Rollover car accidents are not the most common type of crash in Las Vegas, but they have a higher fatality rate than any other motor vehicle accident. Rollover accidents can be violent and extremely damaging for the occupants of the vehicle. If you get involved in this type of crash, a Las Vegas car accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
When a car accident occurs in Las Vegas, injured accident victims have the right to file insurance claims against the at-fault parties. This is because Nevada is a fault-based car insurance state. Identifying the cause of your rollover accident is necessary before you can file a claim.
The top causes of vehicle rollovers are:
- Driver errors. Driver negligence (a lack of reasonable care) and recklessness can cause a driver to crash into another vehicle and cause a rollover accident. Examples include speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving and a loss of vehicle control.
- Dangerous roads. Rollovers can also arise due to dangerous road defects, such as a pothole that “trips” a car and causes it to flip over. The city and state government is responsible for maintaining safe roadways for drivers in Las Vegas.
- Vehicle defects. If a car contains defective parts, such as bad tires that experience a blowout, this can cause a rollover accident. Vehicle part manufacturers can be held responsible for accidents caused by defective parts without having to prove negligence, in most cases.
If you are not sure what caused your rollover accident in Las Vegas or an insurance company is attempting to blame you for the crash, hire an experienced car accident lawyer who can investigate and determine fault on your behalf.
Why Are Rollover Accidents So Dangerous?
Rollover accidents can be especially damaging because the roof of a motor vehicle is not designed to provide as much protection as the front or rear of the car. The roof may collapse in a rollover crash, crushing the occupants inside of the car.
Vehicle occupants may also get ejected when a car turns onto its side or flips, or their limbs may get pinned between the car and the road. Rollover accidents can result in broken bones, soft-tissue damage, amputations, severe spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain damage.
Steps to Take After a Las Vegas Rollover Accident
It is important to know what steps to take to protect yourself and your legal rights after getting injured in a rollover accident in Las Vegas. Here's what to do:
- Exit the vehicle when it is safe to do so. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Call 911 to report the rollover accident. Do not admit fault.
- Get medical care immediately for any injuries you suffered. Keep copies of your medical records.
- Document the rollover by taking photographs and exchanging information with the other driver.
- Report the rollover accident to your own car insurance provider.
- File a claim seeking compensation for your medical bills and property repairs with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Resist the urge to accept a fast settlement. Consult with an attorney first.
A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can take over your claim, determining the cause of your rollover crash and handling settlement negotiations on your behalf. You can count on a lawyer to pursue maximum compensation for you while you focus your energy on healing.
For a free consultation with an attorney about a recent rollover accident in Las Vegas, contact Edward Bernstein & Associates 24/7.