Missouri Injury Law Firm Expands Rollover Accident Legal Services

Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. In Missouri, where traffic fatalities remain a concern, understanding your legal options after a rollover accident is crucial. A Missouri injury law firm is expanding its legal services to provide specialized assistance to rollover accident victims. This expansion aims to offer comprehensive support to those affected by these devastating incidents, ensuring they receive the compensation and justice they deserve.

The Growing Need for Rollover Accident Legal Expertise

Missouri has a concerning history with traffic accidents. In 2022, Missouri saw 14.4 fatalities per every 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 11.2 fatalities per 100,000 people. While recent data indicates a decrease in overall traffic fatalities, the severity of rollover accidents necessitates specialized legal attention. Rollover accidents, though less frequent than other types of collisions, have a significantly higher risk of death.

Several factors contribute to rollover accidents, including:

Speeding: Excessive speed is a common factor in fatal rollover crashes. Approximately 40% of fatal rollover crashes involve speeding.
Vehicle Type: Taller and narrower vehicles, such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, are more prone to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity.
Road Conditions: Rural roads, often undivided and lacking barriers, see a higher frequency of rollover accidents.
Driver Impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of rollovers.
Distracted Driving: Momentary distractions can lead to overcorrection and loss of control, resulting in a rollover.
Tire Failure: A tire blowout or tread defect can cause a vehicle to lose stability and roll over, especially at high speeds.
Design Defects: In some cases, defective brakes, steering systems, or other vehicle components can contribute to rollover accidents.

Given these complexities, victims of rollover accidents need experienced legal representation to navigate the intricacies of their claims.

Understanding Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side and then rolls over onto its roof or rolls multiple times. These accidents can be “tripped,” meaning an external force like a curb or collision causes the rollover, or “untripped,” resulting from internal forces like speeding or sharp turns.

Common Causes of Rollover Accidents

Tripped Rollovers: These occur when a vehicle’s tires encounter an obstacle such as a curb, ditch, or guardrail. Tire blowouts can also cause tripped rollovers.
Untripped Rollovers: These rollovers happen due to speeding around curves, sharp swerving, or collisions with other vehicles. Slippery road conditions can also contribute.

Injuries and Fatalities

Rollover accidents often lead to severe injuries, including:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Lacerations and burns

Tragically, rollover accidents have a higher fatality rate than other types of car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly three-fourths of occupants killed in rollover crashes were not wearing seat belts.

Missouri Law Firm Expands Legal Services

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rollover accident victims, a Missouri injury law firm is expanding its legal services to provide specialized support. This expansion includes:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Offering free case evaluations to help victims understand their legal options and potential for compensation.
In-Depth Investigation: Conducting thorough investigations to determine the cause of the rollover accident and identify all liable parties.
Expert Witness Collaboration: Working with accident reconstruction experts, engineers, and medical professionals to build a strong case.
Aggressive Negotiation: Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair settlements that cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Trial Representation: Providing skilled trial representation if a fair settlement cannot be reached, ensuring the victim’s rights are protected in court.

Legal Options for Rollover Accident Victims in Missouri

Missouri is an “at-fault” state, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for the resulting damages. Victims of rollover accidents have several legal options:

Personal Injury Claim: Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover compensation for injuries and damages.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, the victim can file a claim with their own insurance company.
Product Liability Claim: If a vehicle defect caused the rollover, a claim can be filed against the vehicle manufacturer.
Wrongful Death Claim: In the event of a fatality, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their losses.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the legal process after a rollover accident can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and proving fault can be challenging. An experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can:

Protect your legal rights
Investigate the accident thoroughly
Gather evidence to support your claim
Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
Represent you in court if necessary

Missouri’s Pure Comparative Fault System

Missouri operates under a “pure comparative fault” system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault for the accident, you could recover 80% of your damages.

Steps to Take After a Rollover Accident

Check for Injuries: Ensure your safety and the safety of others involved.
Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.
Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, and accident scene.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any hidden injuries.
Contact an Attorney: Consult with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid giving detailed statements until you have spoken with an attorney.

Statute of Limitations

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years from the date of the accident. It is crucial to file your claim within this timeframe to preserve your legal rights.

Choosing the Right Attorney

Selecting the right attorney is essential for a successful outcome. Look for a Missouri personal injury lawyer with:

Experience handling rollover accident cases
A proven track record of success
A thorough understanding of Missouri’s personal injury laws
A commitment to providing personalized attention and support

Free Consultation

Many Missouri injury law firms offer free consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. This allows you to learn about your legal options and make an informed decision about hiring an attorney.

Conclusion

Rollover accidents can have devastating consequences, but victims have legal options to pursue compensation and justice. With the expansion of specialized legal services by a Missouri injury law firm, victims can access the expertise and support they need to navigate the complexities of their claims. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident, seeking legal representation is a crucial step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.