Rollover accidents, as the name suggests, involve large vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans that tend to lose their balance and turn over on the roof. Such vehicles are more susceptible to losing control on snowy or icy roads, uneven ground and soft road shoulders. The increasing number of these vehicles on-road is a cause of concern because there is a corresponding increase in rollover cases. It can be well imagined how dangerous such accidents can be. Sadly, these mishaps are common too and kill thousands of people every year. Still, it is worth being aware of the kind of injuries and victim rights if you or a loved one ever gets involved in such a fatal mishap.
Types of injuries in rollover accidents
The injuries sustained by passengers in rollover accidents are often serious. There may not be a crash with another vehicle but they may still get injured fatally as the passengers are frequently ejected from their vehicles in such wrecks. There could be other causes as well, such as slamming into an obstacle or another vehicle and being tossed within the vehicle. Similarly, the victims may suffer due to contact with torn metal or broken glass and impact with unsecured cargo. Injuries often involve parts such as the head, neck, thorax, abdomen and upper and lower limbs. Some of the common ones include:
- Head Injuries
- Brain Damage
- Broken Bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Death
Unfortunately, the impact of these wounds is often lasting and may be fatal as well. Coming out safely from a truck that has rolled over is a miracle. The long term effects can include the impairment of vital functions such as vision, speech, memory and emotional control. Some victims may experience partial blindness or loss of hearing, while others can be crippled for life with spinal cord injuries and internal damage.
Dealing with a rollover accident
Considering the life-threatening injuries that rollover mishaps involve, it would be unfortunate if you or a loved one ever gets involved. Still, it would be good to know how you may handle the situation if you unfortunately get into it. Seeking medical attention should be the first step and you should notify the authorities as well. If you are not significantly hurt, try helping other passengers. At the same time, you need to be careful about your wounds because even serious ones may not be apparent immediately. So it is best to be assessed by a medical practitioner and get treatment at the earliest.
Once you are done with the medical treatment and have reported the accident to the police, you must consult a personal injury lawyer. It is good to look for someone who specializes in rollover accidents because the compensation claims in such mishaps can get complicated, particularly when it comes to finding the party at fault. A seasoned lawyer can help you determine the liability and claim maximum compensation for the injuries sustained in the accident so that you can get your life back on track.
