Rollover Accident Settlement Amounts and Liability Guide

Rollover accidents are among the most violent and dangerous types of vehicle crashes. Although they account for only about 3 percent of all serious crashes, rollovers are responsible for approximately 30 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths. The violent tumbling motion can cause occupants to be thrown around inside the vehicle or ejected entirely.

Average Settlement Amounts

Minor injuries from rollover accidents settle for $30,000 to $100,000. Moderate injuries including fractures settle for $75,000 to $300,000. Serious injuries requiring surgery settle for $200,000 to $750,000. Catastrophic injuries including paralysis settle for $500,000 to $5,000,000 or more. Wrongful death from rollover settle for $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 or more.

Common Causes

Rollovers are caused by several factors. High center of gravity vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are more prone to rollovers. Tripping occurs when a vehicle's tires strike a curb, soft shoulder, or other object causing it to tip. Excessive speed on curves or during emergency maneuvers. Tire blowouts that cause the driver to lose control. Being struck by another vehicle in a way that causes the vehicle to roll.

Vehicle Defect Claims

Many rollover accidents involve vehicle design defects that can give rise to product liability claims against the manufacturer. Roof crush occurs when the vehicle's roof collapses during a rollover, causing head and spinal injuries. Seatbelt failure allows occupants to be ejected during the rollover. Door latch failure allows doors to open during the rollover. Tire defects such as tread separation can cause the initial loss of control.

Product liability claims against vehicle manufacturers can significantly increase the total compensation available because manufacturers typically have substantial insurance coverage and assets.

Common Injuries

Rollover accidents cause distinctive injuries including traumatic brain injuries from the head striking the roof, ground, or interior surfaces. Spinal cord injuries from compression during roof crush. Ejection injuries when occupants are thrown from the vehicle. Crush injuries from the vehicle's roof or body panels collapsing. Multiple fractures from the violent tumbling motion.

Conclusion

Rollover accident settlements range from $30,000 to $10,000,000 or more. If a vehicle defect contributed to the rollover or worsened your injuries, a product liability claim can significantly increase your compensation.

Use our free settlement calculator to estimate what your rollover accident case might be worth.