Law Office of Robert Mansour
Santa Clarita, CA Car Rollover Injury Cases
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SANTA CLARITA ROLLOVER ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Rollover accidents are among the most severe types of car accidents, and they can result from a combination of driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle design. Understanding what caused a rollover often determines who may be legally responsible.
What Causes Rollover Accidents
- High center of gravity: vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as SUVs, trucks, and some vans, are more prone to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers
- Excessive speed and maneuvering: high speeds, aggressive driving, and sudden maneuvers increase rollover risk; hitting a curb or soft roadside surface can cause a vehicle to "trip" and tip over
- Tire issues: defective or improperly inflated tires can contribute to rollovers, since blowouts or sudden tire pressure loss can cause loss of control
- Road conditions: uneven surfaces, potholes, or debris can make a vehicle unstable, especially during abrupt movements
When a Vehicle Defect May Be the Cause
Some rollover accidents result from design or manufacturing defects rather than driver error, including:
- Weak roof structures: inadequate roof strength can lead to roof collapse during a rollover, increasing injury risk
- Lack of rollover protection: missing or inadequate roll bars, roll cages, or structural reinforcement
- Inadequate electronic stability control (ESC): ESC helps prevent skidding and loss of control; vehicles without ESC or with malfunctioning systems may be more prone to rollovers
- Poorly designed suspension systems: suspension defects can contribute to instability
- Defective brakes: malfunctioning brakes can affect a driver's ability to avoid a rollover-causing maneuver
If a design or manufacturing defect contributed to a rollover, a separate product liability claim against the manufacturer may be available under California's strict liability doctrine, in addition to any claim against another driver.
Common Injuries from Rollover Accidents
Because rollover accidents often involve the vehicle's cabin structure being compromised, injuries tend to be more severe than in many other types of collisions:
- Traumatic brain injuries: from impact with the roof, window, or interior surfaces as the vehicle rolls
- Spinal cord injuries: potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis
- Crush injuries: from a collapsing roof or door structure
- Fractures: particularly to the arms, legs, and ribs
- Ejection-related injuries: unrestrained or improperly restrained occupants face significantly higher injury and fatality risk in a rollover
- Internal organ injuries: from blunt force trauma during multiple impacts as the vehicle rolls
What You May Be Able to Recover
A rollover accident claim may account for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident or worsened your injuries, additional compensation may be available through a product liability claim. California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my rollover accident was caused by a vehicle defect?
It often requires investigation — reviewing the vehicle's crash history, roof strength ratings, ESC functionality, and any relevant recalls. An attorney can help evaluate whether a defect contributed to the accident.
Can I have a claim against both the other driver and the vehicle manufacturer?
Yes, potentially. If another driver's negligence caused the rollover and a vehicle defect worsened your injuries, you may have claims against both parties.
Does wearing a seatbelt affect my claim if I was in a rollover?
Seatbelt use is a relevant fact in many rollover cases, since ejection significantly increases injury risk, but it does not automatically bar a claim under California's comparative negligence rules.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
Talk to a Santa Clarita Rollover Accident Attorney Today
Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case. He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.
