Rollover accidents are the deadliest. The car flips to the side or upside down. You have rights following a rollover accident. You can have a lawyer look at whether another person’s recklessness or negligence caused the incident.
The CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that nearly 38,000 people in the USA die in auto crashes yearly. With rollover accidents, the physics and dynamics of the collision can cause more severe injuries and increase the risk of death by more than 50%.
Monetary damages compensation from rollover accidents can be substantial, cruising the highs of several millions of dollars depending on the circumstances of the case. The amount of money you must collect depends on the medical costs, the value of the damaged property, lost wages, and other things such as pain and suffering.
So what should you do after a rollover accident? These occurrences will most likely turn your life upside down, and it’s essential to understand your rights and work with someone who can fight for them. Here is what to do.
1. Get away from danger and call for help
As a victim in this highly dangerous car crash, the first thing to do should be to get to safety. Get out and away from the car. If others are involved in the crash, you can help them get to safety. Then call for help by dialing 911.
2. Record all vital information
Note down the other driver’s phone number and name and take a picture of their driving license and insurance papers.
Please take note of their car make, model, license plate, and identification number. If witnesses are nearby, get their names and contacts as well.
Take pictures of the crash and the level of damage to your car and the other driver’s car. Take close-up photographs and videos of the scene.
3. Give your statement and get emergency medical attention
Emergency responders and the police typically arrive around the same time. Once you receive first aid, it’s wise to provide your statement – giving a complete account of the events that transpired shortly before, during, and after the accident. Keep your recollection and police statement as accurate as possible because your account may be used later in court.
Next, get a thorough check-up at the hospital. If the doctors find severe injuries on your body, starting treatment immediately is essential. Doctors will typically document all types of treatments and costs so you can be guided by precise figures when you seek damage compensation later on. If you wait too long to get treated, the accused may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
4. Call a car accident lawyer
Depending on the level of damage and extent of injuries, you may want to work with a car accident attorney to recover compensation from the at-fault party. The lawyer will investigate the matter to determine whether you have grounds to sue the other party for negligence. They will collect evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and traffic camera footage.
If you have a solid case, the lawyer will prepare to file a suit within the state’s statute of limitations. In most states, you have two years to file the lawsuit after the accident, after which you forfeit the right to sue the at-fault party.
Further still, the deadline for filing a claim differs from the duration you have to file the suit. Most insurers prefer that victims of car crashes file their claims reasonably swiftly after the crash.
5. Negotiate or go to court
Many car accident lawsuits get settled before even filing a lawsuit. Getting the best representation that helps you maximize your compensation while keeping your legal fees low would be beneficial. Settling may also be advantageous because you receive compensation earlier and save yourself from the stress and unpredictability of going to court.
However, worry about insurers who pressure you to settle before full case discovery. The amount they propose is usually several times lower than what you can get if you push forward. The best settlement should be a compensation amount to cover the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damages
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of earning potential
The best car crash attorneys will dig up the facts and pressure the other side to take responsibility and provide reasonable damages compensation. If you and your lawyer cannot get a fair amount in negotiation, the next best step should be going to court.
