Rollover crashes are often caused by driver negligence or driver errors. Taking a sharp turn too quickly is just one common trigger for causing a car to tip or roll over. The violent nature of rollover crash typically cause vehicle occupants to suffer severe or fatal injuries.
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What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident usually occurs when a vehicle tips over sideways, lands on its rooftop or rolls over multiple times. This type of crash is extremely dangerous for drivers and passengers. There are multiple circumstances that can trigger a tip over or rollover collision, such as:
- Tripping: When a vehicle’s tire hits an object like a curb or a ditch, the force causes your vehicle to tip over.
- Speeding: Taking turns or sharp corners too quickly, or going over the speed limit may trigger a rollover crash.
- Collisions: Two vehicles colliding together can cause a vehicle to tip over due to the force at impact.
- Weather conditions: Slippery roads from rain, snow or ice can lead to loss of control and a rollover.
What Type of Injuries Do Rollover Accidents Cause?
Rollover accidents can lead to a range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. The severity of injuries vary, depending on the vehicle speed and force at impact.
Some common injuries may include:
Head Injuries
During a rollover, the head could strike a hard surface or could be thrown around inside the vehicle. This may lead to severe or life-threatening brain injuries that could affect your cognitive function and physical health. Some victims may experience:
- Concussions: A brain injury caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking
- Skull fractures: Breaks in the skull bone
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A severe form of brain injury, resulting in a significant impact or jolt to the head
- Brain contusions: Bruising of the brain tissue, often resulting from moving violently inside the skull while the vehicle rolled over.
- Hematomas: Blood clots that form within the brain or between the brain and skull
It is important for victims to be aware of severe head injuries symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
Spinal Injuries
The aggressive force of a rollover accident can lead to spinal injuries. For instance, your back could twist and turn in unusual ways during a rollover crash. This awkward motion could lead to a herniated disc, where the cushion between the vertebrae gets pushed out of place or damaged.
In severe cases, victims could become paralyzed, a permanent injury that would likely require a lengthy recovery and extensive medical treatment. Ongoing care such as surgery and long-term rehabilitation may also be needed. However, with this type of injury, victims may not fully return to their pre-crash physical health. They may need to relearn certain motions, such as how to walk or how to move their arms.
Fractures
Fractures are painful and can take weeks to months to fully heal. Some fractures may be severe enough to require surgery. Most people who sustain fractures need pain management and physical therapy to help them regain full functionality.
In a rollover car accident, fractures can happen in these various ways.
- Direct impact: This happens when a part of your body, hits the interior of vehicle such as the dashboard, steering wheel or window, causing bones to break.
- Crushing forces: The roof and sides of the vehicle may collapse during a rollover causing fractures in the arms, legs, ribs and pelvis.
- Ejection from the vehicle: Not wearing a seat belt can cause victims to be thrown from the vehicle.
- Flying debris: Objects inside the car can hit a driver and occupants causing fractures.
Internal Injuries
The force of the impact can lead to internal injuries to critical organs like the liver, spleen and kidneys.
Internal injuries can be severe or even life-threatening, including:
- Internal bleeding
- Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
- Abdominal injuries (damage to the intestines, stomach or other abdominal organs)
Some internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not detected and treated quickly. Victims should seek medical attention immediately after a rollover car crash. Diagnostic test such as CT scans, X-rays or MRIs may help determine if you sustained any internal damage.
Soft Tissue Injuries
The sudden movements during a crash can cause soft tissue injuries, such as strained muscles or ligaments. For example, forceful movements may overstretch your arm, leading to a torn ligament in your elbow. Injuries can also occur in your back or neck. These soft tissue injuries can result in chronic pain and stiffness, often requiring physical therapy and a lengthy recovery time.
Psychological Trauma
The emotional toll of a rollover accident may often get overlooked because it is not a physical injury. However, one of the key indicators of psychological trauma can be found in victims’ behaviors.
Look out for these types of psychological conditions:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Victims may suffer from flashbacks or nightmares
- Anxiety: Crash victims may suffer from constant panic attacks and fear
- Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities or changes in appetite, etc.
- Phobias: Fear of driving or being in a car
- Mood swings: Rapid changes in mood or irritability
How Can I Avoid a Rollover Accident?
Although accidents can happen at unpredictable times, there are steps you can take to help prevent rollover car accidents such as:
- Driving the speed limits and adjust your speed based on road conditions.
- Avoiding sudden swerves or taking sharp turns at high speeds to keep your vehicle stable.
- Regularly check your brakes, tires and suspension.
- Be cautious when driving on wet, icy or uneven road surfaces
- Do not exceed your vehicle’s recommended weight limit. Excess weight, especially if it is not evenly distributed can increase the risk of a rollover.
Contact Schmidt Kramer for Help
Injured in a rollover accident in Harrisburg? If so, our team at Schmidt Kramer is here to help. Our legal team is deeply committed to helping injured victims recover the compensation they need and getting back to their lives.
If you have a case, we have the staff and resources to fully manage the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your potential legal options.
Experienced Lawyers. Millions Recovered. (717) 727-2500.