SUV Rollovers

While rollover accidents are relatively uncommon, SUVs are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents than other vehicles. Regardless of the type of vehicle driven, however, rollover accidents rarely happen without negligent actions by the driver or some other party. If you were injured in an SUV rollover, you should meet with an experienced New Hampshire car accident lawyer to discuss whether you may be able to recover compensation. Proving liability in a case arising out of an SUV rollover accident can be challenging. At Peter Thompson and Associates, our attorneys have been assisting individuals injured in New Hampshire SUV rollovers in their pursuit of damages for over 60 years collectively. We will work aggressively to help you seek the full amount of compensation that you may be owed.

Due to the manner in which they are designed, most SUVs are top-heavy and have a higher center of gravity than smaller cars, which makes them more prone to tipping over. In many cases, an SUV rollover is caused by the driver traveling too fast for conditions, but there are other factors that can cause an SUV to roll over. For example, if the road is icy or slippery due to snow or rain, the driver may unexpectedly lose control and slam on the brakes, causing the SUV to tip over. In some cases, the road may have curves that are unsafe for larger vehicles traveling at the posted speed.

SUV rollovers can also be caused by an inherently unsafe design of the SUV itself. While all vehicle manufacturers have a duty to design and build a safe car, sometimes a car such as an SUV will not have been properly tested under average operating conditions and may pose a threat of tipping over that should have been discovered during the design and manufacturing process. Lastly, some SUV rollovers may be caused by debris in the road. If you were involved in an SUV rollover accident, you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss the facts of your case and identify the potentially responsible parties.

Lawsuits filed to recover damages following an SUV rollover generally proceed on a negligence theory. To successfully show negligence, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of reasonable care, and the defendant breached the duty, which caused the accident. To prove causation, the plaintiff must show that the accident would not have occurred if the defendant had not breached the duty owed and that the breach was a substantial factor in bringing about the accident.

While often the defendant will be the driver of the SUV, when the plaintiff alleges that the harm was caused by the car manufacturer or the entity responsible for designing or maintaining the road, proving liability can be challenging. In these cases, it may be necessary to retain an expert such as an engineer or accident reconstructionist to offer an opinion regarding the cause of the accident. If you were injured in an SUV rollover, it is important to retain a car accident attorney who is proficient in handling complex cases.

SUV rollover accidents typically cause significant injuries and substantial property damage. If you were involved in an SUV rollover accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recoup the cost of repairing any damage that your car sustained. Additionally, if you were injured in the accident and needed medical treatment, you can seek compensation for the cost of your treatment and any treatment that you can show to be necessary in the future. You can also seek damages for lost wages if you were unable to work after the accident. In addition to compensation for any economic harm caused by the accident, you may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering caused by the accident.

SUV rollovers are rare, but when they do occur, they typically result in devastating harm. If you suffered injuries due to an SUV rollover, you should meet with a skilled car accident attorney to discuss your case and develop a plan for seeking compensation. At Peter Thompson and Associates, our attorneys are skilled in navigating complicated car accident cases and will work diligently to help you develop strong arguments in favor of your recovery of damages. Our vigorous advocacy has resulted in a long record of favorable outcomes. We have offices in Bedford, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Manchester, New Hampshire, and we assist injured parties throughout the state. Contact us at 800.804.2004 or through our online form to set up a meeting.