Reasons Your Car Might Roll Over
Rollover accidents are capable of causing extremely serious injuries, including those that can leave victims with permanent disabilities. Cars and trucks can roll over for a variety of reasons, but when they’re the result of someone else’s negligence, victims may recover compensation. Below are some of the more common causes of rollovers that may result from negligence. For more information, or to discuss your specific case with an experienced New London car accident lawyer, contact us online or call our office at (860) 447-3300.
Defective Vehicle Design
Some rollover accidents result from defective vehicle designs. Victims who can show that a vehicle was designed in such a way as to make it susceptible to rolling over, making it unreasonably dangerous to drive, can usually recover compensation from the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Unreasonably Dangerous Roadways
Road hazards like potholes, shoulder drop-offs, unmarked turns, missing signs, or improperly graded turns can all cause rollover crashes. If your rollover accident took place on a public road, you may well need to assert a claim against the Connecticut Department of Transportation. This means that you may face a short deadline by which you need to give the DOT Commissioner notice of your claim. Act quickly—speak to an attorney right away.
Defective Tires
Tires that blow out without warning can destabilize a vehicle and potentially cause it to roll over. In cases where blowouts result from a manufacturing or design defect, victims can often recover compensation from the company that made the tire.
Evasive Driving
Sudden turns at high speeds can sometimes cause a vehicle to roll over. When the negligence of other drivers results in situations that require evasive maneuvering, victims are usually entitled to compensation for their losses. Common examples of driver negligence that could create a dangerous situation requiring evasive driving including improper lane changes, driving on the wrong side of the road, illegal turns, and stopping or parking in inappropriate places.
What to Do After a Rollover Accident
If you aren’t too injured to do so, protect your rights by taking these important steps after a rollover accident:
- Call the police and report the accident.
- Collect as much information about the wreck as possible. Get the other drivers’ names and insurance policy information, take pictures, and ask eyewitnesses for contact information.
- Undergo a thorough medical evaluation, even if you do not think your injuries are particularly serious. Some injuries, like whiplash, may take time to manifest. This will provide official documentation of your injuries.
- Call an attorney as soon as you can.
Call Polito & Harrington Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With a New London Personal Injury Lawyer
If you suffered an injury in a rollover accident or any other type of crash, speak to an attorney as soon as you can. Polito & Harrington are committed to helping accident victims obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. We only collect legal fees if we recover a settlement or award. To schedule a completely free, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury attorney in New London, Connecticut, call us today at (860) 447-3300 or contact us online.
