A rollover happens when a vehicle flips completely over onto its roof, often due to the force of a crash. Certain vehicles, such as SUVs and some types of vans, are prone to rollovers due to car defects that make the center of gravity too high for the narrow wheel base. These kinds of wrecks are particularly deadly if the roof supports of the vehicle collapse. Motorists may sustain serious and often fatal personal injuries in such circumstances, as the full weight of the vehicle may bear down on the head and neck. In fact, rollover accidents are among the deadliest crashes. According to the National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers account for barely more than two percent of all car crashes. However, rollovers cause up to 35 percent of all traffic fatalities
Georgia Rollover Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one sustained serious roof crush injuries in a rollover car crash in Georgia, then you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury or product liability lawsuit. A rollover accident attorney from our law firm can assist in identifying all possible responsible parties, and can fight for your rights in negotiations or the courtroom.
We represent rollover victims throughout Georgia and nationwide.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Rollover Accident Cases
- Types of Georgia Rollover Accidents
- Injuries from a Georgia Rollover Accident
- Where Rollover Accidents Happen Most Often In Georgia
- Potentially Liable Parties in a Rollover Accident
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Types of Georgia Rollover Accidents
Single-Vehicle Rollover Accidents
Single-vehicle rollover accidents often occur when a driver loses control, overcorrects, or veers off the road. These crashes can be triggered by speeding, sharp curves, distracted driving, or hitting a curb or median. In some cases, what seems like driver error might actually be influenced by external factors like dangerous road conditions, poorly maintained shoulders, or a sudden tire blowout.
Multi-Vehicle Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes involving more than one vehicle typically occur when a car is struck from the side or at an angle, especially at high speed. These are common at intersections or during sudden lane changes on highways.
Commercial Truck Rollover Accidents
Large commercial trucks are particularly vulnerable to rollovers, especially when cargo is loaded improperly or roads are slick. When a truck overturns, it may crush smaller vehicles or cause significant roadway blockages, resulting in multi-vehicle collisions.
SUV And Pickup Rollover Accidents
SUVs and pickup trucks are more likely to roll over due to their high center of gravity. Sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, or side impacts can cause them to tip. Many serious rollover accidents in Georgia involve these types of vehicles, and contributing factors may include stability issues or design flaws.
Rollover Accidents Caused By Poor Road Conditions
Hazardous road conditions—such as potholes, crumbling shoulders, missing guardrails, or improperly banked curves—can lead to rollovers. These crashes are especially frequent in rural or aging infrastructure areas.
Rollover Crashes From Tire Blowouts Or Mechanical Failures
Critical vehicle failures—especially of tires, brakes, or steering systems—can trigger a rollover. Tire blowouts at highway speeds are particularly dangerous and often lead to complete vehicle loss of control. These situations usually require technical analysis to determine the cause.
Injuries from a Georgia Rollover Accident
Crush Injuries And Ejection Injuries – Vehicle roofs may collapse during a rollover, leading to serious crush injuries like broken bones or internal trauma. If occupants are not wearing seatbelts or the belts fail, they may be ejected, which often results in fatal or severe injuries. Ejections are more frequent in SUV rollovers.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Rollover accidents frequently cause head trauma, which can result in concussions, brain hemorrhages, or lasting cognitive impairment. Even if no symptoms appear immediately, TBIs can have long-term consequences.
Spinal Cord Damage And Paralysis – The violent forces involved in a rollover can twist or compress the spine, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries may impact mobility and often require lifelong care.
Complex Orthopedic Injuries – Twisting and crushing forces during rollovers can lead to multiple fractures, dislocations, or amputations. These injuries often necessitate multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
Psychological Trauma (PTSD) – Survivors of rollover accidents may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. The psychological toll can be significant, especially for those who experienced entrapment, severe injury, or witnessed trauma during the crash.
Where Rollover Accidents Happen Most Often In Georgia
Rollover accidents can occur virtually anywhere, but they are especially common in areas where vehicles travel at higher speeds or where roads are poorly maintained. Locations with high-speed highways, sharp curves, or frequent construction zones tend to see a greater number of these incidents.
High-traffic roadways, particularly interstates and major thoroughfares, are typical hotspots. These roads often carry a mix of passenger and large commercial vehicles, and the fast-moving traffic flow can lead to sudden lane changes or high-speed collisions, which are common triggers for rollovers.
