Any crash where a vehicle rolls over is likely to cause devastating injuries and often fatalities. Certain vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents, particularly sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law is an SUV rollover accident lawyer in St. Petersburg with experience and knowledge on counseling injured accident victims. Frank works tirelessly on an individual basis with each of his clients to ensure they’re awarded full and fair compensation for injuries sustained so they can try to regain normalcy in their lives.
Facts and Statistics on SUV Rollover Accidents
SUVs are popular vehicles for Floridians, which increases the likelihood of an accident involving one. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ most recent crash facts, in 2018, there were 149 fatalities from overturning and rollover vehicle accidents. There were 1,851 non-debilitating injuries and 820 debilitating injuries from rollover accidents in Florida for 2018 alone.
Top-Heavy SUV Design
Drivers often feel a false sense of security driving an SUV because they’re higher off the ground and larger vehicles in general. However, SUVs are more susceptible to rollover crashes than any other type of vehicle – this is due to the higher center of gravity and the top-heavy build. These vehicles become more dangerous when driven at higher speeds, in poor weather, or with certain steering maneuvers. When a driver makes a rapid change in direction or rounds a turn at excessive speeds, it can easily rollover. Sometimes, an SUV may even trip on a shoulder, pothole, guardrail, or soft soil.
SUV Roof Safety
In an SUV rollover accident, the roof takes the brunt of the force, which often causes it to collapse on its occupants. As the roof collapses inward, passengers can suffer severe injuries or even wrongful death. Frequently, SUV rollover accidents cause passenger ejections and eruption of flames due to flammable liquids pouring out from the vehicle. For all of these reasons, SUV rollover accidents are notably dangerous.
Holding a Driver Responsible for an SUV Rollover Accident in St. Petersburg
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that 85 percent of rollover crash deaths involve a single-vehicle. This shows that the careless actions of the driver cause many SUV rollover accidents. If you were injured in an SUV rollover accident in St. Petersburg, you could file a claim against the driver for damages by proving they were negligent in the operation of their SUV.
A driver is negligent when they fail to act with the care that a reasonable person would show in the same or similar circumstances. In a personal injury lawsuit, the injured victim (the plaintiff) has the burden of proving that the driver (the defendant) was negligent, which then resulted in injuries.
Drivers in St. Petersburg have a responsibility to exercise care. Examples of a driver’s breach of the duty of care include:
- Driving at excessive speeds;
- Driving while distracted;
- Drinking and driving;
- Texting while driving;
- Overloading the SUV with extra weight.
A plaintiff must prove that the driver’s breach of duty was the direct cause of the injuries to hold him or her responsible.
Damages Injured Victims Can Seek After an SUV Rollover Accident
Damages that an injured accident victim may seek include compensation for:
- Current medical costs;
- Future medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Loss in future earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
If the SUV rollover accident results in fatalities, the victim’s surviving family might recover damages by filing a wrongful death claim. This type of claim is intended to recover medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of companionship. Families have two years under Florida’s statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim.
Contact Experienced St. Petersburg SUV Rollover Accident Lawyer Today
At Marsalisi Law, Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi is highly knowledgeable and experienced in SUV rollover accident injury claims in St. Petersburg. Frank provides accident victims the support and advocacy they need and has a proven track record of successful case settlements that demonstrates his ability. You can be confident in partnering with Marsalisi Law to provide trusted representation and fight for just compensation. To schedule a free consultation with Marsalisi Law, and discuss the legal options available to you, complete our contact form or call (727) 334-1344.
Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.