Rollover Accident Attorney in Athens

Rollover accidents can result in serious, life-changing injuries. Careless and reckless driving frequently causes these crashes. However, design and manufacturing defects can also be contributing factors. After a rollover, while you focus on your recovery, an experienced rollover accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the crash, determine why it happened, and identify all parties who should be held responsible for the harm you have suffered.

At R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, we have recovered over $170 million for our clients, including victims of serious car accidents such as rollovers. We are committed to pursuing just compensation for accident and injury victims throughout Georgia. To discuss the specific facts of your rollover accident with an experienced Athens car accident lawyer, contact us today and receive a free consultation.

What Is a Rollover Accident?

Rollover accidents occur when the momentum of a car’s cabin causes it to roll over onto its side and hood. Depending on the car’s speed, it may flip multiple times during a rollover accident before it stops.

Rollover accidents can be highly deadly. The violent, twisting forces inside the cabin can cause extensive injuries. The driver and passengers also risk being thrown out of the car’s cabin as it flips down the road. If ejected from the vehicle, a person faces the risk of suffering serious and possibly fatal injury from striking the pavement or a fixed object.

What Are the Main Causes of Rollover Accidents in Athens?

Rollover accidents commonly happen when the vehicle’s center of gravity moves too far to either side of the wheelbase. The shift can cause the car to flip 90 degrees.

When a sufficient upward force hits the car, it flips the car. The force can be external, such as the one created by the collision with another car, or internal, such as centrifugal force and momentum created by making a sharp turn too quickly.

Other factors that can increase the chances of a rollover accident occurring include:

• Tire traction
• Speed
• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Sharp turns
• Road conditions
• Weather (such as ice, snow, sleet, and rain)
• Road obstructions (curbs, parking stops, and potholes)
• Construction hazards.

Are Some Vehicles More Prone to a Rollover Than Others?

Yes, some vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents than others. SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks, which have a high center of gravity, are more prone to rollovers when drivers operate them at a high rate of speed. Cars with a low center of gravity, such as sedans and coupes, are less likely to roll over after a collision.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Athens Rollover Accident?

As in most car accident cases, the liable party in a rollover accident is the negligent driver. For instance, due to distracted driving, a driver may have run through a stop sign or red light and collided with your car, causing it to roll over. In that scenario, the negligent driver could be held liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, and others because they would be at fault for negligence in ignoring traffic signals.

If the rollover car wreck occurred because of poor road maintenance, the government agency responsible for designing and repairing the road could bear liability for injuries sustained in the crash.

Ultimately, to establish negligence and liability in a personal injury claim, an experienced car accident lawyer will investigate the causal elements contributing to the accident and trace them to their source. In some cases, multiple parties can bear responsibility for a rollover car accident in Athens, GA. Our Athens rollover accident lawyer is here to assist.

What Sort of Injuries Happen in a Rollover Accident?

Rollover injuries can cause extreme injuries because of the rapid acceleration and impact forces that these crashes typically involve.

The range of rollover injuries is diverse and includes the following:

• Muscle strains
• Bruises and soft-tissue injuries
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Concussions and head injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Chest injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Burns and abrasions
• Death
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Should I Do If I Have Been in an Athens Rollover Accident?

After checking yourself for injuries and contacting emergency responders, you should try to document the accident scene. Take pictures and recordings of the damage and your injuries. Also, grab the other driver’s contact and insurance information. If possible, you should also obtain eyewitness contact information. Ensure you get a copy of the police report or the report number from the responding officer.

Next, go to a doctor. Your injuries must be examined and diagnosed, and you should start treatment as soon as possible for your health. You will need documentation to prove the extent of your injuries when you file an insurance claim. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the greater the chances you will face of having payment denied for your medical bills and other delays.

Finally, contact an experienced car accident attorney in Athens. The sooner you speak to a rollover accident attorney, the sooner the lawyer can build your case to maximize your chances of recovering full compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rollover Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?

Under Ga. Code § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is two years from the accident date. If you wait more than two years before you file a personal injury lawsuit after a rollover accident, you may lose your right to recover compensation. Additionally, if you lost a loved one in a rollover accident, you must file a wrongful death claim within two years from the date of death.

Two years is a relatively short period. It will be best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a rollover crash. The longer you wait to initiate the insurance claim and lawsuit process, the greater the chances of a claim denial.

Contact an Athens Rollover Accident Lawyer

After a serious motor vehicle accident, your main priority should be rest and recovery from the serious injuries you have suffered. At R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of car accident victims and won’t back down when dealing with insurance companies. You can count on working with an experienced attorney who will lead the fight for just compensation while you focus on your recovery.

We will attune our client-focused and personalized legal services to your specific needs and goals, and we will not rest until we have exhausted every available legal avenue to seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life. To learn more, contact us today and receive a free consultation about your case.