Gaithersburg Rollover Accident Attorney
Rollover crashes are devastating and carry a high risk of fatal injuries and outcomes. About 30 percent of car crash deaths take place in crashes where a car overturns. However, cars only roll in about three percent of all wrecks, illustrating how deadly these types of crashes are.
When it comes to rolling over in a crash, not all vehicles are created equal. If a car is more top-heavy, taller, and higher off the ground, it is more likely to roll over in a crash. With that said, it is possible for any car to rollover. Sometimes a multiple car crash will lead to one car rolling as well.
If you were injured because of a rollover car accident caused by another driver, you might be eligible to recover compensation.
The first step in pursuing a claim is to contact a Gaithersburg rollover accident attorney. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience representing the victims of car crashes and their families. Call us today at 301-670-7030 to schedule a consultation with a dedicated Gaithersburg car accident lawyer.
Why Do Cars Roll Over?
When it comes to rollover crashes, many factors lead to these wrecks. Speed is one of the leading issues that can increase the chances of a car overturning. Studies show that most rollovers happen on rural roads where the speed limit is typically 55 miles per hour, if not higher. About four out of every ten rollovers involve a speeding driver as well.
Drivers who speed around a tight curve may cause a car to roll without any involvement of another vehicle. When drivers fail to take proper care of their vehicles, this can also lead to a rollover. Ensuring proper tire pressure will help reduce the risk of a rollover. Another common issue occurs when drivers overload their cars, as this can further lead to the vehicles becoming top-heavy.
In the event that a car strikes the side of another vehicle, the car that is struck on its side can overturn. Some of the worst rollover crashes are those that involve impacts with other cars.
Injuries Caused in Gaithersburg Rollover Car Accidents
While rollover crashes often lead to death, they also cause some serious injuries. People who survive rollover crashes will often be left with the following:
- Injuries to their necks
- Head and brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Bruises
Following a rollover crash, victims will need time and medical care to focus on their recovery. Medical bills and rehabilitation costs can quickly add up. The expenses of treatment can exacerbate the financial strain caused by lost wages.
If you were hurt in a rollover crash, contacting a Gaithersburg, Maryland personal injury attorney could help you obtain the compensation you and your family need.
Liability in Gaithersburg, Maryland Rollover Crashes
In Maryland, plaintiffs cannot contribute to the crash that caused their injuries and still recover from another person. An individual who was partly at fault for the collision that caused his or her injuries will be considered “contributorily negligent.” A finding that the plaintiff was contributorily negligent will prevent that person from recovering compensation, even if another person was more at fault. This policy is not common in the United States. Most jurisdictions follow what is called “comparative negligence,” in which a plaintiff who added to his or her injuries may still recover. In such a case, the plaintiff will have his or her damages reduced rather than eliminated.
It is important to note that many people are still successful in their car accident claims in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Also, in the case of passengers, who are often injured in rollover crashes, contributory negligence will rarely impact the case.
Seatbelts and Rollover Accidents in Gaithersburg, Maryland
One of the reasons that rollover crashes are so likely to lead to fatal injuries is that the forces cause the ejection of the occupants of the car. Being thrown from a moving vehicle comes with a particularly high risk of death. The best way to prevent being thrown from a rolling car is to buckle up. While it might seem that this would mean that a plaintiff who was injured will be deemed contributorily negligent, seatbelts are an exception to the policy. In Maryland, a person injured in a car crash who was not restrained by a seatbelt will not have that evidence used against him or her in a personal injury claim. The defendant’s counsel cannot mention a lack of seatbelt use in front of jurors because it can lead to biases against the victim.
Contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP for Help After a Rollover Car Accident in Gaithersburg
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience handling all types of car crash claims. Call our dedicated Gaithersburg, Maryland car accident lawyers today at 301-670-7030 to discuss your case.
