Rollover on I-5 in Single-Vehicle Accident Causes Injuries
A rollover crash occurred along southbound Interstate 5 on November 25 in Sacramento, which seriously injured the driver. The accident was reported as occurring around 5:36 in the morning, just north of Airport Boulevard. According to the report of the incident by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver lost control of their vehicle for unknown reasons and became trapped inside the car on top of the center divider.
Driver Trapped in Upside-Down Vehicle
The vehicle was left positioned on its roof, trapping the driver inside. Emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived to help extricate the person inside the vehicle, and it was determined that they had suffered major injuries. A helicopter arrived to transport the patient to a nearby hospital.
Sigalert Issued for Air Transport
A Sigalert was issued for the southbound lanes on I-5 just north of Airport Boulevard to provide space for the helicopter and medical transport. The patient was transported to UC Davis Medical Center for additional evaluation and treatment.
Dangers of a Rollover Crash
Rollovers are among the most dangerous types of accidents. As the vehicle rolls, the passengers inside are subject to serious injuries or ejection, which is almost always fatal. Some vehicles are more apt to experience a rollover, although any vehicle can be involved in this devastating event. Vans, SUVs, and light pickups are most apt to roll because of their high center of gravity, which causes them to destabilize more easily. The main causes of a rollover include:
- Speeding: Driving at too fast a speed, especially on sharp turns, can lead to a rollover crash.
- Striking an object in the road: When traveling at higher speeds, hitting a large object in the road, such as a rock or tree limb, can be enough to cause the vehicle to turn over.
- Mechanical problems: A tire blowout, brake, or steering problems may lead to a rollover. When an auto defect is a cause, the manufacturer and others may be liable for injuries or fatalities.
- Distracted driving: A motorist who is distracted because they are texting, talking on a phone, or performing another activity can easily cause a rollover. This happens when they suddenly come up on another vehicle, drift into another lane, or an additional problem occurs. It causes the driver to jerk the wheel, making their car unbalance and roll.
- Fatigue: When a driver nods off behind the wheel of a car, it can cause the vehicle to go onto the shoulder or strike an object. This can result in a rollover.
Crushed Roof
One of the problems with a rollover is that the roof of the vehicle can crush in on top of the occupants inside. This can result in spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries. Manufacturers are held to standards when it comes to the strength of the top of a motor vehicle. This is to ensure that the vehicle does not experience roof crush if it is involved in a rollover. If the roof does collapse and causes injuries, the manufacturer and others in the production line may be held financially responsible through a product liability lawsuit. This is why it is vital to have the vehicle preserved following an accident.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When someone is injured in a traffic accident that isn’t their fault, I may be able to help them get the compensation they deserve. Give me a call at (916) 921-6400 if you want my free and friendly advice. You can also contact me at (800) 404-5400 or by completing the short, online message form.
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At my law firm, we have helped many people from Northern California to get compensation to pay their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We handle any type of car accident, cases that involve traumatic injuries, claims against the government, and wrongful deaths, among others. Call to see how we can help you.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
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