Kansas City Rollover Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Rollover Accident in Kansas City, MO?

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman, CHTD, our personal injury attorneys are highly experienced in handling rollover accident claims. We can provide you with the legal counsel you need to obtain the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about your legal options, call (816) 542-5999 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Rollover Accident?

A rollover accident is an accident that occurs when a vehicle loses control and flips over. These accidents often result in serious injuries, such as head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord damage. Many of these injuries are permanent and life-changing.

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of rollover accidents:

• Vehicle Design and Type: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as SUVs, trucks, and vans, are more prone to rollovers due to their increased susceptibility to tipping over. Smaller cars with a lower center of gravity are generally more stable.
• Speed and Steering Maneuvers: High speeds combined with sudden steering maneuvers can lead to loss of control, causing the vehicle to slide sideways and potentially roll over. Overcorrecting steering in response to unexpected road conditions or obstacles can also result in a rollover.
• Tripping: Tripping occurs when a vehicle's tires strike an object, such as a curb, guardrail, soft shoulder, or uneven terrain. This can initiate a rollover by destabilizing the vehicle and causing it to tip.
• Single-Vehicle Crashes: Rollovers often happen in single-vehicle crashes where the driver loses control, veers off the road, or strikes an object. Colliding with a roadside obstacle can cause the vehicle to roll over.
• Multi-Vehicle Collisions: Rollovers can also occur in collisions involving multiple vehicles. The impact and forces from the collision can destabilize a vehicle, causing it to roll over.
• Distracted Driving: Driver distraction, such as texting, talking on the phone, or attending to other in-car activities, reduces the driver's ability to react promptly to changing road conditions or hazards, increasing the risk of a rollover.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drugs impair a driver's judgment, reflexes, and coordination, making it more likely for them to lose control of the vehicle and potentially trigger a rollover.
• Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire blowouts can lead to loss of control, especially at high speeds. The abrupt change in stability can cause the vehicle to roll over.
• Road Conditions: Slippery or uneven road surfaces, such as wet or icy roads, gravel, or potholes, can reduce tire traction and stability, increasing the likelihood of a rollover.
• Driver Behavior: Aggressive driving behaviors like sharp turns, speeding around corners, and sudden lane changes can create conditions that increase the risk of a rollover.
• Cargo and Load Distribution: Improper loading or an unbalanced distribution of cargo can alter the vehicle's center of gravity, making it more susceptible to tipping during sudden maneuvers.

Rollover accidents are especially dangerous because the vehicle's roof provides the main support for the passenger compartment. When a vehicle rolls over, the roof is no longer supporting the passenger compartment, and the vehicle's occupants are suddenly exposed to the possibility of being ejected from the vehicle.

Who is Liable for a Rollover Accident in Missouri?

The liable party in a rollover accident can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. In many cases, multiple parties can be held liable for the damages caused by a rollover accident.

Here are some parties that could potentially be liable in a rollover accident:

• Driver: The driver of the vehicle that rolled over might be liable if their negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws contributed to the accident. This could include actions such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or aggressive driving.
• Other Drivers: In multi-vehicle accidents, another driver's actions or negligence could have caused the initial collision or contributed to the rollover. In such cases, that driver might share liability.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: If an automotive defect in the vehicle's design, manufacturing, or safety systems contributed to the rollover or exacerbated its effects, the vehicle manufacturer could be held liable. This could involve issues with the vehicle's stability, tires, brakes, or other critical components.
• Tire Manufacturer: If a tire blowout or tire-related issue led to the loss of control and subsequent rollover, the manufacturer of the tire might be held responsible for any defects in their product.
• Maintenance and Repair Shops: If poor vehicle maintenance or improper repairs led to mechanical failures that contributed to the rollover, the shop or mechanic responsible for the maintenance might be held liable.
• Government Entities: If unsafe road conditions, inadequate signage, or poorly designed roadways contributed to the accident, the government agency responsible for road maintenance and safety might share liability.
• Passengers: In some cases, passengers who engage in distracting behaviors or influence the driver's actions might be considered partially liable for the accident.
• Commercial Entities: If the rollover involves a commercial vehicle (e.g., buses, trucks, taxis), the company that owns or operates the vehicle might be held liable, especially if there were issues with vehicle maintenance, driver training, or adherence to regulations.
• Product Manufacturers: If a defective aftermarket product or modification played a role in the rollover, the manufacturer of that product might be liable.
• Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances, other entities such as road construction companies, cargo loaders, or other drivers involved in the accident might share liability.

Recovering Damages in a Missouri Rollover Accident Lawsuit

A rollover accident can result in catastrophic injuries and can have a devastating impact on a victim's quality of life. In many cases, the injuries sustained in a rollover accident can be fatal.

In personal injury cases, the liable party is responsible for compensating the victim for all of the damages they have suffered as a result of the accident. These damages can include medical bills, lost wages, permanent disability, pain and suffering, and more.

If you have been injured in a rollover accident in Kansas City, do not hesitate to let Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman hold the at-fault party liable and help you secure your entitled compensation. Contact us at (816) 542-5999 today.