Lafayette SUV Rollover Accident Lawyer

An SUV Rollover Attorney Can Advocate for Your Rights after an Accident

With a higher center of gravity, SUVs are prone to rollover accidents, which pose a greater risk of serious injury and fatality. Injuries sustained can result in a substantial financial burden as well as long-term pain and suffering. If you have been in an SUV rollover accident, a Lafayette SUV rollover accident lawyer can help you secure maximum compensation and hold the appropriate parties responsible for your injuries, whether that be another driver or a vehicle manufacturer.

To review your case in more detail, contact the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy today.

SUV Rollover Accidents: An Overview

2.44 million Americans get injured in car accidents every year. In 2022, 7,400 traffic accident fatalities were caused by rollovers, and in crashes with non-lethal injuries, the average cost of damages was $162,000 per accident.

Given the right conditions, any vehicle can roll over. However, SUVs have one of the highest rollover potentials, as they have a higher center of gravity. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger cars have a 10 percent chance of rollover, while SUVs have a 14 to 23 percent chance in identical circumstances. To compound the issue, drivers are more than twice as likely to be ejected from their vehicle in a rollover accident than a non-rollover accident, increasing their risk of fatality.

Your attorney will fight for compensation to cover medical expenses you have already paid, as well as those you have yet to incur.

Causes of Rollover Accidents

Most rollover cases involve potholes, curbs, and uneven roads, however they can also result from a collision. There are several reasons why SUVs are more prone to rollover accidents, including:

• High center of gravity – SUVs have a higher center of gravity than sedans. Should an SUV driver make a quick evasive maneuver, they face a much greater probability of rolling over than a driver in a car with a lower center of gravity.
• Extra Weight – SUVs are designed to be heavier, so they can carry larger loads. Due to their weight and top-heavy construction, SUVS are more likely to roll over.
• Inadequate Safety Features – SUVs were originally designed to be work vehicles. However, when they became popular among families, safety features such as roll bars were removed, increasing damage after a rollover accident.

To build your case, we can compile all pieces of relevant evidence, including police reports, photographs, video, and medical documentation. We can also review the safety features for your vehicle and determine whether their construction contributed to your accident. Once our firm establishes liability, we can hold the appropriate party accountable.

Common Injuries in SUV Rollover Accidents

SUV rollover accidents can cause serious, life-changing injuries because of the high risk of passengers being thrown from the vehicle or getting trapped inside. It’s important to have your injuries documented as early as possible, as your medical records can play a key role when building a strong claim. Some common SUV rollover accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations and soft-tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD

Getting guidance from the Lafayette SUV rollover accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can help victims protect both their health and their right to fair compensation.

Understanding SUV Rollover Accident Laws in Louisiana

Navigating SUV rollover accident laws in Louisiana can be complicated, especially if you aren’t familiar with the state’s unique rules. Consulting with an experienced Lafayette SUV rollover accident attorney as soon as possible can help make sure your claim is handled correctly. Some of the key laws to consider include:

• Comparative fault. Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system, which means that if you’re partly responsible for the SUV rollover accident, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
• Statute of limitations. In Louisiana, personal injury claims related to SUV rollover accidents generally must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline means not being able to pursue any legal compensation.
• Insurance requirements. Louisiana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which could influence settlement amounts in rollover accident cases.

The Lafayette SUV rollover accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can guide you through every step of the legal process to help you meet deadlines, follow state laws, and maximize your chances of getting fair compensation.

Liability in SUV Rollover Accident Cases

Figuring out who’s at fault in an SUV rollover accident can be complicated, since more than one party might share responsibility. The crash could be caused by driver error, a vehicle defect, or dangerous road conditions, and identifying the legally responsible parties is essential for recovering compensation. Some potential parties could include:

• Other drivers who caused a collision
• Vehicle manufacturers, in cases of design defects
• Government entities, for poorly maintained roads or signage

With a careful investigation and experienced guidance from the Lafayette SUV rollover accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, victims can hold the responsible parties accountable and improve their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve.

What to Do After an SUV Rollover Accident

Knowing what to do right after an SUV rollover accident can make a big difference when it comes to protecting both your health and your legal rights. Steps you can take after a rollover:

1. Ensure your own safety and call emergency services.
2. Document the scene with photos, videos, and gather the contact information of any witnesses.
3. Get immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
4. Notify your insurance company, but avoid providing recorded statements without first speaking to a lawyer.
5. Contact an experienced Lafayette SUV rollover accident attorney as soon as possible.

By documenting the scene, getting prompt medical attention, and working with the Lafayette SUV rollover accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, you lay the foundation for a strong case while also improving your chances of securing the compensation you’re entitled to.

Potential Damages

If you are injured in an SUV rollover accident, you may be eligible for damages.

Medical Expenses

From ambulance transportation to rehabilitation, medical expenses can pose a substantial financial burden. Your attorney will fight for compensation to cover medical expenses you have already paid, as well as those you have yet to incur. These may include surgery, medication, ongoing care, and physical therapy. In addition, we have a vast network of professionals who can provide expert testimony to ensure you receive the treatment you need.

Lost Earnings

Should your injury hinder your ability to perform essential job functions, we can fight for compensation to cover lost earnings. If you have suffered a significant injury that inhibits your ability to work in the future, such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, we can also collect reparations for future lost income.

Pain and Suffering

Severe injuries can result in mental suffering, impacting your overall quality of life. As pain and suffering is more subjective than medical expenses and lost earnings, it is integral to work with a seasoned attorney, who can demonstrate the extent to which your lifestyle has been affected by your injuries.

Hire an SUV Rollover Accident Lawyer

At Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we have been fighting on behalf of victims for over five decades. We work diligently to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in an SUV rollover accident, contact us online or call (337) 232-1934 to learn more.

We Fight to Win Fair Compensation

Legal deadlines, medical bills, lost wages, and the pain that lingers after an accident can build up and feel overwhelming. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette, Louisiana, offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have diligent, committed SUV rollover accident attorneys on your side.

Our injury lawyers, Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III  are personally committed to success in every case they take. They have won millions on behalf of injured clients.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our noted SUV rollover accident attorneys can help you, contact our law firm either by leaving a message online or calling: (337) 232-1934