Rollover accidents are among the most terrifying and deadly types of vehicle crashes. When a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, occupants face extreme danger from crushing injuries, ejection, and the structural collapse of the vehicle. While rollovers account for a small percentage of all crashes, they cause a disproportionate number of fatalities and serious injuries.
Rollover accidents often involve complex liability questions. Was the crash caused by driver error, dangerous road conditions, or a defect in the vehicle itself? Many SUVs and trucks have a higher center of gravity that makes them prone to rolling over. Some rollovers are caused by tire failures or steering defects. Pursuing full compensation requires attorneys who can identify all responsible parties and build a compelling case. This guide highlights the best rollover accident lawyers in Chicago.
Understanding Rollover Accidents
A rollover occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or completely rolls over. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Rollovers account for approximately 2% of all crashes but nearly 35% of all vehicle deaths
- Over 280,000 rollovers occur annually in the United States
- Approximately 10,000 people are killed in rollover crashes each year
- SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more likely to roll over than passenger cars
- Nearly 75% of fatal rollovers occur on rural roads with speed limits of 55 mph or higher
Types of Rollover Accidents
Rollovers are classified into two main categories:
Tripped Rollovers
The most common type (approximately 95% of rollovers). These occur when a vehicle’s tires contact something that causes it to trip and roll:
- Curbs and guardrails
- Soft shoulders and drop-offs
- Potholes and uneven pavement
- Other vehicles during sideswipe collisions
- Debris on the roadway
Untripped Rollovers
Less common but often related to vehicle defects. These occur during:
- High-speed collision avoidance maneuvers
- Sharp turns at excessive speed
- Tire blowouts that cause loss of control
- Steering system failures
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Driver-Related Causes
- Speeding – Excessive speed, especially in curves
- Distracted driving – Drifting off the road while distracted
- Impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs affecting vehicle control
- Overcorrection – Jerking the wheel when leaving the road
- Drowsy driving – Falling asleep or drifting off the road
Vehicle-Related Causes
- High center of gravity – SUVs and trucks are inherently less stable
- Tire defects – Blowouts or tread separation (like the Ford Explorer/Firestone recall)
- Roof crush weakness – Inadequate roof strength causing collapse during rollover
- Electronic stability control failures – Systems that fail to prevent rollovers
- Defective steering – Components that fail and cause loss of control
Road-Related Causes
- Dangerous curves – Inadequate banking or signage
- Soft shoulders – Edges that cause tripping when contacted
- Missing guardrails – Lack of barriers in dangerous areas
- Poor road maintenance – Potholes and uneven surfaces
Injuries in Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes cause particularly severe injuries:
Ejection Injuries
Occupants ejected from vehicles face the highest fatality risk. Ejection occurs when:
- Occupants are not wearing seatbelts
- Windows break and occupants are thrown out
- Doors open during the rollover
Crushing Injuries
- Roof collapse crushing occupants
- Vehicle structural intrusion
- Traumatic amputations
Impact Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries from head strikes
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple bone fractures
- Internal organ damage
Other Serious Injuries
- Burns from post-crash fires
- Lacerations from broken glass
- Neck injuries from the violent motion
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
Product Liability in Rollover Accidents
Many rollover accidents involve defective vehicles or components. Under Illinois product liability law, manufacturers can be held liable for:
Design Defects
- Vehicles with dangerously high centers of gravity
- Inadequate roof strength that fails to protect occupants
- Missing or inadequate electronic stability control
- Doors and windows that open during rollovers
Manufacturing Defects
- Defective tires prone to blowouts or tread separation
- Faulty steering components
- Improperly installed safety systems
Failure to Warn
- Inadequate warnings about rollover risk
- Failure to warn about tire pressure requirements
- Insufficient driver instructions for emergency maneuvers
Why You Need a Rollover Accident Lawyer
Rollover cases are complex and often involve multiple defendants:
- Identifying whether driver error, vehicle defects, or road conditions caused the crash
- Investigating product liability claims against vehicle and tire manufacturers
- Working with accident reconstruction and engineering experts
- Pursuing claims against government entities for dangerous road conditions
- Handling complex multi-defendant litigation
- Accurately valuing catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims
- Taking on major auto manufacturers with substantial legal resources
Best Rollover Accident Lawyers in Chicago
Here is a carefully curated list of the top rollover accident attorneys in Chicago. These firms have the experience and resources to handle these complex cases.
