Injuries from Rollover Crashes: Why Truck and SUV Accidents Often Wreck Your Claim

Injuries from Rollover Crashes: Why Truck and SUV Accidents Often Wreck Your Claim

Rollover crashes are some of the most severe you can experience. They typically involve high speeds, large vehicles like trucks or SUVs, or both of these factors. Because Florida is a no-fault state for traffic accidents, suffering minor injuries typically requires filing a claim against your personal injury protection insurance

But what if your injuries are severe after a truck accident? Here’s what you need to know about the types of injuries you can experience in these kinds of crashes and what they could mean for your claim. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the non-bony parts of your body, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles. You can suffer sprains and strains, including whiplash, that cause pain and stiffness. 

Whether you can file a personal injury claim depends on the severity of your injury. With more minor injuries like whiplash, your insurance could cover your related losses, so you might not be able to step outside of Florida’s no-fault laws. Knee ligament injuries, however, could require surgery, the cost of which might allow you to begin a personal injury claim. 

Broken Bones

Rollover accidents with vehicles like SUVs and trucks can cause significant impact to your bones, resulting in fractures of all types. In many cases, you would be able to step outside of Florida’s no-fault laws, especially if you require surgery. You may also need to take a substantial amount of time off to heal, which your insurance won’t be able to cover. 

Internal Damage

Internal damage involves injuries to your organs, blood vessels, and other structures that aren’t visible. Most of the time, people don’t immediately realize they’ve suffered this type of injury. 

For example, internal bleeding is a serious concern that could lead to life-threatening drops in blood pressure and shock. Generally, you’ll be able to sue for these types of injuries because of their severity. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Because your body may be tossed in all directions in an accident with a truck or SUV, your spine can experience twisting motions, which can lead to spinal fractures and nerve damage. You can suffer from loss of sensation up to complete paralysis from spinal injuries. 

As a result, these are typically considered catastrophic losses for which you can begin a personal injury claim against the liable parties. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) involve a force that causes damage to the brain. They can be blunt injuries, which occur if you hit your head and your brain shifts in the skull. It’s also possible to sustain penetrating brain injuries, which involve an object cutting into the skull and brain. 

One of the most serious TBIs you can suffer in a rollover crash with a truck or SUV is a diffuse axonal injury. This occurs if your brain twists, damaging nerve fibers, and it often results in widespread damage that can cause cognitive issues. 

If you sustain a minor traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, you may only be able to file a claim against your insurance. However, you’ll likely be able to file a lawsuit for more serious injuries. 

Psychological Injuries

Being in a rollover accident is a traumatic experience. You may develop depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder afterward. All of these conditions lower your quality of life. Depending on the extent of that impact, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim to address your losses.

Protecting Your Future with Help from an Attorney

The severe injuries frequently associated with truck and SUV accidents in Florida can mean that a standard insurance claim will not be enough to fully address your losses. In these cases, you might need to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. The best way to find out what type of claim is right for you is to seek the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney.

Common Personal Injury Claims and the Importance of Hiring a Lawyer

Common Personal Injury Claims and the Importance of Hiring a Lawyer

Personal injury claims take many forms. The right lawyer often determines whether you receive fair compensation or leave without the resources you need. Injuries occur in many situations, and you have legal rights that allow you to hold others accountable. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of personal injury claims and how the process works.

Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

When you think of personal injury cases, car accidents are likely the first thing to pop into your mind. That’s because they are a leading cause of personal injury cases. There are many vehicle accidents every day, leading victims to take legal action to cover vehicle damage, medical costs, and other expenses related to their accident. 

Slip and Fall Injury Claims

When a facility is not safe to be in and you are injured as a result, that is a slip and fall injury. They have a responsibility to ensure everyone is safe when they visit. The fact that you were injured may mean you are entitled to compensation. Problems like uncleaned spills, floor damage, and messy areas commonly lead to injuries.

Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical malpractice occurs when the care you receive falls short of what is considered standard in the medical industry. Examples include surgical errors, incorrect diagnoses, or medication mistakes. When malpractice occurs, act quickly to secure your medical records, treatment history, and any correspondence with the provider or facility..

Workplace Accident Claims

Workplace accidents occur in every type of job, from construction sites to office environments. Unsafe machinery, poorly maintained equipment, and inadequate safety measures often cause serious injuries. If you suffer harm on the job, notify your employer immediately and get medical care. Reporting the accident promptly helps protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

Product Liability Claims

Manufacturers and companies that sell products have a duty to ensure they are safe. When a defect causes an injury, they may be held liable. You can file a personal injury case to help you recover compensation. 

