Rollover accidents are rare in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, they are some of the most dangerous crashes possible, accounting for about 28% of car accident fatalities. Even when crash victims survive, they may suffer head and spine trauma that disables them for the rest of their lives.
North Carolina law gives injured crash victims the right to seek compensation from other parties responsible for their injuries, including manufacturers and negligent drivers. A Charlotte rollover accident lawyer from Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys will help you fight for injury compensation after a rollover accident. Contact us today at (980) 340-8620 for a free consultation
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Rollover Accident in Charlotte, NC
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has assisted accident victims in Charlotte, North Carolina, for over 45 years. Our attorneys have over 150 years of combined legal experience standing up to insurers and their defense lawyers. Using that experience, we have successfully recovered over $100 million in settlements and jury awards over that time.
We provide the following legal services after your rollover accident:
- Investigate your accident to identify possible legal claims
- Assemble evidence to build your case
- File an insurance claim and negotiate for a settlement
- Litigate if the insurer refuses liability for your injury-related losses
Rollover accidents can result in permanent disabilities that require expensive medical care. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte car accident lawyer to learn how we can help you seek financial compensation from those responsible for your injuries.
Rollover Accidents In North Carolina
According to the Traffic Crash Facts book, North Carolina defines a rollover accident as a crash where a vehicle overturns without an antecedent crash. In other words, North Carolina’s definition is limited to single-vehicle rollovers.
However, some sources define rollovers more broadly to include any crash where the vehicle rolls at least partially due to any cause, including a collision. Thus, the state’s definition would not define a crash as a rollover if the car was hit by a semi truck and rolled over into the median. Instead, the state calls that a truck accident.
Using the broader definition, the accident could qualify as a rollover because the vehicle rolled. This definition is broad enough that it includes crashes where the vehicle does not fully roll. It can include crashes where a vehicle rolls onto its side.
Causes of Rollover Accidents
The following events can cause a rollover accident (under the broader definition):
Road Departure
One of the most common causes of rollover accidents is a road departure. This can result from carelessness by the driver. For example, a driver might fall asleep at the wheel and run off the road. As the vehicle exits the paved road surface, the wheels may be uneven enough that the vehicle rolls.
Road departures can result from more than driver carelessness. It can also happen due to equipment failures.
For example, any of the following problems may cause a vehicle to run off the road or become unbalanced and roll:
- Tire blowout
- Wheel loss
- Suspension defect
- Steering breakdown
- Brake failure
If the driver loses control of their vehicle, they could suffer a rollover through no fault of their own.
Collision With a Fixed Object
A collision with a fixed object can throw a vehicle off balance, leading to a rollover. For example, hitting the concrete base of a light post can cause one side of the vehicle to raise enough to roll.
Collision or Near-Miss With a Vehicle
A collision with another vehicle can push a vehicle over. Similarly, a near-miss can cause a driver to swerve, causing their vehicle to roll.
Road Defects
Road defects, like potholes, broken pavement, or soft shoulders, can cause a driver’s vehicle to tip. Drivers might also make emergency maneuvers to avoid these defects, losing control in the process. In either case, the vehicle may roll.
Liability for Rollover Crashes
The liability for rollovers can fall on any of the following parties, depending on the situation.
Negligent Drivers
A driver can cause a rollover by failing to exercise reasonable care. The resulting collision or near miss can run the victim’s car off the road.
For example, suppose that a drunk driver is driving on the wrong side of the road. The victim may swerve to avoid a head-on collision and run off the road, rolling over in the process. The drunk driver is responsible for the rollover even though the cars did not collide.
Government Agencies
Government agencies may be responsible for road defects. However, the victim’s attorney must prove that the defect was known or reasonably discoverable and that the agency did nothing to fix it or warn drivers.
Automobile and Auto Parts Manufacturers
Manufacturers are strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products. If a rollover crash occurred due to a defective automobile or auto part, the manufacturer may be liable for the victim’s injuries.
Contact Our Charlotte Rollover Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Rollover accidents can happen for many reasons. As a result, the liability for these crashes may fall on many parties, including powerful automobile and tire manufacturers. Contact Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys for a free consultation with a Charlotte rollover accident attorney.