May 14, 2021 | Car Accidents
There are many different types of motor vehicle accidents. Some accidents cause more traumatic injuries and have a higher chance of fatal injuries, such as head-on collisions and rollover accidents.
A rollover accident has a high risk of fatalities and catastrophic injuries. Rollover crashes account for almost one-third of all highway occupant fatalities. Occupants in the vehicle can sustain multiple injuries as the vehicle rolls over.
What Happens to Occupants During a Rollover Accident?
If you are not wearing a seatbelt when your vehicle flips over, you may be thrown around the vehicle’s interior. You could also be ejected from the vehicle. In some cases, the seatbelt will disengage during a rollover accident.
When your body flies the interior of the vehicle, you can crash into numerous items. Each item your body contacts has the potential to cause additional injuries. You could sustain multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and other injuries as the vehicle continues to roll over.
If you are thrown from the vehicle, your body can come into contact with the vehicle, the ground, or another object. In each case, there is the potential for catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. If the vehicle rolls on top of you, you could be crushed, resulting in amputations, internal organ failure, or immediate death.
Even if you remain securely fastened in your seat during a rollover crash, the potential for traumatic injury is high. Items within the vehicle may hit you, causing blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries. Pieces of the vehicle can also hit you.
As the vehicle rolls, your arms and head could slam into the ground as the windows break and the doors crush inward. Cabin intrusion occurs when the frame of the vehicle enters the occupant space. You could be crushed as the frame pushes inward.
Common Injuries Caused by a Rollover Accident
Victims in rollover crashes generally sustain multiple injuries. The injuries may range from mild to life-threatening.
Common rollover accident injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Crushed limbs and amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
- Internal organ failure or damage
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Disfigurement and scarring
Catastrophic injuries caused by rollover accidents can result in extensive medical care. Some individuals may require 24/7 personal care as they recover from their injuries. Other victims may never fully recover from their injuries.
What Causes a Rollover Accident?
Any vehicle is capable of rolling over. However, top-heavy vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents, including pickup trucks and SUVs.
Most rollover accidents begin with a “tripping” event. For example, the vehicle hits an object that causes it to stop suddenly and roll over, such as a curb, large pothole, or median.
Flip-over accidents occur when the vehicle is rotated by an object such as a ramp. The vehicle flips over as the wheels go up the object. Climb-over accidents occur when a vehicle goes over an object and flips, such as hitting a guardrail. The vehicle leaves the grounds and lands on its side or top.
The above examples are just a few of the ways that a vehicle can roll over. Vehicles may also roll over when they are involved in a collision with another vehicle. The force of the collision causes the vehicle to roll on its side or until it comes to a stop.
Speed is often a factor in rollover accidents. The faster a vehicle travels, the more likely it is to flip over during a collision or accident.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Rollover Accident
If you were the victim of a rollover accident, you could recover compensation for damages from the party responsible for causing the crash. If another party’s negligent actions caused your injuries, you are entitled to compensation.
Damages in a rollover accident case may include:
- The cost of treating your injuries, including ongoing medical care for permanent disabilities
- Severe scarring and disfigurement
- The cost of personal care, including long-term care
- Lost wages, benefits, salaries, and other income
- Decrease in future earning potential
- Pain and suffering damages, such as physical discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Disabilities and impairments
- Loss of enjoyment of life and decreased quality of life
- Wrongful death damages
A personal injury lawyer can review your case to advise whether you have a claim. They can explain damages in greater detail and advise you of the deadlines for filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
To learn more, call our law firm at (405) 513-5658 or just visit our contact us page to send us an email and we will get back to you.
Contact the Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers at McGuire Law Firm Today for Free Consultation
For more information, please contact the Oklahoma City car accident law firm of McGuire Law Firm at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout Oklahoma and its surrounding areas:
McGuire Law Firm – Edmond
200 E 10th Street Plaza
Edmond, OK 73034
United States
(405) 513-5658