Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, often due to a sharp turn at high speed, a collision that destabilizes the vehicle, or hitting a curb or guardrail. These catastrophic crashes often leave Bakersfield victims facing severe injuries and profound uncertainty about the future. In these situations, you may qualify for legal action against the driver, vehicle manufacturer, or another party who may have contributed to your collision. Make sure to contact a car accident lawyer in Bakersfield for legal guidance after a car accident.
Common Injuries Resulting from Rollover Crashes
Rollover accidents generate tremendous force, subjecting occupants to serious injuries. Your body may strike the interior of the vehicle repeatedly, often resulting in catastrophic damage even when you are wearing a seatbelt. The roof may also crush inward and cause life-threatening injuries.
Common injuries from rollover accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Severe lacerations
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Crush injuries leading to amputation
- Psychological trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Sadly, many rollover accidents are fatal, leaving a trail of devastation among the surviving family members. If you lost a loved one in a rollover crash, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit and hold the at-fault party accountable.
How Do Vehicle Rollover Accidents Happen in Bakersfield?
Rollover accidents can happen when your vehicle’s tires hit something like a curb or soft shoulder that interrupts forward motion. This sudden stop forces your vehicle to pivot and roll, especially at higher speeds.
Quick, sharp turns are another potential danger. When you swerve to avoid an obstacle, the sideways force can tip your vehicle, particularly taller ones with higher centers of gravity. Rural roads make this worse with their narrow lanes and unpredictable surfaces.
Your vehicle type matters too. SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans sit higher off the ground than cars, making them more likely to roll during emergency maneuvers. When manufacturers fail to properly test for rollover safety, they may be responsible if their vehicles flip during normal driving conditions.
Compensation Available for Rollover Accident Victims
After a rollover accident in Bakersfield, you have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver who caused the crash. Your settlement can help cover two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover concrete financial losses, including current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages address the human cost of your suffering, compensating you for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement.
A Bakersfield personal injury lawyer can help calculate the full value of your damages so that you can fight for the highest possible settlement. They will carefully evaluate every piece of evidence, work with experts to calculate long-term costs, and review all settlement offers to ensure they adequately cover your needs.
Contact Our Bakersfield Rollover Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a vehicle rollover accident in Bakersfield, trust Rodriguez & Associates to support your road to recovery. Our attorneys have successfully represented countless rollover accident victims throughout Kern County. We have the skills, experience, and knowledge to build the strongest possible case in your favor. Call or text us at (661) 777-7575 for a free consultation with our Bakersfield rollover accident lawyers.