Single-Vehicle Rollover Accident Happens on I-80
A single-vehicle rollover accident occurred on September 6 in North Sacramento that required emergency responders to help the trapped driver out. The accident occurred on west I-80 east of the off-ramp for Norwood Avenue around 7:37 in the morning. The police report filed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that the dark-colored SUV ended up blocking the number four lane of the highway at Norwood with the driver’s side of the vehicle on the ground.
Firefighters Extricate Driver From Overturned Vehicle
When first responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived, they discovered the driver trapped inside but conscious and talking. Fire Department responders proceeded to extricate that individual from the vehicle. Information on injuries to the trapped individual had not been provided at the time of this report. The accident investigation is ongoing by CHP officials to determine how the rollover accident occurred.
Rollover Accident Dangers
One of the dangers of a rollover accident is getting trapped inside the vehicle. When the individual inside has suffered a serious injury, time is of the essence in getting them out and to a hospital quickly. Other problems caused by a rollover can include:
- Ejection: Anyone involved in a rollover who isn’t using seat restraints is in danger of ejection from the vehicle. Ejections during a single-vehicle rollover almost always cause catastrophic injuries or result in a fatality.
- Defective seat belts: Seat belts are designed to withstand 1,000 pounds of pressure, but if the restraint is defective, it can let go, which causes the person to be tossed around inside the vehicle as it rolls.
- Defective airbags: If an airbag is defective and either inflates too late or throws metal pieces toward the individual in the seat, it can result in serious injuries to those inside the vehicle.
- Defective tires: Tires are designed to keep the driver and vehicle occupants safe on the roadway. A blowout at high speed on the roadway, tire separation and other defects can easily lead to a single-vehicle rollover. When the seat belt, airbag, tire or another part of the vehicle is the cause of a single-vehicle rollover, the manufacturer can be held financially responsible by filing a product liability lawsuit.
- Roof crush: One of the most dangerous things that can happen in a rollover is roof crush. This occurs when the roof and supports of a vehicle aren’t strong enough to prevent the weight of the rest of the car or truck from caving in. This type of accident causes traumatic injuries because it impacts the people inside directly with great force and reduces the survivability space. Retaining the vehicle after any accident is important, so it can be checked for defects, including roof crush.
Injuries in a Rollover
Those who experience a rollover often suffer serious injuries that include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries often occur during a single-vehicle rollover, especially if those inside aren’t wearing seat restraints.
- Multiple bone fractures: Although broken bones are common in a traffic collision, multiple fractures can occur if the people inside are tossed around as the vehicle rolls.
- Abdominal trauma: Abdominal trauma can result from the stress of the seat belt holding the person in position during the rollover.
- Spinal cord damage: Spinal cord trauma can be a result of roof crush.
- Chest injuries: Chest injuries can occur due to the seat belt but also if the individual strikes the steering wheel or dash.
Sacramento Auto Accident Attorney
I am Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. When you are facing high medical bills and other losses because of an injury caused by a negligent driver, call us for our no-obligation, free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can reach us online also.
My legal team and I have helped many people over the years in obtaining the compensation they deserve after a wrongful death, all varieties of traffic accidents, bicycle and pedestrian injuries, and many other types of cases.
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Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/accident-automobile-damage-vehicle-1409006/
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