When you or a loved one is involved in a rollover truck accident, contacting the right legal team is critical to getting the help you need. Our skilled Seattle rollover truck accident lawyer at Bernard Law Group is ready to guide you through this difficult time and fight for your rights.
What is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle, often a large truck, flips over and comes to rest on its side or roof. Trucks are particularly vulnerable to these accidents because of their size, weight, and higher center of gravity.
Several types of rollover accidents can happen, each with different causes.
- Lateral-force rollovers: This type happens when a driver takes a curve too fast, causing the vehicle to tip over due to the sideways force.
- Side-slope rollovers: If a truck drives on an uneven surface or off-road, the uneven terrain can cause the vehicle to flip.
- Ramp rollovers: These occur when a vehicle hits a raised surface or ramp, lifting one side of the vehicle and leading to a rollover.
- Sideways skid rollovers: When a truck loses wheel traction, it can skid sideways, leading to a rollover, especially on slippery or icy roads.
Each of these types of rollovers presents a unique set of challenges for investigating and proving fault, which is why working with an experienced truck collision lawyer in Seattle, Washington, is so important.
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Common Causes of Rollover Accidents in Seattle
Several factors can contribute to rollover accidents in Seattle, especially with trucks that carry heavy or uneven loads.
Let’s look at some of the most common causes:
Overcorrecting the Vehicle
When a driver swerves suddenly to avoid an obstacle or get back into their lane, they may overcorrect, causing the truck to flip. This happens because the quick movement shifts the truck’s weight too fast, making it unstable. In large trucks, even a small overcorrection can lead to a dangerous rollover accident.
Striking Objects
Hitting a guardrail, median, or even a ditch can send a truck into a rollover. The impact of hitting these objects can cause the truck to lose balance and tip over. Since trucks are taller and heavier than regular cars, they are more likely to flip when they hit something solid.
Heavy Vehicle Loads
Trucks with uneven weight distribution or carrying too much cargo are at a higher risk of rolling over. When cargo isn’t properly balanced, it can shift during turns or sudden stops, causing the truck to tip. This is especially dangerous on curvy roads or when the driver has to brake quickly.
Aggressive Driving
Speeding, reckless lane changes, and aggressive driving behaviors can cause rollover accidents. Trucks take longer to stop and are harder to control at high speeds, making aggressive driving extremely dangerous. When a truck driver takes risks, it puts everyone on the road at risk of a serious accident.
T-bone Accidents
When another vehicle crashes into the side of a truck, especially at intersections, it can cause the truck to roll over. The force of the impact can knock the truck off balance, tipping it over. This is especially common in intersections where vehicles may not see each other in time to stop.
These causes make it clear that many rollover accidents are avoidable. When a rollover happens because of someone else’s actions—whether it’s another driver, a trucking company, or even faulty equipment—you may need the help of a Seattle semi truck wreck lawyer to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Fault in a Rollover Accident
Determining who is at fault in a rollover accident is not always straightforward. Several parties could potentially be responsible for the crash:
Drivers
If the driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or overcorrecting the vehicle, they could be held responsible for causing the accident. Drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely, and when they make poor decisions, it can result in a serious rollover. Even small mistakes, like jerking the wheel too hard, can cause a vehicle to flip, especially larger trucks or SUVs.
Local Governments
Poorly maintained roads or faulty road designs can also lead to rollovers. If there are large potholes, uneven surfaces, or dangerous curves that weren’t properly addressed, the government could be at fault for the accident. In these cases, it’s the responsibility of the local government to make sure roads are safe, and if they don’t, they may be held accountable.
Car Manufacturers
Sometimes, rollovers happen because of issues with the vehicle itself, like a design flaw or faulty parts. If a vehicle is top-heavy or has defective tires, it might be more likely to tip over, even under normal driving conditions. In this case, the car manufacturer could be held responsible for producing a vehicle that isn’t safe to drive.
Fault in a rollover accident often comes down to negligence—whether it’s unsafe driving, poorly maintained roads, or a defective truck part. Consulting a Seattle injury attorney like those at Bernard Law Group can help you understand who is at fault and how to seek compensation.
Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can cause some of the most severe injuries seen in vehicle crashes. Victims are often left with long-term or even permanent damage, affecting their quality of life. Some common injuries from rollover accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs can cause memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and long-term issues with motor skills.
- Spinal cord injuries: Depending on the severity of the accident, they can lead to spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis or other mobility issues.
- Broken bones: The impact of a rollover can cause significant fractures and breaks, especially when the body comes into contact with the interior of the truck.
- Internal organ injuries: The force of the crash can cause severe damage to internal organs, often requiring emergency surgery.
- Severe cuts and lacerations: Broken glass and sharp debris can lead to deep cuts and other lacerations.
- Burn injuries: If a vehicle catches fire after a rollover accident, burn injuries can occur, leading to additional complications.
These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Seeking compensation with the help of an accident lawyer in Seattle can help ensure you receive the financial support you need for medical expenses and more.
Fair Compensation for Rollover Accidents
When you’re involved in a rollover truck accident, getting fair compensation is essential to recovering from your injuries and moving forward with your life.
The types of damages you may be entitled to include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Working with a Seattle rollover truck accident lawyer ensures that all possible damages are considered, and you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Wrongful Death Benefits
In tragic cases, rollover accidents can result in the loss of life. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.
These claims can provide:
- End-of-life expenses: This includes funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of companionship: Families can be compensated for the emotional and financial impact of losing a loved one.
- Loss of inheritance: This compensates for future income or assets that would have been passed down if the accident hadn’t occurred.
At Bernard Law Group, we understand how devastating these situations are and work hard to get families the compensation they deserve. A rollover truck accident attorney in Seattle can help with your wrongful death case and ensure you receive the support you need.
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Services Provided by Bernard Law Group
First, we investigate the accident thoroughly, gathering police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene to build a strong case. We also collect important evidence like medical records, repair bills, and expert testimony to support your claim. Our team takes care of filing all necessary documents, ensuring everything is accurate and submitted on time to avoid unnecessary delays.
When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, we work hard to negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries and damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Seattle Rollover Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Rollover truck accidents can change your life in an instant. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Bernard Law Group, your trusted Seattle truck accident lawyer, for a free consultation.
Our experienced team will fight for the compensation you deserve and help you through every step of the legal process. Whether you need a Seattle semi truck wreck lawyer or a dedicated truck collision lawyer in Seattle, Washington, we are here to support you.
