your damages – medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
- Litigation if Needed: If the insurance company won’t settle fairly, we are ready to take your case to court and fight for a verdict.
- Guidance and Support: We advise you on steps to protect your health and legal rights, such as getting proper medical care and preserving evidence.
Contact Houston Rollover Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover car accident, don’t wait to get legal help. Time limits (statutes of limitations) apply, so it’s best to act quickly. The Adley Law Firm offers free consultations to discuss your case. Call our Houston office today or fill out the contact form on our website. We will fight to recover the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.