Typical Injuries from Rollover Crashes

The skilled auto accident attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman are focused on helping you obtain the compensation you deserve when you have sustained an injury in a rollover crash. With offices in Newark, Wilmington and Seaford, we are able to help victims throughout Delaware when they need us most.

Safercar.gov reports that about half of rollover crashes involve alcohol impairment, while speeding and distracted driving also play a significant role in rollover crashes of which 85 percent are single vehicle crashes.

A rollover collision that caused a mile-long backup on southbound I-495 sent four people to Christiana Hospital on Monday, January 18th. The crash took place at the off-ramp for North DuPont Highway (US 13) and it involved two vehicles. One vehicle that overturned carried three passengers. One of the passengers was treated for a possible head injury, and the other passenger and driver were taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was treated for back pain, scrapes and for a possible head injury.

Typical injuries suffered in rollover crashes

Rollover crashes are not common, but their results can be catastrophic. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), rollover crashes account for less than 3 percent of crashes, but they account for about one third of vehicle occupant deaths. Rollover crashes tend to be violent, and there are many factors that contribute to them including the driver’s level of skill, the type of vehicle, and environmental conditions. There are some types of vehicles that have a greater tendency to rollover such as sport utility vehicles (SUV), vans and pickup trucks because of their higher center of gravity.

If you were involved in a rollover crash that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. There are several types of injuries that are common in rollover accidents and they include:

• Head and traumatic brain injuries. A person who survives a rollover crash, especially if they are not securely restrained by a seat belt, may experience injuries such as skull fracture, cuts and lacerations to the head, and brain injuries that can have a long-lasting impact on the person’s life.
• Neck injuries. Whiplash, slipped discs, herniated discs and nerve damage can occur after a rollover crash.
• Spinal cord injuries. The tremendous forces in a rollover crash can contribute to serious back injuries.
• Broken bones. Broken arms, legs, ankles and other bones are typical injuries caused by the multiple impacts that often occur in rollover collisions.
• Lacerations, bruises and soft tissue injuries such as torn ligaments, and pulled muscles and tendons.

The IIHS reports that electronic stability control technology is helping to prevent the loss of vehicle control that leads to rollover crashes. All passenger vehicles manufactured after 2012 are required to have electronic stability control as a standard feature.

You are welcome to call us at 302.414.5553 or fill out our quick contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your auto accident case. From our offices in Newark, Seaford and Wilmington, the auto accident lawyers of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman proudly serve clients throughout Delaware.