When a rollover happens on a Montgomery road or an Alabama interstate, the aftermath is devastating. Rollover crashes combine severe injuries, vehicle damage, and liability issues. Plus, under Ala. Code § 6-2-38, survivors and their families only have two years to file a claim. A Montgomery car accident attorney helps survivors and their families fight for justice.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has handled rollover accidents involving SUVs, ATVs, and golf carts. Learn your legal rights as a survivor of a rollover crash in Alabama today. Then book a free case review.
How Rollover Crashes are Different From Other Car Accidents
Most people think of a car accident as one vehicle hitting another. A rollover is different, and the legal case that follows looks different, too.
Rollover crashes are triggered by colliding with another vehicle or swerving to avoid a road hazard. Drivers may simply take a sharp turn at the wrong speed. SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more prone to rollovers because of their higher center of gravity. This is one of the reasons product liability claims often factor into these cases.
Rollover injuries are often severe. Roof crush, ejection, and multiple impacts inside the vehicle produce traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones. Occupants without seatbelts face an even greater risk.
This is why rollover crashes often require a different legal approach. More than one party may share liability. The other driver, the vehicle manufacturer, or a road construction worker could all be responsible. Our rollover accident legal team thoroughly investigates every potential angle.
Understanding the Contributory Negligence Trap in Rollover Cases
Rollover crashes are especially vulnerable to one of Alabama’s harshest legal rules: pure contributory negligence. If the defense finds you responsible for even 1% of the crash, you may not be able to receive any compensation at all.
Unfortunately, rollover cases give insurance companies multiple angles to argue. Did the driver speed or swerve? Were they wearing a seat belt? Any of these questions can build a contributory negligence argument.
What this means for you:
- Be careful with what you say at the scene, and in the days following the accident
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer before speaking with an attorney
- Document everything, including photos and videos of the scene and injuries
- Keep records of all medical visits, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care
The role of a Montgomery auto accident lawyer isn’t just to prove the other side was at fault. It’s to keep you from being blamed at all. Learn more about our attorneys’ car accident practice and strategies.
What Compensation Looks Like After a Montgomery Rollover Crash
Rollover injuries tend to be severe, and the financial impact reflects that. A thoroughly built claim accounts for immediate costs, long-term care, and every category of loss, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Relatives may also file wrongful death claims under Alabama’s punitive damages framework. These claims require a specific legal strategy.
Common Questions for Montgomery Car Accident Attorneys About Rollover Crashes
What does a Montgomery car accident attorney do after a rollover crash?
A Montgomery car accident attorney investigates the entirety of the crash. They collect evidence and identify every liable party. Also, they collaborate with medical and engineering experts and manage all third-party communication. Ultimately, a Montgomery car accident attorney builds your case to reflect the full impact of your injuries.
How long do I have to file a rollover crash claim in Montgomery, Alabama?
Alabama’s statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the crash. Contact an attorney early to confirm the deadline for your case.
Can I file a claim if a defective vehicle or tire caused the rollover?
Yes. Product liability claims can be filed alongside a personal injury claim. However, this only works if a vehicle or component defect contributed to a rollover. Tire failures, roof crush, and electronic stability control issues are all common grounds for these claims.
What if I wasn’t wearing a seat belt during the rollover?
The defense may use no seat belt as a part of their contributory negligence argument. Whether it affects your recovery depends on the specific facts. A Montgomery auto accident lawyer can assess how it applies to your case.
How much does a Montgomery car accident lawyer cost?
Most car accident attorneys, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay your attorney if they win a settlement or verdict in your favor.
What should I do immediately after a rollover crash in Montgomery?
Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Document the scene, collect witness contact information, and contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
Who else besides the other driver could be liable in a rollover crash?
Vehicle manufacturers, tire manufacturers, road maintenance contractors, or trucking companies may be responsible for the rollover accident. A thorough investigation identifies every responsible party.
Trust Our Auto Accident Attorneys in Montgomery, AL
Rollover crashes are devastating for survivors and their families. After that kind of loss, you need an attorney with the skills and resources to build a strong case. Alabama law, especially the contributory negligence rule, can work against injured folks like you.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we’ve spent more than 20 years fighting for accident victims across Montgomery and Alabama. Our team has recovered over $2 billion for more than 250,000 clients nationwide. Schedule a free case review today, because the other side is already building their argument.
