What Kind of Injuries are Common in Rollover Accidents

While rollover accidents account for only about two percent of crashes in the United States, about 35 percent of passenger vehicle deaths occur during these types of automobile accidents. Unfortunately, more than 10,000 people die n rollover accidents every year. This is a horrific and tragic number of deaths and the sad part is that many of these deaths can be prevented by using proper restraints.
About half of all rollover accidents involve some kind of alcohol impairment, although speeding violations and distracted driving also play a significant part in the problem. Either way this kind of crash is extremely dangerous and can cause many types of injuries.

Types of Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident is defined as when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. A car driving at a certain speed creates inertia which can only be gradually slowed down with brakes or turning the vehicle. If you make too sharp of a turn, your car may begin skidding on the road, moving forward despite no longer pursuing the direction your car had been traveling. Because your tires keep their grip on the road, your automobile’s force will force the car to tip over. The car may skid over along its side or roll over several more times.
There are two different kinds of rollover incidents.
The most common type is called a tripped rollover. But what actually is a tripped rollover? A tripped rollover happens when a motor vehicle slides sideways off the street. The tires hit soft soil or an object in the way, and the huge amount of force on your tires makes the car flip over.
A less common rollover incident is an untripped rollover. Untripped rollovers happen when there is nothing in the road that serves a tipping point. Top-heavy vehicles which are traveling an unsafe amount above the speed limit have a higher risk for an untripped rollover.
Both rollovers are equally dangerous and can cause many types of injuries.

Steps to Take

If you are involved in a rollover crash the cause of your specific incident is very important. This helps determine who was fault for your accident and who is responsible for compensation of injuries. A full investigation needs to be created to find who caused your specific situation. Gaining legal counsel can help with this process and move your case forward – and determine what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.
Of course, having an accident is always the worst case scenario and it is always better to prevent an accident before it happens. Many of these kind of crashes are caused by:
High Speeds: If you are driving too fast you are at a greater risk for rollover crashes. Always drive no faster than the posted speed limit and if there is intermittent weather you will need to slow your speed to acclimate to the conditions. Speed is a factor in around 40 percent of rollover crashes, as well, 75 percent of rollovers take place on rural roads where the speed limit is posted at 55 mph or higher.
Distracted or Impaired Drivers: Tired, drunk or distracted drivers may overcorrect their path of travel and rollover if they have accidentally changed lanes, if they want to avoid something in their path on the road, or if they are trying to not hit another car. This is a leading cause of a rollover crash. Alcohol impairment is a factor in 50 percent of all rollover crashes.
Tire Issues: Make sure your tires are in good condition. Bald tires, flat tires, or using improper tires that don’t fit your vehicle or the weather can easily create rollover accidents.

Injuries From Rollover Crashes

What are some of the common injuries that result from a rollover accident?
Head and traumatic brain injuries are extremely common on rollover crashes. If you experience this kind of accident, especially if you are not buckled in with a seat belt, you may experience injuries like a skull fracture and even brain injuries which can have a huge impact on your life.
Neck injuries are another common injury in rollover accidents. Whiplash, slipped discs, herniated discs and nerve damage can all too easily occur in this type of crash.
The forces involved in a rollover crash can create serious back injuries including spinal cord injuries that can cause permanent disabilities, such becoming a paraplegic or even a quadriplegic.
Of course broken bones are a typical injury in this kind of incident. Broken arms, legs, ankles and other bones are usually caused by the impact.
Finally, lacerations, bruises and soft tissue injuries like torn ligaments, or pulled muscles and tendons can also be common.
Nowadays, electronic stability control technology can help prevent the loss of control which can contribute to rollover crashes. All passenger cars made after 2012 are now required to have electronic stability control as a feature.
Always wear a seatbelt! As many as 75 percent of fatalities reported in rollover incidents could easily be stopped if seatbelts were properly worn. You can also prevent injuries by securing anything that is loose in the car. Of course, even with
all of these precautions some injuries cannot be prevented, and you will need to use an accident attorney like Siegfried & Jensen.

Protecting Your Recovery After a Rollover Accident

If you are a driver or passenger who was hurt, or if you are a survivor of someone who died in this kind of crash, you will need to know how to protect yourself, and get an attorney to determine who was at fault for the accident, and what kind of recompense you should recover. Hiring an attorney is the best way to ensure that the insurance companies of all those automobiles involved pay for any medical injuries as well as for pain and suffering.
Being injured in a rollover auto collision is a horrible experience. It can be life-changing and very difficult but you have to realize that you can get through it. Let Siegfried & Jensen help get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (801) 598-1218.