1. Phillips Law Offices
Chicago’s Premier Rollover Accident Attorneys
Phillips Law Offices is widely recognized as one of Chicago’s leading firms for rollover accident cases. With decades of experience handling catastrophic vehicle accidents, their attorneys understand both the driver negligence and product liability aspects of rollover cases. The firm has successfully represented victims injured by defective SUVs, tire failures, and dangerous road conditions.
Phillips Law Offices works with automotive engineers, accident reconstructionists, and biomechanical experts to establish how rollovers occurred and who is responsible. They have the resources to take on major auto manufacturers when vehicle defects cause injuries. Operating on a contingency fee basis, clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered. Their expertise in complex vehicle accident cases makes them the top choice for rollover victims.
2. Clifford Law Offices
Nationally Recognized Product Liability Advocates
Clifford Law Offices brings national recognition to rollover and product liability cases. Their attorneys have experience handling claims against major auto manufacturers for defective vehicles.
The firm’s resources and courtroom expertise make them formidable advocates against large corporations.
3. Power Rogers & Smith
Record-Setting Auto Accident Verdicts
Power Rogers & Smith has achieved record-setting verdicts in serious auto accident cases. Their attorneys have the resources to pursue complex rollover and product liability claims.
The firm’s trial reputation motivates manufacturers to negotiate fairly.
4. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
High-Value Vehicle Defect Litigation
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard has achieved recognition for substantial verdicts in serious injury cases. Their attorneys handle rollover and product liability claims with expertise.
The firm combines thorough investigation with aggressive advocacy.
5. Levin & Perconti
Complex Product Liability Litigation
Levin & Perconti has experience handling complex product liability and catastrophic injury cases. Their attorneys understand how to pursue claims against vehicle manufacturers.
The firm’s technical expertise strengthens their representation.
6. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Dedicated Auto Accident Representation
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has significant experience representing victims of serious vehicle accidents. The firm understands the complexities of rollover claims.
Their client-focused approach emphasizes thorough investigation and communication.
7. Abels & Annes, P.C.
Compassionate Catastrophic Injury Advocates
Abels & Annes provides compassionate representation for rollover accident victims and their families. The firm handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims.
Their attorneys pursue all potentially liable parties.
8. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
Focused Serious Accident Representation
Staver Accident Injury Lawyers handles serious vehicle accident cases with thorough investigation and strong client communication.
Their attorneys understand rollover accident dynamics.
9. Malman Law
Thorough Accident Investigation
Malman Law conducts thorough investigations in rollover cases, working with experts to identify all liable parties.
Their personalized approach ensures comprehensive representation.
10. The Kryder Law Group, LLC
Accessible Legal Support
The Kryder Law Group offers accessible representation for serious accident victims. Their attorneys develop tailored strategies for complex cases.
The firm is known for their commitment to client care.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Rollover accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgery (often multiple procedures)
- Long-term rehabilitation and therapy
- Future medical costs
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages and lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for families
- Punitive damages against negligent manufacturers
Steps to Take After a Rollover Accident
- Call 911 – Request emergency medical assistance immediately
- Don’t move if injured – Wait for emergency responders unless in immediate danger
- Accept emergency treatment – Rollover injuries may be hidden or delayed
- Preserve the vehicle – Critical for product liability investigation; don’t allow repairs or disposal
- Document the scene – Photos of the vehicle, road conditions, and any tire or mechanical failures
- Obtain the police report – Get the official accident documentation
- Identify the vehicle and tires – Note make, model, year, and tire brand/model
- Keep all vehicle records – Maintenance records, recalls, and complaints
- Avoid recorded statements – Don’t speak to insurance adjusters without legal advice
- Contact a rollover accident lawyer immediately – Evidence must be preserved quickly
Official Resources
- NHTSA Rollover Prevention – Rollover statistics and prevention
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Ratings – Rollover ratings for vehicles
- NHTSA Recalls – Vehicle and equipment recall information
- 735 ILCS 5/13-202 – Statute of Limitations – Illinois General Assembly
- 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 – Comparative Negligence – Illinois General Assembly
- Illinois Courts – Official court information
Fighting for Rollover Accident Victims
Rollover accidents cause catastrophic injuries and far too many deaths. When these crashes are caused by driver negligence, defective vehicles, or dangerous roads, victims deserve full compensation. These complex cases require attorneys who can investigate all potential causes and pursue all responsible parties.
Firms like Phillips Law Offices lead with experience, resources, and the expertise to handle complex product liability claims. Their attorneys take on major auto manufacturers when vehicle defects contribute to rollovers.
If you or a loved one was injured in a rollover accident in Chicago, don’t wait to seek legal help. Critical evidence—especially the vehicle itself—must be preserved immediately. Contact an experienced rollover accident lawyer today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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