Long Beach Vehicle Rollover Accident Attorneys

Legal Support for Vehicle Rollover Accident Victims in Long Beach

South of Los Angeles, nestled along the Southern California coastline, is Long Beach—a vibrant city that embodies the perfect blend of urban sophistication and coastal charm. Life in Long Beach is characterized by its diverse communities, bustling waterfront, and eclectic arts and culture scene. From the iconic Queen Mary to the lively Belmont Shore, the city offers a myriad of attractions for residents and visitors alike.

Amid the sun-soaked streets and palm-lined boulevards, there are miles upon miles of bustling city streets. As Long Beach’s population grows and increased amounts of traffic weave through the city’s thoroughfares, the need for heightened awareness and responsible driving is more important than ever. All too often, innocent drivers are injured or killed in car accidents, including rollover accidents, which can leave victims and their families feeling directionless and hopeless.

Enter The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, a legal luminary with a distinguished “10.0 Superb” Avvo rating. Mr. Low is a former U.S. Marine and brings a unique blend of military discipline and legal know-how to the table. He has been licensed since 1998 and has a broad spectrum of experience, having tried cases in 14 different states. His outstanding professional career has earned him a prestigious award from the American College of Trial Lawyers, acknowledging his mastery of advocacy and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the reckless or negligent actions of another, contact a Long Beach rollover accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV at (562) 901-0840 for a free consultation.

What Is a Vehicle Rollover Accident?

Car accidents are devastating and destructive; however, few are more severe than a rollover accident. A rollover accident refers to an accident where a vehicle, often a large truck or SUV, rolls over either partially or completely. This is extremely dangerous for the driver and any passenger in the vehicle that rolls.

When a rollover accident occurs in a larger vehicle, such as a truck, it can also be particularly dangerous to other vehicles on the road as materials may be released. Rollover accidents may involve different liable parties, including the driver of the car or truck or the vehicle’s manufacturer.

What Causes Rollover Accidents?

A vehicle rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof during a collision or other high-energy event on the road. The physics behind a rollover is complex and involves a combination of factors related to the vehicle’s dynamics, external forces, and the surrounding environment. Centrifugal force comes into play when a vehicle makes a sharp turn or experiences a sudden change in direction, pushing objects away from the center of rotation. If the center of gravity (CG) is high, as is often the case with SUVs, trucks, and vans, it requires more force to keep the vehicle stable during maneuvers.

Tripped rollovers happen when a vehicle’s tires strike an obstacle, disrupting its balance and initiating a rollover. Dynamic rollovers occur during high-speed maneuvers or emergency situations, as sudden swerving or steering inputs can cause loss of traction and result in a skid or slide, leading to a rollover. Load transfer and weight distribution during turns affect tire grip, while vehicle design, including stability control systems, plays a significant role in rollover resistance. But when do these factors come into play?

• High-speed turns, especially on winding or poorly banked roads, can generate centrifugal forces that surpass a vehicle’s stability threshold, resulting in a rollover.
• Evasive maneuvers, particularly at high speeds, can cause a loss of control and trigger a rollover when drivers attempt to avoid sudden obstacles.
• Striking an obstacle like a curb, guardrail, or uneven terrain can trip a vehicle, initiating a rollover, especially in single-vehicle accidents.
• Sudden tire blowouts, often caused by underinflation or defects, can destabilize a vehicle and lead to rollovers, particularly if control is difficult to regain.
• Collisions with other vehicles, especially at intersections or T-bone accidents, can impart forces that contribute to a vehicle rolling over.
• Off-road driving on uneven or unstable surfaces increases the risk of rollovers due to lack of traction and unpredictable ground conditions.
• Overcorrection in response to a perceived loss of control, especially at high speeds, can lead to skidding and ultimately result in a rollover.
• Defective vehicle designs, manufacturing defects, or the absence of crucial safety features can contribute to rollovers by making a vehicle more susceptible to tipping over.

Potential Injuries

Rollovers are among the most serious vehicle accidents. Dangerous for external drivers and pedestrians as well as the occupants of the vehicle, 35% of all fatal car accidents were rollover accidents. Where people survive their accidents, they often suffer serious injuries, including:

• Head and brain injuries: Rollovers can lead to traumatic head injuries as occupants may strike the vehicle’s interior surfaces or be ejected, resulting in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Spinal cord injuries: The violent motion of a rollover can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired motor function, and may result in herniated discs or fractures.
• Fractures and broken bones: The forceful impact and subsequent vehicle overturning can cause fractures and broken bones, commonly affecting areas like the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Internal organ damage: The impact forces and pressure during a rollover can cause internal organ damage, with injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs necessitating immediate medical attention.
• Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions: Broken glass, twisted metal, and other debris inside the vehicle can cause cuts, lacerations, and abrasions. Ejected occupants may also suffer injuries from contact with the road or surrounding objects.
• Emotional trauma and mental health issues: Rollover accidents can lead to emotional trauma and mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, with long-lasting psychological effects on survivors.
• Amputations: Rollover accidents can result in traumatic amputations, where limbs may be severed during the event, or severe damage to limbs may necessitate surgical amputations following the accident.
• Wrongful death: Unfortunately, rollover accidents have a higher likelihood of causing fatal injuries due to the severity of the event.

Who Is Responsible?

The party responsible for injuries resulting from a Rollover accident is contextually dependent. Generally, the at-fault party is the negligent driver. For instance, an individual driving a top-heavy SUV, causing a crash that resulted in an external individual’s injuries, would be liable. Unfortunately, heavy vehicles are often driven by inexperienced drivers.

If you were injured as a passenger in the vehicle, you may be able to make an auto accident claim for financial compensation. This is made against the driver’s insurance policy. Conversely, where a vehicle collides with another vehicle, causing it to roll over, then that driver causing the collision may be liable.

Manufacturers also bear liability where their vehicle design contributes to a rollover. It is their responsibility to design and test their vehicles to determine if they would roll over in a crash. If injuries were caused by a negligent manufacturer, a product liability claim would be the best option to take.

Standing by Your Side After a Vehicle Rollover Accident in Long Beach

Rollover accidents can be devastating, leaving you or someone you love in a vulnerable position. At The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, our experienced Long Beach car accident attorney will assess your case and acquire all the legal documentation and evidence needed to calculate the maximum amount of compensation you are able to recover. We are well-versed in the law relating to rollover accidents and are fully equipped to deal with both simple and complex cases.

Contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV at (562) 901-0840 for a free consultation to discuss your case.