Driver Trapped by Single-Vehicle Rollover on West Elkhorn Blvd.
A rollover accident trapped the driver inside on December 2 in Sacramento. When California Highway Patrol (CHP) police arrived around 5:52 p.m., they discovered a black sedan had overturned on West Elkhorn Boulevard eastbound just west of East Commerce Way.
More Information About the Rollover Accident
Emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived to extricate the woman from her vehicle. At the time of this report, the police incident ledger had not stated whether any injuries occurred in this solo vehicle rollover accident. The incident is under investigation to determine what happened.
Dangers of a Rollover Accident
Rollovers are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. This is because the driver and passengers inside are thrown around inside the vehicle, which can lead to serious injuries. Rollovers also show a high number of fatalities caused by those who are ejected from the vehicle and damage from traumatic brain injuries. An injury attorney who has experience in handling rollover accidents is crucial in getting appropriate compensation for an accident because of special factors that can cause those injuries.
Causes of a Rollover Accident
There are a number of reasons for an overturned vehicle accident, and some vehicles are more likely to experience one than others. It has been scientifically shown that light trucks, SUVs, and vans are most apt to experience a rollover. This is because their center of gravity is higher.
This is one of the reasons instructions are given when packing cargo in one of these vehicles to place heavy items on the bottom and center to avoid the risk of shifting the load. Specific reasons a rollover can happen include:
- Speeding can contribute to a rollover because of the force of the impact. This can trap passengers inside or eject them, causing fatalities.
- Losing control of a vehicle can cause the driver to overcorrect, which can cause the car to roll.
- Being struck in the side panel by another vehicle is a common cause of rollovers.
- Alcohol or drug use makes the driver unable to control the vehicle.
- Defects in the vehicle such as in the brakes, tires or accelerator can cause a rollover accident.
Hidden Dangers of a Rollover
Roof crush occurs in some vehicles when a rollover is experienced. Although manufacturers are held to standards that the roof must support three times the vehicle’s weight to avoid roof crush, this doesn’t always happen. As the roof caves in, it can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and more to the passengers inside.
Investigating a Rollover
Because rollovers can be caused for many reasons, it’s important to retain the vehicle to identify if a defective auto part or roof crush contributed to accident injuries. Our investigators examine the police report for mistakes and talk to witnesses to the crash. In addition, they perform accident reconstruction and search for video footage from nearby traffic and road cameras.
Possible government negligence isn’t ignored either, as the investigators look for faulty traffic signals, bad lighting, potholes and other signs of lack of maintenance. If this is found to be the cause of the rollover accident, the government entity can be held responsible.
Auto Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I am Ed Smith, a auto accident lawyer in Sacramento. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, a lawyer experienced in handling accidents could help you get compensation to cover your losses. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area or (800) 404-5400 if you’re calling long-distance. We offer an online contact form too.
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I’ve helped Northern Californians since 1982 to get compensation for their traffic accidents, traumatic injuries, motorcycle and pedestrian collisions and wrongful deaths.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
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