Who Can Be Held Liable for a Rollover Crash?

April 24, 2020

Vehicle rollover accidents are some of the most severe accidents that occur on Florida roadways. Even though only 2.1% of accidents in 2010 were rollovers, many of them led to catastrophic and even fatal results. In fact, rollovers account for close to 35% of all fatalities caused by passenger vehicle accidents. This is why more precautions must be put in place to avoid these accidents once and for all.

Causes of Rollover Accidents

There are many reasons why rollover accidents occur, specifically in Florida where they are highly common. For one, a driver might lose control of their vehicle while they are driving at high speeds, which could cause them to drift off the side of the road and roll. On the other hand, a rollover accident could be caused when another vehicle strikes a car at high speeds. If a vehicle is struck on the side and the accident is forceful enough, this could cause it to roll. However, this is less common, as most rollover accidents are caused by a driver losing control and striking some type of fixed object.

Liable Parties in Florida Rollover Accidents

Determining fault is one of the most challenging aspects of a rollover accident. Because many rollovers are single-vehicle accidents, passengers or drivers who were struck by another vehicle are the only parties who will be able to bring a claim. However, in some cases, a third party may be liable for the accident, as well. This could include any of the following parties:

• Designers: When an entity designs a vehicle, they are supposed to focus on just more than its appearance. While SUVs are great for accommodating families, they also have a high center of gravity, which means that they are more likely to roll over in the event of an accident. Even in the slightest accident, the most severe rollover can occur.
• Manufacturers: Manufacturers are also sometimes responsible for making changes that can lead to a rollover accident – or increase the severity of the accident. If the vehicle has an inadequate crumple zone, air bags, or roll bars, an accident could be incredibly severe.
• Government Entities: Sometimes, road conditions can even contribute to a serious rollover accident. For instance, a roadway could have a sharp curve, lack of warning signals, or deep potholes. If a vehicle then rolls over, it could make the accident more serious than it would have been if the roadway would have been completely clear. This is why victims can sometimes name roadway planners or officials who are supposed to maintain the roads in their lawsuit.

Being injured in a Florida car accident can impact all aspects of your life and, as you can see, there are many parties who could be held responsible for the harm that you have endured. As such, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney about your options moving forward.

Contact a Lake Worth Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Rollover Accident Case in Florida

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a rollover accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. represent clients injured because of rollover accidents in Lake Worth, Pompano Beach, and throughout Florida. Call 561-898-0497 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 813 Lucerne Avenue, Lake Worth, FL 33460 as well as offices in Pompano Beach.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.