Although rollover accidents are comparatively rare, they account for a disproportionate amount of fatalities and serious injuries. With multiple impacts per rollover, this tragic result is, perhaps, unsurprising. Adding to the horror of these crashes, negligent drivers often cause rollovers, and those affected should consider consulting a Buffalo car accident lawyer for guidance.
What is a Rollover Accident?
Any crash in which a vehicle tips onto its side or roof is classed as a rollover. This type of accident may occur following an impact with another vehicle or a stationary object. Often, rollovers occur after a vehicle leaves the road. Owing to the nature of the impacts on the vehicle, people are frequently ejected, contributing to the likelihood of serious injuries and fatalities.
Rollover Accident Facts and Figures
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the type of car driven influences the likelihood of rollovers. Pickups and SUVs showed the highest incidence of rollovers during crashes.
Fatalities are a tragic consequence of rollover crashes, accounting for:
- Around 10% of car occupant fatalities
- 8% of pickup occupant fatalities
- 15% of SUV occupant fatalities
The overall contribution to road accident deaths caused by rollovers stands at approximately 13%. Recent figures indicate that 6,700 passenger vehicle accident fatalities occur from rollovers every year, and an even larger number of drivers and passengers are seriously injured. Approximately 77% of these crashes resulted from an impact, and in around 50% of cases, frontal impacts were the primary cause of the rollover.
Why Rollover Crash Survivors Should Consult a Buffalo Rollover Accident Lawyer
In some accidents, vehicle occupants walk away without serious injuries, but this is less common in rollover accidents, as they often occur when vehicles are traveling at higher speeds. Medical costs can quickly consume no-fault insurance payouts. For seriously injured people, N.Y. Ins. Law § 5104 provides for compensation from at-fault parties.
This can be a complex area to navigate. Disputes over who was at fault and whether an accident survivor’s injuries are as serious as they claim are common. Knowing how to deal with objections and queries so that an injured party can claim fair compensation requires experience that the average person lacks.
A Buffalo rollover accident lawyer who is accustomed to handling insurance disputes will be well-equipped to handle injury claims. They will provide evidence to support the value of claims and address any objections from insurers. If insurance companies prove recalcitrant, your lawyer can build a strong case and work to achieve a settlement ruling in court.
Liability in Rollover Accidents
As noted, liability is often open to dispute in rollover accidents. Further complicating this, correctly identifying liable parties can be more difficult than it seems on the surface. Multiple factors can contribute to a single accident, and one or more of several parties may be liable. These include:
- Negligent drivers
- Vehicle or component manufacturers
- Businesses responsible for vehicle maintenance
- Third parties, such as construction companies or cargo loaders
A Buffalo rollover accident attorney begins by examining evidence from the accident scene and may undertake further investigations to determine liability. They should also have access to experts who can, if necessary, analyse accidents to further support a case for compensation.
Our Rollover Accident Lawyer in Buffalo is Ready to Help
After a shocking accident, people often do not know what to do and may not be sure if they have a case worth pursuing. Our rollover accident attorney in Buffalo is available for a free consultation, during which you can explore your options and receive sound professional advice. Reach out to the personal injury lawyer at Towey Law PLLC to take advantage of this offer.