CALL 24/7A single-vehicle rollover on Lakeshore Road in Lambton Shores sent one person to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries Thursday afternoon.
Crash Closes Lakeshore Road for Eight Hours
According to Windsor News Today, Lambton OPP reported the crash at 3:10 p.m. on Thursday, July 30. The driver was alone in the vehicle at the time. No other details about the crash have been released.
Lakeshore Road remained closed between Glendale Drive and Cedar Point Line for about eight hours to allow OPP to investigate the scene. The area reopened to traffic shortly after 11 p.m. According to police, the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
What Causes a Vehicle to Roll Over?
A rollover is rarely the result of a single event. There are many circumstances and contributing factors that can cause a vehicle to roll over. Often, a rollover may be the result of the end point in a chain reaction crash, or something that caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Common Factors Behind a Rollover Crash
Most rollovers can be traced back to a small set of recurring causes. These are some of the most common factors that can contribute to a vehicle rolling over:
- Loss of control: Sudden braking, oversteering, or overcorrecting can all cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
- Tire failure: A blowout or tire defect can strip a driver of control without warning.
- Road conditions: Loose gravel, potholes, or poor drainage can all contribute to a driver losing control.
- Vehicle design: Taller vehicles with a higher centre of gravity, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, are more prone to rolling over than lower-profile vehicles.
- Mechanical failure: Steering or suspension issues can also cause a vehicle to become unstable and roll. Legal Options After a Single-Vehicle Rollover
A single-vehicle crash doesn’t automatically mean the driver was solely responsible for what happened. Depending on the cause, a claim may be available against a party other than the driver.
When a Vehicle Defect May Be Responsible
If a tire, steering component, or another part of the vehicle failed and contributed to the rollover, the vehicle’s manufacturer or a party responsible for its maintenance may share liability. An inspection of the vehicle can help determine whether a defect played a role.
When Road Conditions May Be Responsible
If a hazard such as loose gravel, a pothole, or poor drainage contributed to the crash, the party responsible for maintaining that road, often a municipality or the province, may share responsibility. Municipal maintenance records can help establish whether a known hazard went unaddressed.
Why Timing Matters for Rollover Car Crash Claims
Evidence connected to a vehicle defect or road hazard can be lost quickly, whether through repairs to the vehicle or ongoing road maintenance. Having the vehicle and the scene reviewed independently, and as early as possible, helps preserve that evidence before it disappears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rollover Crashes
Here are answers to some of the questions people, and their families, often have after a single-vehicle rollover crash.
I was the only person in the vehicle. Can I still bring a claim?
Yes, being alone in the vehicle doesn’t rule out a claim against another party. If a tire failure, road hazard, or mechanical issue contributed to the crash, that responsibility exists independently of how many people were involved.
My family member was seriously injured and can’t manage a claim right now. What can I do?
A family member or trusted representative can often step in to help manage a claim while the injured person focuses on recovery. Speaking with a lawyer early helps ensure important evidence and deadlines aren’t missed during that time.
The police haven’t said what caused the crash yet. Should we wait before doing anything?
No, a claim can move forward while the police investigation is still ongoing. Evidence like the vehicle itself and road conditions is often easier to preserve the sooner it’s looked into.
We think the vehicle may have had a mechanical problem. What should we do with it?
Arrange to have the vehicle inspected as soon as it’s released from police custody, before any repairs, salvage, or disposal take place. This helps preserve evidence of a possible defect that could otherwise be lost.
How long do we have to look into legal options after a crash like this?
In most cases, Ontario law allows two years from the date of the crash to file a claim. It’s best to speak with a lawyer as early as possible, especially while evidence is still fresh and available.
After a Rollover Leaves You With More Questions Than Answers
A rollover crash can leave someone facing a long recovery and a lot of uncertainty about what happens next. At Greg Monforton & Partners, we have been committed advocates for injured victims and their families across Windsor and throughout southwest Ontario for over 40 years.
Not sure if you have a case? Victims may often assume they do not have a case after a rollover crash, but our knowledgeable car accident lawyers recommend seeking legal help to find out exactly what legal options you may have. Your initial consultation is completely free. Since we take injury cases on contingency, there are also no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs to pay. We only get paid if you do.
Call Greg Monforton & Partners today to request a free case review. (866) 320-4770
