Maryland Rollover Accident Lawyers

Skilled rollover accident attorneys protecting victims in Columbia & Baltimore, MD

Rollover accidents can be among the most terrifying and deadly crashes on the road. When a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, occupants are at risk of serious injury or even death. These crashes can happen in an instant but leave their victims with life-changing consequences, like medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one have been injured in a rollover accident in Maryland, you may have a lot of questions. What caused the crash? Who is at fault? Am I eligible for compensation? At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we’re here to answer all your questions and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Table of contents

What is a rollover accident?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

A crash is classified as a rollover if the vehicle tips onto its side or roof at any time during the crash. The rollover may result from an impact with another vehicle or with a fixed object. Many rollovers occur after a vehicle leaves the roadway. A rollover may lead to occupants being ejected from the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a fatality.

A total of 7,418 passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover crashes in 2022. Although most rollovers (77%) were associated with a pre-rollover impact, a substantial proportion (23%) rolled over without having impacted anything beforehand.

Even when a rollover accident doesn’t result in death, survivors often suffer serious injuries, such as:

What are the most common causes of Maryland rollover accidents?

Rollover accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but some issues increase the risk of a vehicle flipping over. Common causes include:

  • Speed plays a major role in rollover accidents. The NHTSA reports that about 40% of fatal rollover crashes involved excessive speed. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more likely it is to lose control and flip, especially on sharp turns or curves.
  • Many rollovers happen when a vehicle’s tires “trip” on something, like a curb, guardrail, pothole, or uneven pavement, or loose gravel and soft soil on the roadside. When a car’s tires hit an object at high speed, the sudden change in motion can cause the vehicle to flip over.
  • Alcohol and drug use can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to control their vehicle.
  • Some rollover crashes occur when a driver overcorrects after losing control of their vehicle. For example, if a car drifts off the road, the driver might jerk the steering wheel too hard, causing the vehicle to tip over.
  • A tire blowout at high speeds can cause a sudden loss of control, increasing the chances of a rollover. Defective or improperly inflated tires can also contribute to these crashes.
  • Wet or icy roads, high winds, and poor road maintenance can also lead to loss of traction and skidding, increasing the risk of a rollover accident.

What types of vehicles are most likely to roll over?

While any vehicle can roll over under the right conditions, some types are more prone to rollovers than others.

  • SUVs have a higher center of gravity and a narrower track width, making them more likely to tip over during sudden maneuvers.
  • Like SUVs, pickup trucks also have a higher center of gravity, especially when carrying heavy loads.
  • Passenger vans and cargo vans are at risk of rollover due to their long bodies and high weight distribution. This is especially true when they’re overloaded.
  • Certain compact vehicles with narrow designs can also roll over in high-speed crashes.

Who is liable for my Maryland rollover accident?

Figuring out who is at fault in your rollover accident depends on the circumstances of the crash itself. However, here are some possible liable parties:

  • If another driver’s reckless actions (like speeding, tailgating, or swerving) caused your vehicle to roll over, they may be held responsible for your injuries.
  • If poor road conditions, like potholes, uneven pavement, or missing guardrails, contributed to the accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roads could be held liable.
  • If a vehicle defect (like faulty brakes, defective tires, or a flawed design) led to your rollover, the car manufacturer could be held accountable.
  • If a defective piece of equipment leads to a crash, the manufacturer or a repair shop that improperly installed or maintained it can be responsible.

How can road design or defects play a role in my accident?

Sometimes, rollover accidents occur because of dangerous road design or poorly maintained roads. Examples of this include:

  • Drivers may not be able to slow down in time if they aren’t warned about an upcoming sharp curve.
  • Guardrails help prevent vehicles from rolling down embankments, but weak or missing rails can make rollovers even worse.
  • Some roads have sharp drop-offs between lanes or on the roadside, which can cause tripping and lead to a rollover.
  • Sudden lane shifts or uneven pavement can cause drivers to lose control.

If poor road design contributed to your rollover accident, you may be able to file a claim against the government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway. The Maryland rollover accident attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., can help with this process.

How can your Maryland rollover accident lawyers help with my case?

A rollover accident can result in severe injuries and financial hardship. At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we understand how devastating and catastrophic these crashes can be, and we commit ourselves to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can assist you:

  • We can gather evidence related to the rollover, like accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis, to determine who is at fault.
  • If a vehicle defect contributed to your crash, we work with auto safety experts to hold the manufacturer accountable.
  • Whether another driver, a repair shop, or a vehicle part is responsible for the car accident, we fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
  • We negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
  • If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are always ready to fight for your rights in court.

Do you have a Maryland rollover accident lawyer near me?

Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is located at 10211 Wincopin Circle, Suite 620, Columbia, MD 21044. However, we have offices located throughout the state of Maryland for your convenience. We can also arrange to meet by telephone or video conference if you are unable to come to us.

Schedule a consultation with our Maryland rollover accident lawyers today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident in Maryland, don’t wait to take action. The legal team at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We have the experience, resources, and dedication to hold negligent drivers, manufacturers, and government agencies accountable. To reserve a free consultation at any of our locations, please call our offices or fill out our contact form.