NYC Rollover Car Accident Lawyers
Rollover car accidents can be catastrophic for any victims caught in the crash. These crashes can not only severely injure people but can easily cause the death of a victim. As a result, the at-fault driver may face personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits. If you or a family member was injured in a rollover car accident, contact an experienced NYC rollover car accident lawyer.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we are committed to providing you with the legal representation that you deserve in your claim for injuries. We recognize how a serious rollover car crash can substantially change a person’s life, and we are here for you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300. You can also contact the firm online.
5 Common Causes of Rollover Accidents in NYC
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips over and rolls once or possibly several times. These types of accidents are extremely volatile as they can violently shake the occupants of a vehicle, especially if they fail to wear a seatbelt. Understanding what causes a rollover accident may help a motorist recognize the signs of a possible rollover accident in the making.
The following is a list of common causes of rollover accidents in NYC.
Speeding
Many rollover crashes occur because a driver substantially exceeded the speed limit. However, speeding is not enough to cause a vehicle to flip over. Instead, the excessive speeding was likely followed by dangerous or sudden maneuvers that caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. For example, if a driver attempts to make a left turn while driving at a rate of 80 miles per hour, they are more susceptible to flip over when making the turn.
Vehicles with High Centers of Gravity
SUVs, vans, trucks, and other vehicles with a high center of gravity are more prone to rollovers than other types of vehicles. When a vehicle has a high center of gravity, it becomes easier for that vehicle to rollover simply due to poor driving. For example, if a driver is operating a van and makes an aggressive maneuver to switch lanes at high speed, this could cause the van to tip over.
Rollover accidents involving large trucks can be especially dangerous as they could easily hit any other motorists in the vicinity of the accident.
Erratic Behavior
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 80 percent of rollover accidents are single-vehicle incidents. This means that the erratic behavior of a driver is often the primary factor in determining the cause of a rollover accident.
Additionally, unpredictable driving combined with poor weather is often a recipe for a rollover accident. A driver that causes injury to others because they fail to adjust their driving in a severe storm could be held liable for the injuries of another.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol can seriously impact a driver’s decision-making. A drunk driver may fail to notice changes in traffic, is prone to fall asleep behind the wheel, and is likely to act unpredictably while driving.
Road Conditions
The NHTSA states that many car accidents occur in rural areas. The reason for this is that rural roads often fail to have barriers. As a result, instead of crashing into a barrier, some drivers can veer off the road into uneven land where their vehicle is more prone to rollovers.
There are many other causes of rollover car accidents that are not listed above. To learn more about proving liability for an accident, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer.
Proving Negligence in an NYC Car Accident Lawsuit
If you were injured when a driver lost control of their vehicle and flipped over or caused your vehicle to roll over in NYC, you should consider filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Personal injury lawsuits typically operate on the basis of negligence. This means that a plaintiff will have to prove the following elements to recover damages:
- The defendant (the at-fault driver) owed the plaintiff (victim) a duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty of care
- The plaintiff suffered an injury as a result of the defendant’s actions
- The plaintiff suffered a harm that is compensable by a court
A plaintiff must prove each element in order to prevail in their lawsuit and be awarded damages. Damages can be awarded for economic and noneconomic losses. For example, compensation for medical expenses would be considered economic damages. Other examples of economic and noneconomic damages include:
- Loss of wages or loss of future wages
- Expenses for prescriptions, medical equipment, and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Additionally, if an individual was killed in an NYC rollover accident, the family members of the victim can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the party responsible. Note, however, that only certain family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. For example, a surviving spouse or surviving children are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Alternatively, in New York, siblings of a victim are unable to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit unless they are named as the personal representative of the decedent.
Contact Our Experienced NYC Rollover Accident Attorneys to Discuss Your Claim
If your family member was killed in a rollover car accident, you should consult with an experienced NYC rollover car accident attorney. The dedicated legal team at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, possesses extensive experience litigating complex car accident claims, and we are here to fight for you. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal claim, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300.