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Vehicle rollover accidents are among the most dangerous accidents on the roadways. Not only do rollover accidents account for nearly 35 percent of all vehicle accident fatalities, but the injuries sustained by survivors are often life-altering.
If you are a California driver injured in a rollover accident, you may be suffering some of the more common and debilitating injuries resulting from rollover crashes. California car accident attorneys experienced in cases of rollover accidents will be able to assess your situation and vigorously pursue claims for damages.
Common Injuries in Rollover Vehicle Accidents
In a rollover accident, a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side, sometimes colliding with other cars or external obstacles. Occupants can be either ejected from the vehicle, or crushed inside, resulting in traumatic and permanent injuries.
The most common rollover injuries include:
- Deep lacerations and broken bones. The impact of rollover accidents typically results in deep lacerations, broken ribs, and crushed bones.
- Head, neck, and brain injuries. As bodies are whipped and tossed around inside or out of the vehicle, the brain is vulnerable to concussions and cerebral contusions, potentially with lasting damage. The head and neck may incur fractures and slipped, herniated, or compressed discs.
- Spinal cord injuries. The force and compression of a rollover accident many times results in severe spinal injuries leading to paraplegia, quadriplegia, or full-body paralysis.
- Internal injuries. Internal organs may be pierced by parts of the vehicle, objects inside of the vehicle, or by external objects upon ejection from the vehicle.
3 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Severe Injury in a Rollover Accident
Sometimes, no matter how safely you drive, circumstances result in rollover crashes. A few general safety practices can help you survive and reduce the risk of severe injury if you experience a rollover crash.
- Wear seat belts. Ejection from the car significantly increases the risk of injury and death in rollover accidents. According to the NCSA, “nearly three-fourths of occupants killed in rollover crashes were not using restraints and slightly less than two-thirds of them were completely ejected from the vehicle.”
Wearing seat belts reduces the risks of ejection and severe injury in rollover accidents.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle. Unsecured items inside your vehicle can result in flying objects that might injure or kill vehicle occupants during a rollover. It is best to limit and securely fasten interior cargo.
Exterior cargo should also be minimized or eliminated. Stacking items on top of the roof decreases a vehicle’s stability and makes rollovers more likely.
- Purchase vehicles with new stabilizing and safety features. As a consumer, it’s important to consider a car’s safety features that help reduce severe injuries and fatalities in rollover crashes.
Newer vehicles that offer vehicle stabilization and curtain airbag protection are smart choices, as they minimize rollover and occupant ejections.
Get the Help You Need. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a rollover car accident, you will need financial resources to help during the long process of recovery. Compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, lifestyle adjustments, and future pain and suffering is possible.
Contact us today to consult with one of our skilled California car accident attorneys specializing in rollover accidents. We will review your case, handle the claims process and insurance companies, and aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve.