Rollover Accidents

A lot of consumers purchase large vehicles like sport utility vehicles, or SUVs, because they give them a sense of security. Sadly, the opposite can be true. With all that extra weight and metal, SUVs, vans, and many trucks can actually become top-heavy, leading to serious or even deadly rollover accidents. Once all that weight is upside down, the roof may even collapse. If you or a loved one have been seriously hurt in a rollover accident, you need a legal team that understands these unique types of cases and has the resources and experience to fight for your rights. At Zlotolow & Associates, P.C., we have spent over two decades doing just that – fighting for New Yorkers who were hurt in auto accidents, including crashes involving defective motor vehicles. We can go to work for you today. To learn more, contact us and receive a free consultation today.

Why Do Rollover Accidents Happen in New York City?

Rollover accidents can occur for many different reasons. Our law firm will thoroughly investigate your case to determine the factors that may have contributed to your crash such as:

• Overcorrection – When you travel at a high rate of speed, and you suddenly have to avoid hitting something, it can be very easy to turn the steering wheel too fast. An overcorrection can cause the vehicle’s center of mass to shift and rob you of control of your vehicle.
• Hitting a trip – This is the slang term for what happens when a vehicle literally “trips” on something on the road such as debris. It can happen at high or low speeds. Once a vehicle like a truck or SUV loses its traction and center of gravity, it can become top heavy and topple over.
• Overloaded/too much top loaded weight – People often load roofs with luggage and other items – especially on long road trips. While SUVs and vans should handle luggage on their roof racks, some people fail to follow manufacturer specifications. Likewise, automakers and aftermarket manufacturers may fail to fully warn consumers of the safe weight capacity of these racks.
• Aggressive or careless driver – Sadly, this is probably more common than most of us realize. Drivers often get too confident and overestimate their own abilities. A curve that would seem effortless at 35 mph in a small car can prove deadly in a taller and heavier vehicle like an SUV or a passenger van.
• Defective manufacturing and design – For a great case study in defective design, look no further than the 1980s model Ford Bronco II. Over the years, Ford paid out millions in lawsuits due to rollover accidents. Ultimately, it was determined that the vehicle was too narrow and too high. While auto engineering has improved, defective designs still are found in many cars, trucks, vans and SUVs.

Who Can You Sue for a Rollover Accident?

When you are hurt in a rollover car accident, a number of parties may be liable for causing or contributing to your injuries. The experienced attorneys of Zlotolow & Associates will identify all responsible parties in your case, which may include:

• The driver – If you were a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a rollover accident, the driver of the car may be liable for your injuries and losses. Was that driver distracted, drinking, inattentive or going too fast to control the vehicle?
• Other drivers – As with any auto accident, it is possible that another driver’s negligence caused your crash. For instance, another driver’s careless driving may have forced you to take actions that resulted in a rollover.
• A government agency or contractors – A government agency, or a contractor that it hires, may be liable if a defective design or poor maintenance of a road causes a rollover.
• Auto manufacturer – If a vehicle’s design makes it unduly susceptible to rollover crashes, then the manufacturer bears responsibility. Sometimes, the roof collapses upon rolling over. When this happens, it can be due to a poor design or weak structure.

Where product liability is the culprit, our office will investigate the manufacturer to see if similar accidents have happened involving the same type of vehicle. This may involve hiring engineering experts or consulting with auto recall specialists. They can help us to develop a strategy that shows the auto manufacturer knew of the risk but chose to disregard it and sell dangerous vehicles anyway.

What Compensation Can You Recover in an NYC Rollover Crash?

In a personal injury case, compensation comes in the form of “damages.” Damages are the legal term for the ways that you were hurt or “what was lost” as a result of an accident. Zlotolow & Associates will work hard to establish all available damages in your case and pursue them through a settlement or verdict. These damages may include:

• Past and future medical bills and expenses
• Lost income
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering.

Various statutes of limitations apply to injury claims in New York. It depends on what your case involves. For instance, you generally have three years from the date of a crash in which to bring a car accident lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, your claim could be barred. For this reason, you should contact Zlotolow & Associates as soon as possible. We will determine the time limits that apply to your claim and take immediate steps to pursue the compensation that you deserve.

Our NYC Rollover Accident Attorneys Can Help You Today

An insurance company may contact you shortly after a rollover accident and make an offer to resolve your case. Don’t settle for less. Instead, get help from a law firm that will aggressively pursue every dollar you are due. Get in touch with Zlotolow & Associates without delay. Our initial consultations are always free, and we will not collect a fee unless we can help you to recover compensation for your injuries. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Contact us today to get started.