Rollover accidents rank among the most dangerous types of crashes that happen on Oklahoma roads. The violent, tumbling motion of a rollover can cause devastating injuries that victims may never fully recover from in some cases.
If you or someone close to you were injured in a rollover truck accident, learning about your legal options is an important first step. Continue reading for the information you should know about going forward.
What Causes Rollover Accidents in Oklahoma?
A rollover can happen to almost any vehicle, though SUVs and pickup trucks face a higher risk because of their raised center of gravity. Several factors commonly play a role in these crashes:
- Driving too fast, particularly around curves or on uneven terrain
- Overcorrecting after a tire drops off the edge of the pavement
- Sudden tire blowouts or other vehicle defects
- Poorly maintained rural roads with soft or unstable shoulders
- Drowsy or distracted driving that leads to a loss of control
Much of Oklahoma is made up of wide-open rural highways where drivers tend to travel at higher speeds. Combined with narrow lanes and limited barriers, these conditions make rollovers more likely outside of metro areas. Understanding the cause of your crash can also help determine who may be held liable for your injuries.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Rollover Accidents?
The sheer force involved in a rollover often leads to injuries far more catastrophic than what other types of collisions produce. A vehicle that flips can crush inward on its occupants and can also eject those who are not wearing seatbelts. Injuries frequently seen in rollover cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage, sometimes resulting in partial or full paralysis
- Broken bones across multiple areas of the body
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Serious cuts from shattered glass or twisted metal
Passengers wearing seatbelts can still suffer major harm in a rollover. Seeking medical attention right away is critical for both your well-being and for creating the documentation you may need if you pursue a legal claim down the road.
How Does Oklahoma’s Fault Law Affect My Personal Injury Claim?
Oklahoma follows a standard that is known as “modified comparative negligence.” Under this law, you can still recover compensation after a rollover as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. If it does, you lose the right to collect anything.
If your fault stays at or below that threshold, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. So if a jury awards you $200,000 but finds you were 25% at fault, your recovery would drop to $150,000. Working with an experienced truck accident attorney can help you push back against shared claims from insurance companies looking to reduce their liability.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer With Gorospe Law Group
A rollover truck accident can change the course of your life in seconds. If this has happened to you in Oklahoma, Gorospe Law Group is here to help you make the most of your opportunity to take legal action against the at-fault party.
Contact us today for a free consultation at 918-393-5487. We can answer any questions you may have about your case when we meet.