Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents can be some of the most dangerous types of car accidents, and often result in fatalities. This summer, six children became severely injured in a dangerous rollover accident in Charlotte on I-485. Three children sustained life-threatening injuries, and none of the children were buckled correctly in the vehicle. The accident took place in West Charlotte and occurred when the driver lost control of her 2010 Chevrolet Traverse, rolling the vehicle. The woman told law enforcement officials that she had fallen asleep at the wheel and lost control of the vehicle.

Law enforcement officials have warned Charlotte residents that as the population of North Carolina increases, so does the rate of car accidents. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to know how to respond in the aftermath to make sure your rights are protected.

If you are involved in a rollover accident, it can be difficult to know what to do when your car stops moving. Being involved in a rollover accident can be traumatic, and you may find it difficult to talk or make a phone call. However, if you are able, it is important to call 911 immediately and request emergency services.

Many people involved in rollover accidents cannot get out and take pictures of the scene of the accident. However, if you are somehow able to take pictures, we recommend using your phone to capture the vehicles’ location and any other factors that may have led to the accident. Try to write down the name of the officer who is creating your police report and get the police report number to obtain an official copy later. Also, try to pay attention to any other factors that could potentially play a role in a lawsuit, such as whether the at-fault driver has slurred speech or smells of alcohol.

Most people who are involved in rollover accidents will need to be transferred to the hospital. The doctors at the hospital will be able to provide you with a comprehensive examination. Some injuries, such as mild concussions, are hard to self-diagnose, and you will need to talk to a doctor who can make sure you receive the treatment you need.

Additionally, seeking treatment after an accident can help you establish a record of your medical injuries. Whether you bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, or you file a claim through an insurance company, you may need to prove that the accident was the cause of your injuries, as well as the severity of your injuries.

It is also important to make sure that you follow any direction and guidance provided by your medical provider. Even if you believe that your injuries are not that severe, or that you have completely healed, if you do not follow doctor’s orders, you may interfere with your legal case. By not taking the prescribed medications, or seeing the recommended physical therapist, the defense could argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, and this in turn could affect your potential recovery of compensation.

Dealing with a severe injury caused by a rollover accident can be overwhelming. It is hard to remember what appointments you have and all of your medical treatment. We recommend keeping a journal of your medical appointments and conversations related to your accident.

For example, if the insurance company calls, right down when the call happened and what was discussed. Similarly, write down your medical appointments, a brief description of what the doctor said, and any medications you pick up. Remembering these details can become difficult over time and being able to refer to a journal can be helpful down the line if you decide to pursue legal action or if the insurance company has any questions when processing your claim.

Rollover accidents can be serious, and it is important to have the guidance of an attorney to help you through the aftermath. Whether you want to pursue legal action against the other driver, or need help negotiating with the insurance company, we can help. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our team of personal injury attorneys can evaluate the circumstances of your case and help you decide the best way to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn how we can advocate for you. For your convenience and safety, we offer video and phone conferencing. If you prefer an in-person consultation, we have three easy to reach offices in Uptown Charlotte, Monroe and Mooresville.