.2105191354550.jpg)
What is a Rollover Crash?
A rollover crash occurs when a vehicle crashes onto its side or roof after an accident. According to the National Safety Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents cause more fatalities than other types of crashes and accounted for almost 35% of all deaths in passenger vehicle accidents. The violent nature of a rollover crash highly increases the risk of occupants being ejected from the vehicle. Here’s what you need to know about preventing ejection in a rollover crash.
What Factors Contribute to Ejection in Rollover Crashes?
Ejection dramatically increases the risk of severe injuries and fatalities. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the following factors were found to increase the risk of occupant ejection:
- Seatbelt use - using a seatbelt decreases the risk of ejection.
- Rollover severity - the more violent the rollover, the higher the risk of ejection.
- Vehicle Type - trucks and sport utility vehicles have a higher risk of rollover crashes, leading to ejection.
- Seating position - the study found ejection rates to vary. Far side occupants had higher ejection rates than nearside occupants. Drivers were found to have higher ejection rates than front side passengers.
- Roof crush - vertical roof crushes had a significantly higher rate of complete ejection among unbelted occupants.
- Side curtain airbag deployment - rollover-activated side curtain airbags are designed to reduce the incidence of partial ejection in occupants who are belted.
- Glazing type - laminated glass in side windows may reduce the incidence of occupant ejection.
- Age of occupant - belted occupants 16 to 24 years of age had a partial ejection rate of 1.3% and 20% for complete ejection. Belted occupants had a partial ejection rate of 1.6% and a complete ejection rate of 19%
- Gender of occupant - belted males had a partial ejection rate of 1.6% and a 20% complete ejection rate. Females had a 3.4% partial ejection rate and 19% complete ejection rate.
- Size of Occupant - belted occupants with high body weight and body mass were partially ejected at higher rates than smaller occupants. Unbelted occupants weighing between 132 and 198 pounds were completely ejected at a higher rate.
Can Seatbelts Reduce the Risk of Ejection?
While wearing a seatbelt isn’t “foolproof” to keep occupants from being ejected from a vehicle, it can significantly reduce the risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who do not wear a seatbelt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during an accident. And because three out of four people who are ejected during a severe crash die from their injuries, it becomes that much more important to protect yourself with a seatbelt.
Hurt in a Car Crash? Contact Meyerkord & Kurth for Help.
Being involved in a car crash is a scary event, and when it involves a rollover crash and ejection, it can make it that much more challenging to recover. Not only must car crash victims suffer physical injuries, but it can also take a toll on them mentally. Between treatments, therapies, and medical visits, motor vehicle crashes can also pose financial strains.
Our experienced attorneys are here to be your advocate and will support you every step of the way so you can receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact Meyerkord & Kurth today at (800) 391-4318 to learn more about recovering compensation for your injuries.