SUV Rollover Accident Attorneys in Pennsylvania

Effectively Handling Your SUV Rollover Accident Case

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle turns onto its side or its roof, either due to a collision or on its own. Smaller vehicles are unlikely to roll over during a quick maneuver or after hitting a bump in the road due to their low profile, but larger vehicles have higher centers of gravity and are much heavier than ordinary passenger vehicles, making them more likely to flip. Vehicles that are often criticized for their higher rollover risk include:

• SUVs (sports utility vehicles)
• 15-passenger vans
• Pickup trucks
• Box trucks

Rollover accident survivors often suffer catastrophic injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Treating these injuries is a costly affair, and those costs shouldn’t come from the injured party’s finances. Metzger Wickersham and our Harrisburg SUV rollover accident lawyers can help you demand fair compensation for your injuries, which might involve bringing a claim or lawsuit against an SUV manufacturer. With us by your side, you will be prepared for anything the opposition can throw at your case. If you were injured in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today. A delay may affect your legal rights.

SUV Rollover Causes

Rollover accidents are related to a vehicle’s stability when making turns or when it is impacted in a crash. SUVs tend to have high centers of gravity, which decreases their overall stability. Automakers have long been criticized by safety groups for not doing more to stabilize SUVs. New designs could feasibly rebalance an SUV’s center of gravity, yet no significant changes have been implemented in years. If an SUV rollover happens during an accident, then the driver who hit the SUV and the automaker could share liability. If the rollover happens in a single-vehicle accident, i.e., while the SUV was turning or braking, then the automaker alone might be the liable party.

Severe Injuries Caused by SUV Rollovers

When a vehicle rolls over, the roof may crush, which could result in a fatal head injury. An occupant could be ejected from the vehicle during a rollover, too, which might occur if the windows become weak and break under the pressure of the rollover. An SUV needs to have strong supports, or roll bars, to keep the integrity of the roof intact in the event of a rollover. Examples of some injuries resulting from SUV rollovers include:

• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back and neck injury

Car manufacturers can prevent, or minimize, rollover injuries through proper engineering and design. If you or a loved one was injured in a rollover accident, you deserve justice. At Metzger Wickersham, our skilled Harrisburg SUV rollover car accident lawyers can help you discover who is at fault in your SUV rollover case.

Legal Considerations for SUV Rollover Accidents

SUV rollover accidents can be particularly complex from a legal standpoint, due to the following factors:

• Vehicle Design and Stability : SUVs are more prone to rollovers compared to other types of vehicles because of their higher center of gravity. If an SUV rolls over, there may be legal issues related to vehicle design, including whether the manufacturer failed to provide adequate stability control features or whether the vehicle’s design contributed to the rollover.
• Manufacturer Liability : If a vehicle’s design is found to be defective, the manufacturer could be held liable. This might involve issues such as inadequate vehicle stability control systems, faulty tire design, or poor construction that makes the SUV more prone to rollovers.
• Driver Behavior : The behavior of the driver at the time of the accident can be a significant factor. For instance, excessive speeding, reckless driving, or failing to adhere to road conditions can contribute to rollovers. If driver negligence is involved, this might impact the liability of the driver or their insurance company.
• Road Conditions : Poorly maintained roads, road defects, or hazardous conditions can also contribute to rollover accidents. In such cases, the responsibility might extend to governmental entities responsible for road maintenance.
• Insurance Coverage : The type and extent of insurance coverage can affect the outcome of a rollover accident case. Some insurance policies might not fully cover the damages or might have specific clauses related to rollover accidents.
• Injuries and Damage : Rollover accidents often result in severe injuries due to the vehicle’s instability and the impact of multiple rolls. Legal claims may involve substantial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
• Product Liability Claims : In cases where the SUV’s design or manufacturing defect contributed to the rollover, victims might file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or dealer. This involves proving that the vehicle was defectively designed or manufactured.
• State Laws and Regulations : The legal framework governing vehicle accidents, including rollovers, can vary by state. Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial in navigating the legal process and determining the best course of action.
• Evidence Collection : Gathering evidence is critical in rollover cases. This can include accident reports, vehicle inspection records, and expert testimony to establish the cause of the rollover and the extent of the damages.

We’re Available 24/7 to Help You

If you or a loved one was injured in a rollover accident, you deserve justice and compensation. At Metzger Wickersham, our skilled Harrisburg SUV rollover car accident lawyers can help you discover who is at fault in your SUV rollover case and hold them accountable. We have years of experience handling product liability cases, including those involving automobile defects. As one of the oldest and largest law firms in Pennsylvania, we have the skill, resources, and commitment to justice it takes to help car accident victims and their families receive maximum compensation. There is a statute of limitations in Pennsylvania that limits the amount of time you have to file a claim, so do not delay in contacting our firm as soon as you are able. Your initial consultation is complimentary and without obligation. Call (888) 707-7704 to speak with a lawyer. We serve clients from eight convenient locations throughout Pennsylvania.