Rollover Car Accident Lawyers in Rochester, NY

Representation for Rollover Crash Victims in New York

Rollover accidents are some of the most dangerous types of vehicle crashes, with occupants suffering severe injuries or fatalities at a higher rate than rear-end collisions or head-on crashes. In Rochester, rollover accidents occur at high rates compared with other locations throughout Monroe County, with SUVs by design being even more prone to these types of accidents.

If you’ve been involved after a rollover car accident, the lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, are ready to fight for you. Our firm is dedicated to guiding accident victims through the legal process, so they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Rollover Crashes Involving SUVs: Why They Are More Common

SUVs dominate the roads of Rochester for obvious reasons: they give families and individuals a combination of space, comfort, and safety with the bonus of better performance during the winter months. However, their high center of gravity makes them suspect to rollover crashes, especially when navigating sharp turns or making sudden maneuvers. 

Rollover crashes are more likely to happen on highways that are hotspots for crashes, like I-490, or rural roads near the outskirts of Monroe County, where high speeds are involved or roadways curves and uneven terrain can quickly cause loss of the vehicle’s stability. SUVs have a high center of gravity compared to a regular sedan-type vehicle. This reduces their stability in turns and when traveling fast. Many SUVs come complete with numerous features and dashboard novelties, leading to distracted drivers as they split their attention between the inside and outside of the vehicle.

Rochester’s western New York winters further exacerbate the rollover risks of SUVs. Icy conditions on roads like I-390 and I-490 can appear suddenly from blowing snow, and their length makes salting and plowing efforts delayed. SUVs are susceptible to tipping over when they suddenly encounter these conditions.

Proving Negligence in a Rollover Accident Case

Establishing negligence is a necessary step in any rollover accident claim, as it is in any personal injury case. To recover compensation for pain and suffering you’ll need to show the other’s party’s actions–or lack of action–caused the crash. The car accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, know the evidence to gather right after a crash to build your case. They’ll use that evidence to show the other driver was negligent, which can take many different forms in a rollover crash:

Reckless driving: A speeding or distracted driver may force another vehicle to swerve, leading to a rollover.

1. Defective vehicle design: Automakers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles meet safety standards.
2. Improper road maintenance: Potholes, uneven pavement, or missing guardrails, common issues on Rochester roads, can contribute to accidents.

Even before speaking with a lawyer, you’ll want to start right away on obtaining key pieces of evidence that will support your version of how the crash happened. Start by getting your police report from the Rochester Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Make note at the scene of any witnesses that may have seen how the accident happened. The police report should also list any contact information of witnesses they ascertained at the scene. Horn Wright, LLP, can help take immediate action after the crash with one simple phone call.

Getting Your Medical Bills Paid After a Rochester Rollover Accident

Rollover accidents often leave victims facing life-changing injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, disc herniations, or fractured bones.  Medical expenses after a Rochester rollover car accident can quickly skyrocket, especially if long-term care or rehabilitation is required. 

Nearly all medical expenses related to treatments for injuries from the crash are recoverable. Some of the more common include:

• Emergency room visits at facilities like Strong Memorial Hospital or Rochester General Hospital.
• Ongoing treatments, such as physical therapy or surgeries.
• Prescription medications and medical equipment.

New York has a no-fault insurance system that will cover your medical expenses, pay a portion of your lost wages, and other reasonable and necessary expenses related to the crash. To pursue non-economic loss for pain and suffering you'll likely need to file a personal injury lawsuit in Monroe County Supreme Court.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we work with clients to ensure all current and future medical expenses are itemized and pursued against the at fault driver. Our team of car accident lawyers know how to collaborate with medical experts to calculate the total cost of care, so victims are not left with unpaid bills.

First Steps Following a Rochester Rollover Car Accident

The moments after a rollover accident are chaotic and overwhelming. Add on top of that serious injuries and thinking about anything other than getting treatment seems impossible. However, taking a few, right steps right after a rollover crash will not only protect your rights but also maximize the compensation you could receive later in a personal injury suit.

• Get Treatment: Many people don't immediately seek medical treatment after a rollover accident because they don't believe their injuries are severe. Unfortunately, they later find they are significant, usually after getting an MRI, and significant medical treatment is required. Make sure to get treatment right away. 
• Secure Evidence:  Document as much of the accident seen as possible, with an emphasis on taking photographs that show the damage to the vehicles and their layout in the intersection or roadway.
• Save Contact Info: Exchange details with other drivers, making sure to grab telephone information, addresses, license plate numbers, and the name of their auto liability insurance company
• Call a Lawyer: Before speaking with any insurance company, consult an experienced car accident lawyer at Horn Wright, LLP. Our attorneys can assist with every aspect of your case, from communicating with insurers to preserving evidence that can later decide the success of your case.

Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer for a Rollover Accident Case

Rollover accident cases are not straightforward. Between dealing with insurance companies and proving liability, rollover car accident victims face  a number of challenges that require the legal expertise of an experienced attorney. The attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, have extensive experience handling rollover accident cases in Rochester. Here’s just a few of the ways we can help:

• Investigating Liability: Our team examines every aspect of the accident, from road conditions to vehicle design flaws. In a number of cases there is more than one liable party for your injuries and damages. Our investigation allows you to ascertain all potentially liable parties right from the outset.
• Negotiating with insurers: We speak with the insurance companies directly on your behalf, from securing benefits to the amount of compensation for your injuries and damages. We're well-versed with the tricks insurance companies play and ready to make sure you avoid them.
• Representing you in court: If the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to pay you for your injuries and damages, we'll file a lawsuit for your personal injuries in Supreme Court.

Having a lawyer who understands the nuances of rollover accident cases in Rochester will make a big difference to the success of your case. Whether your case involves a single-car rollover on Route 104 or a multi-vehicle crash on I-390, Horn Wright, LLP, is here to provide the support you need.

Call Horn Wright, LLP, Today for Your Rollover Car Accident

Rollover accidents are devastating, leaving in their wake victims who have to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial damage left behind. In Rochester, increased numbers of SUVs on the road and winter weather are added risks to these already dangerous incidents. The lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, are dedicated to helping injured victims get the justice they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward moving forward.