Elk Grove Rollover Crash Ends in Injuries
An Elk Grove rollover crash on Big Horn Boulevard and Amber Creek Drive occurred in the morning hours of May 31. Two cars collided with an SUV in the intersection, causing the sports utility vehicle to roll over. An occupant of the SUV that landed on its roof was transported to a local hospital with injuries. Traffic on Big Horn Boulevard was confined to one lane because of the Elk Grove rollover crash. Police were on hand to investigate the accident and clear the boulevard. It has not been reported at this time if drugs or alcohol had a part in the crash.
Consequences of a Rollover Accident
The consequences of a rollover are often catastrophic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only head-on collisions are worse in terms of severity. Overall, rollovers account for 30 percent of roadway fatalities. Among fatal passenger car accidents, rollovers were involved in approximately 35 percent. While two or more vehicles may be involved in a rollover, the vast majority occur in single-vehicle collisions. Two main consequences involve ejection of an occupant onto the road and injuries resulting from the collapse of the vehicle’s roof.
Why Does an Elk Grove Rollover Crash Happen?
Rollover crashes happen for many reasons, but two stand out. Tripping is one of the most common. This occurs when the vehicle’s tires hit something. This could be a curb, roadway debris or soft soil at the side of the road. This interferes with the vehicle’s forward motion, causing it to roll sideways or forward. About 95 percent of all single-vehicle rollovers are caused by tripping.
Other reasons an Elk Grove rollover crash can happen are:
- Defective tires
- Poorly maintained roads
- Poor car design
- High center of gravity
- Driver error such as speeding
- Inclement weather
Crushed Roof and Ejection
There are two main factors when discussing what can happen when a car rolls over. Seat belts are meant to protect occupants of a motor vehicle from all types of danger. In a rollover, riding without a seat belt can end in ejection from the vehicle. This puts the person at even greater risk of serious injury.
The other disaster associated with a rollover is when the roof collapses down upon the occupants. About 7,000 people die annually due to a crushed roof. Government agencies have established standards for a motor vehicle roof’s resistance. Basically, the roof should be able to withstand a minimum of 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle without more than a dent of five inches. The percentage of resistance to weight increased to 3.0 times in 2017. If the roll bars and roof supports are not able to do that, the roof will move inward onto the passengers. Even if the roof just buckled inward, the risk of head injury increases.
Elk Grove Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove car accident lawyer. Suffering injuries in a rollover accident can cause both physical and financial hardship. An attorney can investigate the crash to see why it happened. Whether it was driver error or if the vehicle’s design was defective, the attorney can help obtain the compensation you deserve. Call me at (916) 694-0002 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also contact me online if that is more convenient for you. Remember, there are no fees until you win your case.
I’ve worked with Elk Grove clients in all types of car crashes and brain injuries as well as pedestrian and motorcycle accidents.
If you need an attorney, it is wise to learn about their practice and what prior clients thought of them. Learn about mine on the following pages:
There are two organizations I belong to that I would like to share with you. They are:
- The Million Dollar Advocates: Lawyers in this forum have all won more than $1 million for a client.
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel: Membership is bestowed on an attorney who is known for legal excellence in their practice.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_79745536_l-2015
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