Eastbound Florin Road Site of Ford Fusion Rollover
A major injury occurred in Sacramento on July 19 in a solo vehicle rollover. The accident occurred in the Florin area along northbound State Route 99 at the eastbound Florin Road entrance ramp around 6:52 p.m. It was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that a Ford Fusion went off the entrance ramp into an area of dirt and grass and rolled over but landed back on its wheels.
Vehicle Rollover Results in Injuries
First responders with the Sacramento Fire Department assessed the driver’s condition, and it was determined that the person had suffered major injuries in the collision. The driver was then transported to a hospital for further care and treatment. The incident is under investigation by the CHP to determine what caused the accident.
Rollover Accidents and Roof Crush
Rollover accidents are often linked to a major injury. This happens for several reasons. One of the most serious problems occurs when a manufacturer fails to provide structural support that protects the occupants after a rollover. This results in roof crush.
Roof crush occurs when the weight of the car or truck traps passengers between the ground and the vehicle. This frequently happens because the roof supports are weak or absent. In some cases, the design of the vehicle may be adequate, but a manufacturing defect makes it non-functional.
Federal regulations require that the roof be able to support 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle in cars and light trucks that weigh 6,000 pounds or less. There are no regulations for light trucks that weigh more than this or commercial tractor-trailers.
Major Injury in Roof Crush
The head and neck are most susceptible to injury in a roof crush accident. The most common injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injury: The nature of a roof crush injury lends itself to horrific brain injury. The impact on the head can lead to brain trauma with symptoms ranging from a headache with dizziness to unconsciousness. Surgery is required to treat blood clots that put pressure on the brain, causing cognitive difficulties. Traumatic brain injury can result in life-long impairment and, in some cases, the need for constant care.
- Spinal injury: Roof crush can cause significant damage to the spinal cord. This can result in partial paralysis. Less frequently, when the cervical (neck) spinal cord is damaged, the injured party will require complete care, including respiratory assistance.
- Wrongful death: In total roof collapse, the incidence of fatal injuries is high.
Seat Belt Failure in a Rollover Crash
Seat belts are important safety features, particularly in a rollover. However, seat belts don’t always perform well in a rollover. The reason for this is as the roof caves in, a seat belt has more play and becomes slack, easing the hold it has on the passenger. Another problem is the locking device might give way.
These issues could be eliminated if automakers tested seat belts in simulated rollovers. Manufacturers have the obligation of ensuring that safety devices will afford the protection consumers demand.
Investigating a Rollover Accident
As you can see, rollovers are complex accidents that require intensive investigation. Without proof, the case will not be able to successfully proceed. Our firm sends our investigative team to the collision site where they determine liability using accident reconstruction techniques.
They examine skid marks on the pavement and interview witnesses. If a traffic surveillance camera is nearby, the investigators also obtain video footage.
Our investigators also examine the vehicle. This is one reason why it is important to preserve the vehicle. They check for adequate roof support and seat belt failure. No stone is left unturned as we search for the reason our client was injured. Once all the data is amassed, it is turned over to our lawyers, who use it to build a strong case for our client.
Auto Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an auto accident lawyer in Sacramento. Contact me for free and friendly advice. I can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. You can also contact me online.
I’ve helped clients from all over the Sacramento area receive the compensation they deserve. I work on all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths and serious injuries.
For a free copy of my books on motorcycle and car accidents, just click on the links. I wrote them to help clients understand the law as it pertains to both types of accidents.
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Learn more about my practice by visiting the pages listed below:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/traffic-transport-auto-accident-3098816/
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