The Rollover Accident
Rollover accidents are some of the most frightening and deadly types of car crashes. If a vehicle tips onto its side or its roof at any point in time during a wreck, it is classified as a rollover. A rollover may occur due to an impact with a fixed object or another vehicle. In many scenarios, a rollover accident involves the vehicle leaving the road. Often a rollover accident will result in vehicle occupants being ejected, which increases the likelihood of death. There are ways to increase the odds of rollover accident survival.
According to statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2018 more than 6,500 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in rollover crashes. Rollovers account for a very small percentage (approximately 3%) of all motor vehicle accidents during that year, yet made up 29 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
The overwhelming majority, around 85 percent, of rollovers are single-vehicle crashes, but a rollover accident can be caused by many different factors, one of which is the type of vehicle driven. In some cases, despite all efforts to avoid a rollover, they may be unpreventable. If a rollover is unavoidable, there are steps one can take that will increase the chances of rollover accident survival.
Before You Begin Driving
Always Wear Your Seatbelt. The majority of people killed each year in rollover accidents were not wearing a seatbelt. Single vehicle rollover accidents result in more occupant ejections than any other type of accident. Properly wearing a seatbelt is the number one way to increase your chances of rollover accident survival.
Once Your Vehicle Starts to Rollover
Ready Yourself. If you feel your vehicle start to tip and you fear it is about to roll over, immediately lift your feet from the pedals – this move may prevent severe ankle injuries. Let go of the steering wheel and cross your arms against your chest while pressing your body deep into the seat. Make every effort to not lean forward as the car rolls.
After the Rollover
Remain Calm. Once the vehicle comes to a rest, it is crucial that you try to stay calm. First, assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you are able, turn off the engine and brace your feet against the floor to stabilize yourself. Take several deep breaths to attempt to reset your nervous system, which will be in adrenaline overdrive. If anyone in the vehicle is seriously injured, do not move them, and call 911 immediately.
Exit the Vehicle. If your vehicle comes to a rest upside-down and you do not appear to have sustained any significant injuries, brace one hand on the ceiling while stabilizing your feet on the vehicle floor. Using the other hand, undo your seat belt. This maneuver should be done very carefully so as not to cause injury or further injury. If the structure of the car has not been severely damaged, the door may open. If not, you will need to roll down a window. If a window is broken, clear away glass shards and debris before attempting to exit. Once free from the vehicle, help any passengers exit if they are able and move quickly away from the vehicle.
Stay Clear of Traffic. Tragically, there have been instances where people survived a rollover accident and then were killed moments later by oncoming traffic. Move to the shoulder and stay as far away from traffic as possible while you wait for first responders to arrive.
Below is an uplifting YouTube video telling the story of a teen who survived a rollover with the help of good Samaritans.
Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Rollover accidents happen. If you or a family member has been injured in a rollover accident caused by a negligent driver, give my office a call for free and friendly advice. We may be able to help you receive monetary compensation. Locally, I can be reached at (916) 921-6400. If you will be calling from outside of the Sacramento region, our toll-free number is (800) 404-5400. We also offer an online contact form.
For nearly four decades I have assisted insured Sacramento residents with their personal injury claims.
I am a proud member of the legal associations: Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
The links below will take you to client reviews as well as information about some of our successful case conclusions:
Photo Attribution: Megan McGuire Burgess
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