Rollover Accidents in Louisiana

Why You Need a Baton Rouge Rollover Accident Attorney

Rollover accidents are among the most severe motor vehicle accidents. When a car rolls over, the driver and passengers are at a much higher risk of serious injury. In some cases, rollover accidents result in wrongful death. 

At Joubert Law Firm, we recognize the severity of rollover accidents and the impact they can have on victims, their families, and loved ones. Our experienced team of Baton Rouge rollover accident attorneys is here to help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.

Injured in a Rollover Accident? Contact our Baton Rouge attorneys today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call tel:(225) 777-8853 now!

Recovering Compensation in a Rollover Accident Case

Rollover accidents can result in severe and permanent injuries. Often, victims of these accidents require extensive medical care for months or years after the crash. In many cases, victims are left dealing with permanent disabilities and unable to work.

When a driver's negligence causes a rollover accident, that driver is liable for all damages. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team of Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys can help you seek compensation for all of these damages.

What Causes Rollover Accidents?

Several factors can cause a car to roll over:

• Driver error
• Defective tires
• Defective car design
• Defective car parts

Rollover accidents can happen to anyone. In many cases, these accidents are the result of driver error. Drivers become distracted when they are changing the radio station, talking on their cell phone, or even eating and drinking while behind the wheel. When they try to correct their mistake, they overcorrect and cause a rollover accident.

Other times, defective tires or vehicle design cause a car to roll over. Tire manufacturers are required to warn consumers about the dangers of defective tires, but these warnings are often buried in fine print. If you have ever purchased a car and noticed a tire pressure warning label, you have seen how these labels are hidden.

Vehicle design can also cause a car to roll over. Many SUVs have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more prone to rollover accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns drivers about the dangers of SUV rollover accidents and recommends that consumers choose safer vehicles.

How a Baton Rouge Rollover Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a rollover accident, victims require extensive medical care and often cannot work. In many cases, they are left permanently disabled and unable to return to their jobs.

At Joubert Law Firm, we recognize the impact that a rollover accident can have on victims, their families, and loved ones. Our experienced team of Baton Rouge rollover accident lawyers is here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are among the most severe types of vehicle crashes, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. These types of accidents put drivers and passengers at a higher risk for serious harm. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): When the head strikes a surface during a rollover, it can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive issues, memory loss, and personality changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force from a rollover accident can cause damage to the spine, leading to paralysis or permanent mobility issues. Spinal injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: The violent motion of a rollover can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Some of these injuries may require surgery and long recovery times.
• Internal Injuries: Rollover accidents can result in internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
• Soft Tissue Damage: The impact from a rollover can cause whiplash, strains, and sprains. While these injuries may seem minor at first, they can result in chronic pain and limited mobility.

Long-Term Effects

The injuries sustained in a rollover accident can lead to significant long-term effects, including:

• Chronic Pain: Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage or broken bones, can result in ongoing pain that requires lifelong treatment.
• Permanent Disability: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures can result in permanent disability, making it impossible for victims to return to their normal lives or work.
• Psychological Impact: The trauma from a rollover accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Victims may need counseling or therapy to cope with the emotional fallout.

Determining Liability in Rollover Accidents

Understanding who is at fault in a rollover accident is crucial to seeking compensation. Several parties may be held liable for causing or contributing to the crash:

• Driver: If the driver’s actions—such as distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving—caused the rollover, they could be held responsible for the injuries and damages.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: In cases where vehicle defects, such as faulty designs or safety features, contributed to the rollover, the manufacturer could be held liable.
• Tire Manufacturer: Defective tires that blow out or fail can be a major cause of rollover accidents. If a tire defect was responsible, the tire manufacturer might be held accountable.
• Local Municipalities: Poor road conditions, improper signage, or faulty road design can contribute to a rollover accident. In such cases, local government entities may share liability.

Comparative Negligence in Louisiana

Louisiana follows comparative fault laws, meaning that multiple parties can share responsibility for a rollover accident. If the victim is found partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if the victim was speeding at the time of the crash, their damages might be decreased by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

How Rollover Accidents Are Investigated

Proper investigation is key to building a successful rollover accident claim. The process typically includes:

• Role of Accident Reconstruction Experts: Experts analyze the accident scene, vehicle damage, and other evidence to determine the cause of the rollover. Their findings can provide crucial evidence in identifying who was at fault.
• Gathering Evidence: Key evidence includes:
  • Black Boxes: Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), or "black boxes," which provide critical information about the vehicle's speed, braking, and other data at the time of the accident.
  • Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from people who witnessed the accident can help establish the events leading up to the rollover.
  • Surveillance Footage: Video footage from nearby cameras (e.g., traffic cameras or businesses) can offer additional evidence about the circumstances of the crash.

The Importance of Immediate Medical Care

After a rollover accident, seeking prompt medical attention is critical for several reasons:

• Why Prompt Medical Attention is Critical: Even if no injuries seem apparent at the moment, some injuries—such as internal bleeding or brain trauma—may not show immediate symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing further damage or complications.
• Linking Medical Treatment to the Accident: Consistent medical treatment records help establish a direct connection between the rollover accident and the injuries sustained. These records are vital when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

By acting quickly, victims not only protect their health but also help strengthen their case for legal action.

FAQ: Rollover Accidents in Louisiana

• What are rollover accidents, and why are they so dangerous?
  A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, often due to factors like driver error, poor road conditions, or vehicle defects. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they expose passengers to severe injuries from the impact, as well as potential ejection from the vehicle.
• What should I do immediately after a rollover accident?
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it's important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, may not show symptoms immediately.
  • Contact Authorities: Call the police to report the accident. A police report can be crucial for your case.
  • Gather Evidence: If possible, take pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Also, gather contact information from witnesses.
• Can I sue if the rollover was caused by a defective vehicle or tire?
  Yes, if a defective vehicle design, faulty tire, or other product issues contributed to the rollover, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. It’s important to have a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to determine liability.
• How do Louisiana’s comparative fault laws affect my case?
  In Louisiana, if you are partially at fault for the rollover accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed 30% responsible for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
• How long do I have to file a claim for a rollover accident in Louisiana?
  The time frame to file a claim, known as the prescriptive period in Louisiana, typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on when you had your accident, the type of accident, and the injuries sustained. 
• What kinds of compensation can I receive after a rollover accident?
  You may be entitled to compensation for:
  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress or psychological trauma (like PTSD)
• Do I need an attorney for a rollover accident case?
  While it’s not required, it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney. An experienced rollover accident attorney can help you gather evidence, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact Our Firm for a Consultation

When you call our firm at (225) 777-8853, an attorney is available to help you. We can provide you with a consultation and help you determine if you have grounds for a rollover accident lawsuit.

Learn More About Your Case With an Initial Consultation

After a rollover accident, victims require extensive medical care and often cannot work. In many cases, they are left permanently disabled and unable to return to their jobs.

At Joubert Law Firm, we recognize the impact that a rollover accident can have on victims, their families, and loved ones. Our experienced team of Baton Rouge rollover accident attorneys is here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Don’t Wait to Seek Justice! Reach out now at tel:(225) 777-8853 to speak with an experienced rollover accident lawyer and start your path to recovery.