While your legal rights are likely not your primary concern after a South Carolina rollover accident claim, don’t neglect them. A rollover accident legal claim in Charleston can help you claim the money you need to aid in your recovery.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident happens when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof during a crash. These accidents often involve a single vehicle but can also result from collisions with other cars. Rollovers are more likely to occur during sharp turns, sudden swerves, or high-speed crashes.
Tall, narrow vehicles like SUVs and trucks are more prone to rolling over due to their higher center of gravity. Once a car begins to tip, it can flip multiple times before coming to a stop.
Rollover crashes are especially dangerous because they can throw occupants from the vehicle or trap them inside. These accidents often cause severe injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, or death.
Common Injuries from Rollover Crashes
The initial impact force, a vehicle’s collapsing structure, and the possibility of drivers or passengers sustaining multiple blows in quick succession mean rollovers frequently cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. Common injuries from South Carolina rollover collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Drivers and passengers can suffer brain damage when their head strikes the vehicle’s interior or hits the ground after an ejection. TBIs may lead to memory loss, mood changes, headaches, or other permanent cognitive problems.
- Spinal cord injuries – A sudden roll or roof collapse can crush or twist someone’s spine during a rollover. This impact may damage someone’s nerves and lead to partial or full paralysis. Long-term effects include chronic pain, limited mobility, or loss of bladder and bowel control.
- Broken bones – Arms, legs, ribs, and hips often break when passengers slam against doors, windows, or other parts in a rollover. Recovering from these injuries can take months and may require surgery, physical therapy, or metal implants.
- Internal injuries – The force of a rollover crash can damage organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys. Internal bleeding may not be visible at first but can be life-threatening. Long-term issues may include organ failure or reduced function.
- Lacerations and crush injuries – Broken glass, torn metal, and heavy impacts can slice or crush soft tissue. These injuries may cause nerve damage, infections, or permanent scarring.
- Psychological trauma – The violence and fear of a rollover can leave lasting emotional scars. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health effects can interfere with work, sleep, relationships, and daily routines.
Who May Be Liable in a Rollover Accident?
One crucial job of a rollover accident attorney is to identify who’s legally responsible for a crash. The liable parties in these cases can include:
- Other drivers – A reckless or distracted driver may cut off a vehicle, swerve into its lane, or force it off the road. These sudden movements can cause the second car to roll.
- Vehicle manufacturers – Automakers may be liable if a vehicle has a design flaw that makes rollovers more likely, such as a high center of gravity or weak roof supports. Defective parts like tires, brakes, or steering systems can also cause or worsen a rollover.
- Tire manufacturers – Poorly made or defective tires may fail during everyday driving. A sudden blowout or tread separation can lead to a rollover, especially at highway speeds or during sharp turns.
- Road maintenance agencies – Government entities or contractors may be responsible for poor road conditions that can cause or contribute to rollovers. These hazards include things like large potholes, missing guardrails, steep drop-offs, or uneven pavement.
- Cargo loaders or trucking companies – If a commercial vehicle is improperly loaded, the uneven weight can make it unstable. A sharp turn or quick stop may cause the truck to roll. Poorly balanced cargo is especially dangerous with tankers, trailers, or large delivery trucks.
- Repair shops or mechanics – If a mechanic fails to fix worn brakes, loose suspension parts, or other key systems, that mistake can lead to a rollover. Negligent repairs or missed defects may shift liability to the shop in these cases.
How to File a Legal Claim After a Rollover Accident
You usually want to wait until you fully understand your injuries before taking legal action after a rollover. Once your condition is stable, follow these steps to file a claim:
- Notify the insurance company – Contact your insurer and the at-fault party’s insurer. Tell them what happened, but don’t give any recorded statements without seeking legal guidance first.
- Keep all medical records – Save your bills, test results, and treatment notes. These documents link your injuries to the accident, which is crucial for your claim.
- Track your recovery – Write down how your injuries affect daily life. Include any pain or emotional stress you experience, your missed work, and how your injuries limit your activities. This evidence helps show the non-economic toll of the accident.
- Get a copy of the accident report – The police crash report often includes vital details like eyewitness statements, road conditions, and the officer’s observations. You can use the evidence in the report to support your claim.
- Request any available footage – Ask local businesses, traffic agencies, or bystanders for video that may show the crash or what led up to it.
- File your claim on time – South Carolina law limits how long you have to take legal action. You usually have three years, and waiting to start your case can prevent you from recovering the money you need.
Types of Compensation You Can Claim
Your rollover accident claim can include compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills related to the crash
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- The cost to repair or replace your car and other damaged property
Crantford Meehan has the in-depth experience and proven track record you want from a rollover accident law firm. Let our team protect your rights and help you recover the money you need while you focus on healing. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
