When vehicles lose balance and topple over, such accidents are considered rollover accidents. Occupants of a vehicle that rolls over can suffer catastrophic injuries or even death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 90 people die every day in the U.S. due to motor vehicle crashes. Regrettably, this may be you or your loved one. Rollover accidents can be extremely dangerous because of their violent nature, resulting in injuries like broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The Wilmington rollover accident lawyers at Ted A. Greve & Associates help victims of such accidents to recover compensation for their damages.
Call us today at (800) 693-7833 to schedule your case review with our seasoned attorneys. Remember, this is a free and confidential discussion with our reputable car accident lawyers in Wilmington, NC.
What Are The Common Causes Of Rollover Accidents?
Any vehicle on North Carolina roads can roll over. However, certain conditions make a rollover accident more likely to happen. Combining such factors could pose a risk for all road users, including passengers and pedestrians. Some of the common causes of rollover accidents in Wilmington, NC are:
Speed
High speeds make it harder for drivers to steer their vehicles. Speeding can affect a driver’s ability to negotiate corners or obstacles, leading to a rollover accident.
Excessive speeding is one of the leading causes of single-automobile rollover accidents. A speeding vehicle that rolls over is likely to eject occupants or trap them within the vehicle, which could lead to catastrophic effects.
Intoxication
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous. This may lead to a rollover incident since the driver may have a slow response when faced with a hazard. Intoxicated driving may also cause a driver to overcompensate the need to brake, resulting in a rollover. A drunk driver is more likely to be reckless while on the road, lacking the skills to drive safely.
Distracted Driving
Paying attention while on the road is important when one is behind the wheel. Changing the playlist, texting, sleeping, chatting with other passengers, or opening your favorite snack are distractions that can lead to rollover accidents in Wilmington.
A distracted driver may end up hitting an obstacle on the road like a bump and rollover.
Road Conditions
Driving on rural roads isn’t the same as driving on city highways. These roads often lack safety measures, like barriers, making it more likely for rollover accidents to happen.
Vehicle Type
Needless to say, any vehicle can flip over. However, light trucks and SUVs are more likely to topple over than passenger cars. These vehicles have higher centers of gravity, making it easier for them to roll over.
Tire Grip
Too little or excessive tire grip can lead to rollover accidents. Damaged or worn-out tires also make it easier for you to lose control while on the road.
To avoid rollover accidents, drivers need to stay calm during emergencies. Panicking and overcompensating during such situations may force drivers to slam their brakes and flip their vehicles.
How Is Fault Determined in a Rollover Accident in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation if another party’s actions or inactions lead to your rollover accident. You have the right to sue such a party in a personal injury lawsuit in Wilmington to get the justice you deserve. Fault in a rollover accident can be assigned to various parties, including:
- Other drivers
- A bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian
- The manufacturer of the defective car part
- Government agencies in North Carolina
After a rollover accident, you should hire a Wilmington rollover accident lawyer to help you build a strong case. North Carolina is one of five states in the U.S. that applies the pure contributory negligence rule when determining liability. Here, North Carolina courts completely bar a plaintiff from receiving any compensation if they were in any way negligent for their rollover accident.
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, our rollover accident lawyers in Wilmington are prepared to prove the defendant’s fault using these five elements:
- The accused party had a duty to act or not act in a certain manner.
- The accused violated that duty.
- This breach led to your injury.
- The accused should have known that their actions may harm other parties.
- Your injury resulted in damages such as lost wages, medical bills, and trauma.
How Long Do You Have to File a Rollover Accident Claim in North Carolina?
Every state has time limits for personal injury cases. Rollover accident claims in North Carolina are also subject to such restrictions. The statute of limitations for filing a rollover accident claim is three years in North Carolina. This time limit also applies to property damage claims.
In the event of a wrongful death case as a result of a rollover car crash, the surviving family members have two years to file a wrongful death claim in North Carolina. This time limit begins on the date the individual passes on.
The state of North Carolina also tolls the statute of limitations for minors involved in personal injury cases. Under North Carolina law, victims under 18 years of age are considered “incompetent.” Once they turn 18 years old, the law considers them competent enough to file personal injury lawsuits. Their three-year clock begins once they celebrate their 18th birthday.
If you have been involved in a rollover accident, you need to act fast before this time limit expires. You should reach out to an experienced Wilmington rollover accident attorney to investigate your case, prove negligence, and help you file a claim.
Remember, evidence such as CCTV footage that could be vital to your case may not be available several months after your crash. Witnesses may also forget what happened if you delay initiating your Wilmington personal injury claim.
How Much Will a Rollover Accident Lawyer Cost?
Ted A. Greve & Associates doesn’t charge victims of rollover accidents any fees. We understand how devastating an accident can be. It may drain you financially and also leave you with long-term consequences, including disabilities.
For this reason, we represent our clients on a contingency fee basis. This implies that you don’t pay anything for legal representation. We will only charge you a percentage of your final compensation once we win your case. In the event we don’t win your Wilmington rollover case, you don’t pay any fees.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer For My Rollover Accident Case?
After an accident, there are various crucial steps that you should take. You should call 911, seek medical attention, document everything, and avoid admitting fault. Contacting a Wilmington rollover accident lawyer is critical after an accident. An attorney can help you throughout your personal injury claim, guiding you to ensure you get a favorable outcome.
Always remember to contact a lawyer soon after an accident. The earlier you reach out to a reliable law firm, the better for your personal injury case.
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, our legal team will:
- Conduct an exhaustive investigation to determine all the facts of your case
- Gather and analyze all available evidence and records such as police reports, medical reports, and witness statements
- Work with investigators and accident reconstruction experts to unearth what happened and determine fault
- Consult doctors to understand the extent of your injuries and health in order to get a clear picture of the value of your damages
- File your personal injury claim
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you get the best compensation for your Wilmington rollover accident claim
- Represent you in court if out-of-court negotiations don’t bear any results
The legal team at Ted A. Greve & Associates is ready to go above and beyond to help you get the justice you deserve. We will speak to all necessary parties to get a clear picture of what happened. We will also file your personal injury claim following all required procedures and timelines. Our lawyers will also not accept any lowball offers from insurance adjusters that don’t represent the fair value of your claim.
Contact Our Reputable Wilmington Rollover Accident Lawyers Today To Get Answers
No one ever hopes to be in an accident. We all know how these things happen. One moment you are driving your car only for you to spot an obstacle and swerve immediately.
Accidents can happen to the best of us. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a rollover accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Ted A. Greve & Associates is prepared to conduct an in-depth investigation into your personal injury claim to determine what happened. We won’t leave any stone unturned.
The attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates are ready to protect your rights throughout the claims process. Contact us today to schedule your free virtual case review. We are available 24/7! Get started now before it’s too late to file your Wilmington personal injury claim.