Product liability cases are complex since multiple companies are involved, and your lawyer has to prove fault. Working with a personal injury lawyer who handles product liability cases can help. A lawyer with experience in this area knows the right way to build a case that will stick while being able to fight back against corporate lawyers. 

Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims arise when negligence or misconduct causes the death of a loved one. These cases bring emotional pain and financial hardship to families. If you suspect negligence caused the death, a personal injury lawyer can take immediate steps to protect your family’s interests and begin the legal process.

How a Lawyer Strengthens Your Personal Injury Case

Having an attorney involved in a personal injury claim can provide valuable legal knowledge, investigative resources, and case management experience. An attorney can review the facts, gather physical evidence, analyze medical records, and speak with witnesses to build a well-documented claim. This thorough preparation can help position a case for a favorable settlement or a strong showing in court.

Insurance companies often aim to reduce the amount paid to claimants. A lawyer can handle communications with these companies and assess the full value of a claim, considering medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic losses such as pain and reduced quality of life. Through careful negotiation and, if necessary, litigation, an attorney works to present a detailed and persuasive case.

Schedule a Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney for Legal Help

Injuries caused by other people often lead to legal action as a way of dealing with the problems that those injuries cause. Hospital bills, missing work, and other problems can make it difficult to make ends meet. Fortunately, a personal injury lawsuit can help by giving you access to compensation to help deal with these problems.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

After a collision, feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next is normal. As you navigate insurance claims, time off work, and doctor’s appointments, you may wonder if you should hire a car accident lawyer to help you. 

A car accident lawyer probably isn’t necessary to help with your claim if: 

  • Your accident didn’t cause significant damages
  • You suffered only minor injuries
  • Fault is not being disputed
  • You are comfortable handling paperwork and negotiations
  • Your damages are easy to calculate, and the insurance company’s offer is fair
  • Your case is otherwise straightforward

However, if any of the following apply to you or your case, you might want to consult with a car accident attorney: 

The Car Accident Accident Caused Serious Injury or Death

The more serious your injuries, the more your case may be worth. It may also make it harder to calculate the full value of your damages. Additionally, the insurance company might invest more time and effort to deny liability, shift blame, or undervalue your claim. 

If your accident caused serious injury or death, the stakes are higher. Your attorney may work with experts to prove who was at fault and the severity of your injuries. They will also assess all the losses you suffered and negotiate a fair settlement agreement. 

You Are Facing Long-Term Complications or High Medical Bills

If you believe your accident will leave you with long-term impairment, or you are already facing substantial medical bills, you may want to consult with a lawyer. Your injuries may be more serious than you think. 

Even a seemingly minor accident can result in chronic pain, limited range of motion, and mobility issues. A lawyer will ensure that the severity of your injuries and the full extent of your losses are known before settling. 

The Insurance Company Denied Your Car Accident Claim

It’s best to speak with a lawyer when your claim is denied or the insurance company argues that your policy, or the at-fault party’s policy, does not cover the accident. Your lawyer can review the policy, appeal an unfair denial, and negotiate on your behalf. 

You Are Being Offered a Lowball Settlement

Insurance companies often try to offer a low initial settlement to save money and hope you’ll accept it quickly. They are more likely to do this when the injured person does not have a lawyer. A lawyer can help you by evaluating the offer and negotiating for you to reach a fair agreement. 

You Are Being Blamed for the Car Accident or Liability Is Disputed

When liability is disputed or the insurer claims you contributed to the accident, consulting with an injury lawyer is crucial. The money you recover may be reduced by your share of fault, or you may be denied any compensation, even if your contribution was slight. How shared liability is handled depends on your state’s contributory or comparative negligence rules. 

A lawyer will help you by gathering evidence to fight back against efforts to blame you and ensuring fault is assigned fairly. Your lawyer will make sure the compensation you receive isn’t reduced unfairly. 

Your Car Accident Is Complex

It’s recommended to speak with a lawyer if your accident involves any of these complicated situations: 

  • Multiple parties are involved
  • The accident involved a commercial truck
  • You have a claim against a government entity
  • You were injured in a slip and fall accident or another type of premises liability case
  • You believe a negligent medical provider hurt you

Multiple insurance policies, fault shared by several parties, or denial of liability by an insurance company can quickly make a case too complicated to handle without legal help. 

You Were at Fault or You’re Being Sued

If you have minimum insurance coverage, your policy limits can be easily exceeded if someone suffers even a moderately severe injury. When this happens, you may be personally liable for damages that exceed your policy limits. 

Even if you were mostly to blame, someone else may also share fault for your accident. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly. 

Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident

If you’re unsure whether you need a car accident lawyer, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation, and they’ll tell you honestly if they think you have a case. There’s no harm in learning your options, but there’s a lot to lose if you don’t.