When you’re involved in a serious rollover accident in Waipahu, the aftermath can be overwhelming. At Recovery Law Center, our dedicated team of Waipahu rollover accident lawyers is here to help you through this challenging time. We have a proven track record of representing clients in motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.
If you’ve suffered injuries, dealing with damages can be challenging. You need a personal injury lawyer who understands the legal process and can help you recover compensation. At our law firm, we are committed to protecting your legal rights and pursuing maximum compensation for injured victims.
Understanding Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident happens when a vehicle flips onto its roof or side. These accidents are very dangerous and can occur suddenly. Factors contributing to rollovers include:
- Driver error: Mistakes made by the driver, such as overcorrecting, taking turns too quickly, or distracted driving.
- Road design: Poorly designed roads with sharp turns, steep slopes, or insufficient banking can increase the likelihood of a rollover.
- Road conditions: Slippery surfaces, potholes, or uneven pavement can destabilize a vehicle, leading to a rollover.
- Equipment failure: Malfunctions or failures in a vehicle’s suspension, tires, or brakes can cause a loss of control and result in a rollover.
Speeding, inattention, and impaired driving significantly increase the risk. Vehicles with a high center of gravity, like SUVs and pickup trucks, are more likely to roll over. Although rollovers make up less than 3% of all motor vehicle accidents, they cause nearly 30% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities. SUVs and pickups have the highest fatality rates in rollover crashes (42% and 41%, respectively), followed by vans (23%) and passenger cars (22%), according to NHTSA crash data. In the past years, the number of occupants killed in rollover crashes fluctuated across these vehicle types.
Speed is a key factor in rollovers. About 40% of fatal rollovers involve speeding, and nearly 75% occur where the speed limit is 55 mph or higher. Understanding these factors is necessary for prevention and legal action, ensuring better safety measures and awareness on the road.
Why You Need a Rollover Accident Lawyer in Waipahu
In Waipahu, a rollover accident requires experienced legal representation because Hawaii operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that car accident victims must initially turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for medical expenses and other losses, regardless of who was at fault. However, PIP policies often have limits that may not cover all the costs associated with severe injuries.
When injuries are severe enough to exceed these PIP limits or result in permanent loss, victims can step outside the no-fault system to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This is where an experienced car accident attorney becomes invaluable. They can guide you in filing for possible lawsuits and ensure that you pursue all available avenues for compensation, especially in cases involving an auto accident.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Rollover Accident
The moments following a rollover accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. The first priority should always be to get emergency medical attention by calling 911. Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Following this, it’s imperative to call the police to report the accident.
At the scene, follow these steps:
- Avoid admitting fault to anyone. This includes the police, other drivers, and witnesses.
- Focus on gathering evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Collect names and contact information of any witnesses who can provide statements later.
In today’s digital age, it’s also important to avoid posting details about the accident or your injuries on social media. Such posts can be used against you in legal proceedings. By following these steps, you can help protect your rights and strengthen your case.
Common Injuries from Rollover Accidents
Injuries in a rollover accident can have long-lasting effects, especially catastrophic injuries sustained in a truck accident. This may include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Accidents resulting in serious injuries are common. These injuries can alter a person’s quality of life and require extensive medical treatment.
In addition to these severe injuries, rollover accidents can also cause long-term effects such as:
- Vision or hearing loss
- Dental injuries
- Chronic back pain
- Internal damage to nerves and organs
Minor injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises, can cause significant scarring or long-term pain. It’s important to recognize these injuries to get proper medical care and compensation.
Compensation for Rollover Accident Victims
Victims of rollover accidents in Hawaii can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs
- Other non-economic damages
In wrongful death cases, families can claim compensation for:
- Care, comfort, and support
- Pain and suffering before death
- Loss of lifetime earnings
Punitive damages may be awarded for gross negligence. A car accident lawyer is crucial in calculating and negotiating these compensations, ensuring all potential sources are considered and fair settlements are reached. This aids victims in their financial recovery and peace of mind.
Time Limit for Filing a Rollover Accident Claim in Hawaii
In Hawaii, there is a strict time limit for filing a rollover accident claim. Victims have up to two years from the car accident date to file a claim for their injuries. This statute of limitations also applies to wrongful death claims, where the two-year period starts from the date of death.
It’s vital to act within this timeframe, as once the statute of limitations expires, it becomes nearly impossible to obtain compensation for injuries.
How a Waipahu Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a Waipahu car accident lawyer can greatly impact your case. These lawyers:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence
- Build a strong case for you
- Have access to resources for thorough investigations
They handle communication with insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and ensure you get maximum compensation and focus on recovery.
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a car crash, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer from the Recovery Law Center. Our law office in Waipahu, HI, offers consultation for rollover accidents. Our car accident lawyers have represented clients in motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and wrongful death cases. We handle all aspects of your insurance claim, including lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. Our law firm is dedicated to protecting your legal rights and helping you pursue compensation.
Schedule a consultation with Recovery Law Center if you need legal assistance after a rollover accident. Our legal team is ready to provide the best course of action for your case and help you recover compensation in a timely manner.
