Accident on I-80 Near Clipper Gap Blocks Interstate
A vehicle rollover on August 7 near Auburn sent one person to the hospital. The accident occurred along westbound Interstate 80 close to Clipper Gap, according to Caltrans. The vehicle reportedly blocked most of the roadway and initially closed down the westbound lanes.
Traffic Diverted While Scene of Vehicle Rollover Is Cleared
The traffic was diverted off the interstate at the exit for Clipper Gap and Placer Hills Road. One injured person was transported with minor injuries to a trauma center. The accident is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to determine the cause of the rollover.
Vehicle Rollover Probability
Rollovers occur most frequently in SUVs and vans as well as light trucks because their center of gravity is higher than in most other passenger vehicles. In some instances, however, this type of accident can happen to any vehicle. Despite wearing seat belts, passengers in vans, light trucks or SUVs are apt to experience partial ejection.
Added Dangers of a Vehicle Rollover
There can be a high level of danger in accidents involving vehicles that roll. In the initial deployment, the airbags deflate quickly, however, they provide no extra protection after that. Further, seat belts are strong enough to withstand 1,000 pounds of force, but a defect could cause one to detach, throwing an occupant about inside the vehicle.
Dangers of Ejection in a Rollover Accident
If a vehicle rolls over with an occupant not wearing a seat restraint or the belt breaks, the person is more likely to be ejected. An ejection accident, which frequently occurs among young drivers, can be caused by the driver’s age and lack of experience as well as vehicle speed. Despite surviving being ejected, a vehicle’s driver and occupants may suffer severe brain trauma, multiple fractures and more. It is common for people ejected from vehicles during accidents to die due to extreme trauma.
Roof Crush in a Vehicle Rollover
Rollover accidents can cause roof crush. The roof and supports of a vehicle can buckle if it rolls over during an accident, resulting in the top collapsing on occupants. Not all automobile manufacturers comply with the requirement that their vehicles’ roofs support up to 3.5 times their weight during a rollover. Roof crush can cause serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage, reducing the survival space inside the vehicle.
Preserving the Vehicle After a Rollover
It is possible for the occupants of a car or truck to sustain severe injuries or even die when the roof of the vehicle has collapsed during a rollover accident. As a result, retaining the vehicle is essential. Engineers can determine whether roof crush or a defective part caused the accident by carefully inspecting the vehicle. A person injured by a defect or roof crush can file an auto product liability claim against the manufacturer for compensation.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Auburn
I am Ed Smith, and I’m an personal injury attorney in Auburn. A vehicle rollover isn’t always the fault of the driver. If your injury was due to another’s negligence, give us a call at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly legal advice. We can also be contacted online.
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Photo attribution: Image by Gerhard from Pixabay
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