Jacksonville Rollover Accident Attorney

Fighting for Victims of Devastating Rollover Crashes

Rollover accidents are among the most catastrophic types of auto accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Unlike other collisions, rollovers can involve violent rolling motions, roof crush risks, and occupant ejections, making them particularly deadly.

If you or a loved one was injured in a rollover accident in Jacksonville, you may have options for pursuing compensation. Whether the crash was caused by a negligent driver, a defective vehicle, or unsafe road conditions, our team at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. is here to help.

With over 150 years of combined experience and a history of recovering millions of dollars for accident victims, we know how to handle complex claims. Call (904) 295-1050 today for a free consultation.

Understanding Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof and may roll multiple times before coming to a stop. These accidents are violent and unpredictable, often resulting in:

• Roof crush injuries – If the vehicle’s roof collapses, occupants may suffer head, neck, or spinal trauma.
• Occupant ejection – Passengers who are not properly restrained can be thrown from the vehicle.
• Multiple impacts – Unlike single-collision crashes, rollovers involve multiple points of impact, increasing injury severity.

Why Are Rollovers So Dangerous?

• High fatality rate – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover crashes account for nearly 30% of all passenger vehicle fatalities despite making up a smaller percentage of total accidents.
• Serious injuries – Due to the violent rolling motion and risk of roof crush, rollovers frequently cause brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones.
• Higher risk of occupant ejection – Nearly 50% of fatalities in rollover crashes occur when an occupant is ejected from the vehicle.

Because rollover accidents often result in life-altering injuries, victims and their families may need substantial compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term care.

Common Causes of Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents can happen for many reasons, but certain risk factors make them more likely, including:

1. Driver Negligence

• Speeding – High-speed crashes increase the likelihood of a vehicle overturning.
• Distracted driving – Looking away from the road for even a moment can cause a driver to overcorrect and flip their vehicle.
• Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, increasing the risk of rollovers.
• Aggressive driving – Sudden lane changes, swerving, or sharp turns at high speeds can cause instability.

2. Vehicle Type & Design Defects. 

Certain vehicles are more prone to rollovers, including:

• SUVs and pickup trucks – Due to their higher center of gravity, SUVs and trucks are three times more likely to roll over than passenger cars.
• Vans and commercial vehicles – Heavily loaded vans and cargo trucks can tip if weight is unevenly distributed.
• Defective vehicles – Flawed designs, unstable suspensions, weak roof structures, or tire defects can contribute to rollovers.

3. Road & Environmental Hazards

• Uneven pavement or drop-offs – When a vehicle’s tire catches the edge of the road, it can cause a loss of control.
• Poor weather conditions – Rain, fog, or slick roads increase the risk of rollovers.
• Construction zones – Improperly marked hazards or debris can force drivers into evasive maneuvers, leading to rollovers.

If a vehicle design flaw or a hazardous roadway contributed to the accident, multiple parties may be liable for your damages.

Who Is Liable for a Rollover Accident?

Rollover accidents often involve multiple liable parties, making these cases more complex. Potentially responsible parties could include:

1. Another Driver. If a reckless, intoxicated, or distracted driver caused the accident—such as by cutting you off or making an unsafe lane change—they may be liable for your injuries.
2. Vehicle or Tire Manufacturers. If the vehicle or its components contributed to the rollover, you may have a product liability claim against:
   1. The vehicle manufacturer (for a top-heavy design or a weak roof structure)
   2. The tire manufacturer (if a tire blowout or tread separation led to the crash)
   3. Auto part makers (if faulty brakes or steering defects contributed to the accident)
3. Government Entities or Contractors. If poor road conditions, missing guardrails, or dangerous intersections played a role in your crash, you may be able to file a claim against a municipality or road maintenance company.

What Compensation Can Rollover Accident Victims Recover?

Rollover crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries, meaning victims may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care costs.
• Lost wages – Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to your job.
• Pain and suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
• Property damage – Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged property.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement – Compensation for life-altering injuries, such as paralysis or amputation.
• Wrongful death damages – Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering if a loved one was killed in a rollover accident.

How Our Jacksonville Rollover Accident Lawyers Can Help

Rollover accident claims are highly complex due to severe injuries, multiple liable parties, and potential product liability issues. Our firm provides:

• Thorough accident investigations – Examining crash reports, vehicle black box data, and expert reconstructions.
  Product liability experience – Identifying whether a vehicle defect or tire failure contributed to the rollover.
  Negotiation with insurers – Fighting for full compensation, even when insurance companies try to minimize claims.
• Trial-ready representation – If necessary, we are prepared to litigate your case in court.

We understand that a rollover crash can change your life in an instant. Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.

Call for a Free Consultation: (904) 295-1050

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident in Jacksonville, do not wait to seek legal help. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we fight for the rights of injury victims and their families.

Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online for a free consultation. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.