Roads with complex intersections, merging lanes, and ongoing construction are also risky. The combination of heavy traffic, sudden stops, and narrow lanes can result in rear-end collisions or side impacts, both of which are known to cause vehicles—especially SUVs and pickup trucks—to tip over.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Rollover Accident
Negligent Drivers – Negligent drivers are one of the most common causes of trucking wrecks. If another driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or made an unsafe lane change that caused a rollover, they can be held liable under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6. This law allows injured people to recover damages when someone else’s wrongful act causes them harm. Additional traffic violations, such as reckless driving (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-390) or failure to yield, can also support a claim for negligence.
Vehicle Manufacturers – Vehicle manufacturers can also be responsible, especially in cases involving tire blowouts, roof crushes, or stability control system failures. Under Georgia’s product liability law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11), a manufacturer can be held liable if a defect in the vehicle or its parts contributed to the rollover. These cases often involve expert analysis and may be brought against designers, distributors, or retailers of the vehicle.
Government Agencies and Contractors – Government agencies and road contractors may be liable when road conditions cause or worsen a rollover crash. If a rollover happens due to a missing guardrail, poor drainage, or dangerous road design, the victim may bring a claim against the responsible public agency. These claims fall under the Georgia Tort Claims Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-20), and for claims against cities, O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5 applies. Notice of the claim must usually be filed within six to twelve months, depending on the agency involved.
Trucking Companies – Trucking companies can be held liable for rollover crashes involving commercial vehicles. If a company fails to train its drivers, overloads its trucks, or pushes drivers to work beyond safe limits, it can be sued under Georgia negligence laws. Employers are also responsible for their drivers’ actions under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, if the driver was working at the time of the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a victim hire a lawyer after a rollover accident?
Yes. Rollover accident cases are often complex, and having legal representation can help protect a victim’s rights and establish fault.
Who is responsible for paying medical bills after a rollover crash?
Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible. However, the injured party’s health insurance or MedPay coverage may provide initial assistance with medical expenses.
Is it possible to file a lawsuit if a seatbelt wasn’t worn during the accident?
Yes. Georgia law allows individuals to pursue damages even if they were not wearing a seatbelt, although compensation may be reduced under O.C.G.A. § 51-11-7.
What happens if the injured party was partially at fault for the rollover?
Recovery is still possible as long as the injured individual is found to be less than 50% at fault.
How much time is allowed to file a lawsuit after a rollover accident?
In Georgia, personal injury lawsuits generally have to be filed within two years of the accident, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
What is the potential value of a rollover accident case?
The value varies depending on the severity of injuries, lost wages, medical costs, and the degree of fault. Each case is evaluated individually.
Can emotional trauma be included in a claim after a rollover crash?
Yes. Georgia law permits claims for emotional and mental suffering resulting from an accident.
What if the other driver lacks insurance coverage?
If the responsible driver is uninsured, the injured party may file a claim under their own uninsured motorist coverage, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11.
Is it possible to sue the city or county for poor road conditions that contributed to the accident?
Yes, but specific notice requirements apply. Claims against municipalities must follow O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5, while claims involving the state fall under O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26.
Will a rollover accident case automatically go to court?
Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through settlement. However, court proceedings may be recommended if a fair settlement offer is not made.
Additional Resources
Rollover Crash Mechanisms and Injury Outcomes for Restrained Occupants (NHTSA) – This report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration looks at injury outcomes in rollover crashes, focusing on restrained occupants who were not ejected. It presents data from 1995 to 2002 and analyzes crash configurations, severity metrics, and specific injury patterns related to head and thorax injuries. It also reviews case studies and offers conclusions about risk factors in rollover crashes.
Epidemiology, Causes and Prevention of Car Rollover Crashes with Ejection (National Library of Medicine) – This article reviews research from 1984 to 2013 to examine how and why car rollovers happen, especially those involving occupant ejection. It covers the types of rollovers, injury mechanisms, and factors like vehicle type, speed, and seatbelt use. It also looks at vehicle design issues, roof strength, and the role of safety features in reducing injury risks.
Characteristics of Fatal Rollover Crashes (NHTSA) – This technical report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration examines fatal rollover crashes using data from 1991 to 2000. It looks at driver behavior, restraint use, vehicle type, and crash scenarios. The report includes findings about crash timing, alcohol involvement, and how certain vehicles like SUVs are more often involved in fatal rollovers.
Hire a Roof Crush Injury / Rollover Accident Lawyer in Houston County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
