Being involved in a rollover accident in Denver can be an overwhelming experience. The violence of a vehicle rolling often leads to severe injuries and significant expenses. Recovering physically is only part of the challenge – figuring out medical bills, missed work, and repairing or replacing your vehicle adds even more stress.
Insurance companies aren’t always willing to pay what you need promptly, and working through their process alone can quickly become frustrating. Fortunately, a lawyer with experience handling rollover crashes can be a powerful ally. Call our Denver personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you at (303) 625-6643.
What Is a Rollover Accident in Denver?
A rollover accident happens when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. Unlike typical collisions, rollovers involve a violent twisting motion that can toss drivers and passengers around inside the car and even cause them to be ejected if seatbelts aren’t used.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents in Denver
Several situations and road conditions around Denver can raise the risk of rollover crashes. Understanding these causes can help drivers look out for danger.
Excessive Speed
Taking a sharp turn or on-ramp too fast is one of the leading ways rollovers start, especially for taller vehicles with a high center of gravity.
Driver Distraction or Error
Sudden swerving or turning the wheel to avoid something in the road can cause certain vehicles to lose control and flip, particularly if the tires hit a curb or soft shoulder.
Alcohol or Drug Use
Impaired drivers often react more slowly and accidentally over-correct, which may send a vehicle rolling.
Collisions with Other Cars
Certain kinds of impacts, such as being “T-boned” or sideswiped, can push a vehicle sideways and start a rollover.
Road and Weather Conditions
Denver’s icy roads or poorly maintained streets increase the chance of a vehicle slipping and rolling.
Staying alert and knowing how rollovers happen can help keep you and others safe.
Denver Vehicles Most at Risk for Rollover Crashes
Some types of vehicles are simply more likely to roll during an accident because of their design or weight balance. The following vehicle types have greater rollover risk:
- SUVs: Their tall design increases the chance a fast swerve or sharp turn will tip them over.
- Pickup trucks: Weight in the back and higher centers of gravity make them more unstable during certain kinds of crashes.
- Vans: Like SUVs, their shape and height mean they can roll more easily, especially when fully loaded.
- Large commercial vehicles: Tractor-trailers and delivery trucks are susceptible due to their size, weight, and load shifting.
Even being a careful driver can’t always make up for a top-heavy or unstable vehicle under the wrong circumstances.
Common Injuries From Denver Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents tend to cause serious injuries because of the force and chaos involved. Victims often face a long road to recovery and sometimes need ongoing medical care. Some common injuries from Denver rollover crashes include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Limb amputations
- Neck and back injuries
- Facial fractures
- Chest injuries
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Severe bruising
Medical needs after a rollover crash can be overwhelming physically and emotionally. It’s important to take all injuries seriously and get checked by medical professionals as soon as possible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Rollover Accident in Denver?
Figuring out who is legally at fault after a Denver rollover accident isn’t always straightforward. More than one person or company can play a part in causing a rollover, and liability depends on what went wrong before and during the crash.
Other Drivers
Another motorist might be at fault if their careless actions contributed to your vehicle rolling. For example, causing you to swerve by changing lanes into you, illegally merging, or running a red light may all put someone else on the hook for the damages from your accident.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If a design flaw, defective tire, or mechanical failure played a part in the rollover, the manufacturer or even a parts supplier could share responsibility
Road Maintenance Crews or Government Agencies
Hazardous road conditions, missing guardrails, or failure to clear ice and snow can contribute to rollover accidents. In these instances, the entity or agency in charge of maintaining the road may bear legal responsibility if they failed to create a reasonably safe driving environment.
Employers
If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle for work duties at the time of the accident, their employer could also become part of your claim.
Figuring out who is responsible isn’t always easy, but a lawyer can help you so you know who to file your claim against.
What To Do After a Rollover Accident in Denver
Rollover accidents can be chaotic and terrifying. The moments that follow matter for both your safety and your ability to seek compensation later on.
Check for Injuries and Get to Safety
After the rollover stops, check yourself and passengers for injuries. If you’re able, leave the vehicle and go to a safe location, as fires or oncoming traffic can add additional danger.
Call the Police and Cooperate Fully
A police report creates an official record of the crash, which helps establish facts for any insurance or legal claim. Answer questions truthfully and calmly (without saying too much). Avoid arguments with other drivers or speculating about who was at fault when speaking with law enforcement.
Document the Scene if Possible
If you’re able without putting yourself or others at risk, use your phone to take pictures of the accident site, your vehicle, and any contributing road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses. These records can make a huge difference for your legal case later.
Seek Medical Attention and Follow Up
Get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Be sure to attend follow-up appointments and keep track of all medical bills and doctor’s notes.
Handling the aftermath of a rollover crash can leave you physically and emotionally drained, but taking the right steps increases the chances of you being able to recover the compensation you are entitled to.
How a Denver Rollover Accident Lawyer Can Help You
After a rollover accident, taking on insurance companies and figuring out liability can feel overwhelming. An experienced Denver rollover accident attorney brings experience and support to guide you through this difficult situation. Ways a lawyer helps include:
- Gathering and reviewing accident reports, photos, and physical evidence
- Securing witness statements to support your side of the story
- Consulting crash reconstructionists or experts when there are questions about how the accident occurred
- Evaluating all the possible parties who may be held responsible, including other drivers, manufacturers, or even road crews
- Calculating every category of damage, like current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property replacement
- Negotiating directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to deal with their pressure tactics
- Representing you in court if negotiations do not result in a fair settlement
Accident victims should not have to deal with these challenges alone. The right attorney can give you space to focus on your recovery while they handle the complex parts of the case.
Contact Our Denver Rollover Accident Attorneys Today
A good Denver rollover accident lawyer understands the importance of fighting for every kind of compensation you deserve. They’ll look at immediate costs as well as long-term and future costs. Your lawyer can talk with experts or bring in investigators to support your side if needed. Having strong legal support lets you focus on getting your life back together after such a violent event. Let us help you. Call today to schedule a free consultation at (303) 625-6643.