Rollover car accidents in Los Angeles are some of the most frightening and dangerous crashes that happen on the roads, causing severe injuries in many cases. Understanding how rollovers happen can help drivers reduce their risk of experiencing one.
However, if you have been harmed in a rollover crash and believe someone else’s negligence is to blame, our compassionate car collision attorneys at Levian Law could help recover the compensation you deserve to help rebuild your life while you focus on healing.
Part of safe driving comes from maintaining vehicle stability while in motion. Sudden maneuvers can shift a car’s center of gravity, making it harder for drivers to keep control. Coupled with centrifugal force, a car can be pulled outward, leading to a rollover. Cars with a low center of gravity (COG) are more stable than those with a higher COG, such as SUVs and trucks. With sufficient force, the car’s weight shifts to the outer wheels, resulting in a flip or rollover. Common driver behaviors that lead to these wrecks include the following.
It is easy to overlook how fast a car is moving. Speeding increases the centrifugal force placed on a vehicle, which pushes it to the outside of the turn. As the car moves outward, its weight shifts to the inner wheels, reducing traction on the outer wheels. The weight shift can cause drivers to lose control, injuring them and others.
Swerving to avoid a stalled car or obstacle can rapidly transfer your vehicle’s weight, destabilizing it and causing it to flip. Switchbacks present a similar problem as weight is transferred from one side of a vehicle to the other with little time to stabilize. If a defective road or road obstruction leads to the need for these sudden maneuvers, you may have reason to file a personal injury claim.
While Los Angeles may not experience icy roads, its roads can become slippery when water mixes with road dust, oil, or grease, leading to rollover crashes. The slick surface can cause cars to lose traction, leading to uncontrolled slides and flipped vehicles.
Even the safest drivers experience rollover accidents. An oncoming car can take a turn too fast, forcing the other driver to swerve to avoid a head-on collision. This could also be grounds for a personal injury claim. To ensure the best possible outcome for damage recovery, you should use the following steps after a rollover crash in Los Angeles.
Because of the potential severity of most car accidents, always call 911 immediately and request medical assistance. While some victims may be transported to an emergency room, others may be released at the scene with a recommendation to see a physician. After an accident, you should follow up with a medical professional to minimize health risks. Some injuries may appear minor but become more serious over time. Only a professional can determine the extent of any injuries.
California is an at-fault state, meaning the individual responsible for the accident is liable for any damages to property or people. Documenting the accident scene through photographs and videos can highlight defective road or weather conditions. Collecting witness contact information can help substantiate events and prove reckless driving behaviors that lead to the crash. Always get the contact and insurance information from all drivers, as the compensation process begins with filing an insurance claim.
Anyone involved in a rollover accident should contact their insurance company regardless of fault. They can help with the initial claim process and can request official reports or documentation. However, when speaking with any insurance company, do not admit fault and consider contacting a personal injury attorney for help to protect the strength of your claim.
An experienced law firm like Levian Law can help you receive the compensation you deserve after a rollover car accident in Los Angeles. We can guide clients through the legal process, develop a successful legal strategy, and negotiate an equitable settlement. Requesting legal assistance promptly ensures your case will be addressed before the two-year statute of limitations expires. We collect no up-front fees, and consultations are free, so reach out today to get started with your claim.
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