Missouri Injury Law Firm Enhances Legal Services for Rollover Accident Victims

Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of vehicle crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. In Missouri, where thousands of car accidents occur each year, the risk of being involved in a rollover is a serious concern. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 127,485 car accidents in 2022, with 31,599 resulting in injuries and 878 leading to fatalities. Recognizing the devastating impact these accidents have on victims and their families, Missouri Injury Law Firm has enhanced its legal services to provide specialized support for rollover accident victims throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Understanding Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. These accidents can involve a single vehicle or multiple vehicles and are particularly deadly due to the risk of ejections, roof collapses, and high-impact trauma. Rollover crashes account for only a small percentage of all crashes (around 2.1%), but they are responsible for a disproportionately high number of fatalities (35%). Certain types of vehicles, such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, are more prone to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity.

Common Causes of Rollover Accidents in Missouri

Several factors can contribute to rollover accidents. Understanding these causes is crucial for both preventing accidents and determining liability in the event of a crash. Some of the most common causes include:

Driver Error: Negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving (alcohol or drugs), drowsy driving, and reckless lane changes are significant contributors to rollover accidents. Speeding is a factor in nearly 40% of fatal rollover crashes.
Road Conditions: Hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, sharp curves, and poorly marked construction zones can increase the risk of rollovers. Wet, icy, or uneven surfaces can also make it difficult to control a vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
Vehicle Defects: Defective vehicle design or manufacturing can play a significant role in rollover accidents. Issues such as stability system failures, tire defects, and seatbelt malfunctions can lead to or exacerbate rollover crashes.
Collisions: The force of a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object can cause a vehicle to roll over, particularly if the impact occurs on the side. T-bone collisions at intersections are a common scenario.
Cargo Load and Weight Distribution: Improperly loaded cargo, especially in commercial trucks, can affect stability and increase the risk of tipping over during turns or sudden stops. Overloading or unevenly distributing weight can also contribute to rollovers.
Sharp Turns and Overcorrections: Sudden steering movements, such as overcorrecting after veering off the road, can destabilize a vehicle and lead to a rollover. This is especially common on highways and rural roads with higher speed limits.

Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries. The violent motions and impacts involved can cause a range of physical and psychological trauma. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in rollover accidents due to the head hitting the roof, windows, or other parts of the vehicle. These injuries can range from concussions to severe cognitive impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The violent motion of a rollover can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Rollover accidents often result in broken bones, most commonly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from the impact can damage internal organs and cause internal bleeding.
Lacerations and Cuts: Shattered glass and sharp objects inside the vehicle can cause deep cuts and lacerations, leading to scarring and significant blood loss.
Neck Injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries to the neck are common due to the sudden jerking motions during a rollover.
Psychological Trauma: The trauma of a rollover accident can lead to psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Missouri Injury Law Firm’s Enhanced Legal Services

Missouri Injury Law Firm has enhanced its legal services to provide comprehensive support for rollover accident victims. These enhanced services include:

Expedited Case Evaluation: Potential clients can quickly connect with experienced attorneys who can assess their situation and provide guidance on the best path forward.
Advanced Case Investigation: The firm utilizes advanced case investigation techniques, working with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties.
Relationships with Medical Professionals: The firm has established relationships with medical professionals who specialize in treating rollover accident injuries, ensuring clients receive the best possible medical care and that their injuries are properly documented.
Aggressive Legal Representation: The legal team is prepared to provide aggressive, knowledgeable representation to achieve favorable outcomes in even the most complex cases.

The firm’s attorneys maintain active involvement in professional legal organizations and stay current on evolving personal injury law, insurance practices, and trial advocacy techniques. This commitment to ongoing education ensures clients benefit from the most effective legal strategies and up-to-date knowledge of personal injury law.

Legal Options for Rollover Accident Victims in Missouri

Missouri law allows victims of rollover accidents to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, victims may be able to recover damages for:

Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs associated with the injuries.
Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity due to the injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace the damaged vehicle.
Wrongful Death: In cases where the accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Missouri follows a comparative fault system, meaning that victims may still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation they can recover will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Establishing Liability in Rollover Accidents

Determining liability in rollover accidents can be complex, as multiple factors may have contributed to the crash. Potential parties who may be liable include:

Negligent Driver: The driver whose actions caused the accident, such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving.
Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
Tire Manufacturer: If a tire blowout or other tire defect caused the accident, the tire manufacturer may be liable.
Government Entities: If dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.
Commercial Carrier: If the accident involved a commercial truck, the trucking company may be liable if negligence in hiring, training, or maintenance contributed to the crash.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident in Missouri, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can:

Investigate the Accident: Gather evidence to determine the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties.
Protect Your Rights: Ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Handle communications with insurance companies and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
File a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Maximize Your Compensation: Fight to recover the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Missouri Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

It is important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Missouri. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit, and if you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally five years from the date of the injury. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving minors or individuals with mental incapacities. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed within the applicable deadline.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Attorney

Choosing the right personal injury attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. When selecting an attorney, consider the following factors:

Experience: Look for an attorney with experience handling rollover accident cases and a proven track record of success.
Specialization: Choose an attorney who focuses on personal injury law and has specific knowledge of vehicle defect and product liability claims.
Reputation: Check online reviews and ratings to see what other clients have to say about the attorney’s services.
Communication: Select an attorney who is responsive, communicative, and willing to answer your questions.
Trial Experience: Make sure the attorney has real trial experience and is not afraid to take your case to court if necessary.

Conclusion

Rollover accidents are devastating events that can have long-lasting consequences for victims and their families. Missouri Injury Law Firm’s enhanced legal services for rollover accident victims reflect a commitment to providing exceptional legal advocacy and fighting for the rights of injured individuals. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident, contact Missouri Injury Law Firm for a comprehensive case evaluation and to learn more about your legal options. With the right legal representation, you can navigate the complexities of the legal process and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.