Most rollover accidents occur when a top-heavy vehicle, such as an SUV, pickup, or van, loses control and “trips” over a curb, soft shoulder, or guardrail. Speeding, sharp steering, and being struck by another vehicle are common triggers as well. Because these crashes often cause severe injuries, case values vary widely based on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and who was at fault. In Georgia, you generally have two years to file a claim, and you can recover only if you were less than 50% at fault.
A rollover is one of the most violent and frightening crashes you can experience. One moment you’re driving, and the next your vehicle is flipping, and everything is upside down. If you or someone you love was hurt in a rollover accident in Marietta or Cobb County, you’re probably facing painful injuries, mounting bills, and many hard questions. Our Marietta rollover accident lawyers at The Persons Firm is here to help. Your first consultation is free, and we’ll walk you through your options with no pressure.
This article covers:
– What causes most rollover accidents
– The injuries rollover crashes tend to cause
– Who can be held liable, including vehicle defect claims
– What affects the value of your rollover accident claim
– How Georgia’s fault and filing rules apply
What is the Most Common Cause of a Rollover Accident?
Rollovers most often happen when a driver loses control of a top-heavy vehicle, which then “trips” on something, such as a curb, soft shoulder, or guardrail, and flips over. These are called tripped rollovers, and they’re by far the most common type.
Vehicle design plays a big role. Taller, heavier vehicles are simply easier to tip. A fleet shift toward vehicles with a higher center of gravity (more top-heavy) means those vehicles can roll over more easily than others. In fact, passenger cars are the vehicle type least likely to roll over in a crash, while SUVs are over three times more likely to roll over.
A rollover usually comes down to one or more of these factors:
– Speed, especially on highway ramps and curves
– Sharp or sudden steering, such as swerving to avoid an obstacle
– A high center of gravity in SUVs, trucks, and vans
– Being struck by another vehicle
What Injuries do Rollover Accidents Cause?
Rollover accidents tend to cause some of the most serious injuries on the road. When a vehicle flips, the roof can crush inward, unbelted occupants can be thrown around or even ejected, and the forces involved are far greater than in a typical fender bender. Rollover crashes are particularly serious because they are more likely to result in fatalities.
Common rollover accident injuries include:
– Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
– Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
– Broken bones and crushed limbs
– Internal organ damage and bleeding
– Deep cuts, burns, and scarring
These injuries can mean surgery, long rehabilitation, and time away from work, which is exactly why the full value of your claim matters so much.
Who is Liable for a Rollover Accident in Georgia?
Liability depends on what actually caused the rollover, and sometimes more than one party is responsible. In many cases, another driver who cut you off, ran a red light, or struck your vehicle is at fault. But rollovers aren’t always caused solely by driver error.
Sometimes the vehicle itself is the problem. A defective tire, a weak roof that crushes on impact, or a poorly designed, unstable vehicle can cause a rollover or worsen injuries. When that’s the case, the vehicle or parts manufacturer may share responsibility through a product liability claim. A dangerous road condition or poorly maintained shoulder can also point to a government entity or contractor.
Because these cases can involve accident reconstruction and close vehicle inspection, our attorneys investigate carefully to identify every party who may owe you compensation.
What is a Rollover Accident Claim Worth in Georgia?
Every rollover accident case is different, so there’s no set dollar amount anyone can promise you. The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, pain and suffering, and how clearly fault can be shown.
Georgia’s fault rules matter here, too. Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence approach. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, you cannot recover damages if you’re 50% or more responsible for the injury. If your share of fault falls below that line, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Timing matters as well. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, actions for injuries to the person must be brought within two years after the right of action accrues.
Waiting can hurt your case. Evidence, such as the vehicle, the tires, and skid marks, can disappear, and witnesses forget details, so it’s best to reach out early.
How The Persons Firm Can Help After a Rollover Accident
You don’t have to sort through insurance calls, medical bills, and legal deadlines on your own. The Persons Firm handles personal injury cases throughout Marietta, Cobb County, and the surrounding Georgia area, and we’re here to guide you through every step. We’ll investigate the crash, work to identify who’s responsible, and handle the paperwork so you can focus on healing.
Injured in a rollover accident in Georgia? We are here to help. Contact us at (770) 758-1664 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rollover Accidents
How long do I have to file a rollover accident claim in Georgia?
In most cases, you have two years from the date the right of action accrues to bring a claim for personal injuries in Georgia. Some situations can change that window, so it’s smart to talk with an attorney early to avoid losing your right to recover.
What if I were partly at fault for the rollover?
Yes, provided your share of responsibility stays under 50%, your award is then reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Cross the 50% line, and Georgia law bars you from recovering anything. That’s why how fault gets assigned matters so much.
Can I sue the vehicle manufacturer for a rollover?
Sometimes, yes. If a defect, such as a weak roof, an unstable design, or a faulty tire, caused or worsened the rollover, the manufacturer may share liability through a product liability claim. Try not to repair or dispose of the vehicle before speaking with an attorney, as it may be key evidence.
How much does it cost to talk to The Persons Firm?
Your first consultation is completely free and carries no obligation. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.