What Happens During A Rollover Accident?
There are a lot of different types of car accidents, with some being more likely to result in traumatic injuries than others. Rollover accidents, for instance, have one of the highest risks of fatality and catastrophic injury of any kind of car crash, accounting for roughly one-third of all highway occupant deaths. If you were involved in a rollover accident, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for the crash could be your best method for paying off medical bills. Call an experienced Altamonte Springs car accident lawyer to learn more about whether this option is right for you.
What Happens to an Occupant During the Crash?
Failing to wear a seatbelt is always risky, but is especially dangerous for those who are involved in rollover accidents, as occupants can end up being thrown around the vehicle, colliding into numerous items and sustaining multiple injuries. In some cases, victims are even ejected from the vehicle entirely, which means that they are at-risk of being thrown into the ground, the vehicle itself, or another object. Again, each impact comes with the risk of serious injury. If the vehicle actually comes to rest upon the victim after rolling, he or she could be crushed, resulting in amputation, organ failure, or immediate death.
Even occupants who remain securely fastened in their seats during rollover accidents could sustain serious injuries, as other objects in the vehicle won’t all be held down and can cause blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries. Many vehicles experience cabin intrusion during rollover accidents, which happens when the frame of the vehicle is crushed inward, into the occupant space. This can cause devastating injuries, even to occupants who are wearing seatbelts.
Common Rollover Accident Injuries
Rollover accident victims usually sustain multiple injuries, which can range from mild to life-threatening and often include:
- Fractures;
- Crushed limbs and amputations;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Organ damage or failure;
- Spinal cord injuries; and
- Neck and back injuries.
These injuries can result in extensive medical bills, with some requiring 24/7 care while they recover. Sadly, some injured parties may find themselves permanently disabled, while others pass away from their injuries. Determining the cause of the accident is often crucial for these individuals, who could attempt to recover compensation from the at-fault parties who caused the crash.
Rollover Accident Causes
While any type of vehicle is capable of rolling over, certain types, including top-heavy vehicles, like SUVS and trucks are especially prone to rolling over. Most of these accidents begin with a tripping event, where the vehicle strikes an object that causes it to stop suddenly, like a curb, pothole, or median. A vehicle could also be involved in what is referred to as a flip-over accident, which occurs when the car rotates in the air, flipping over as the wheels climb up an object, like a ramp. Climb-over accidents, on the other hand, occur when a vehicle actually goes over an object and flips, landing on its side or top. Speed often plays a role in rollover accidents, as the faster a car is going, the more likely it is to roll over during a collision.
Free Consultations Available
To speak with an experienced Altamonte Springs car accident lawyer about whether you have a valid rollover claim, call Goldman Law, P.A. at 407-960-1900 today.
Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4160669/
