Steps To Take After a Rollover Accident
A rollover accident is one of the most serious types of vehicle accidents. This type of accident can cause severe injuries and even death. After a rollover accident, it is common to feel disoriented and unaware of the steps to take. However, knowing what to do in the event of a rollover accident can significantly impact your safety, health, and legal position. Read on to understand the steps to take following a rollover accident.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident happens when a vehicle overturns onto its roof or side. Often, rollover accidents result in severe injuries or fatalities. Any car can be involved in a rollover accident, but SUVs, trucks, and other vehicles with a high center of gravity are particularly susceptible to rolling over. Apart from injuries and death, rollover accidents can also lead to extensive property damage.
Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can result in various injuries. The following are some of the common injuries in rollover accidents;
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
These injuries can vary in severity, depending on factors such as vehicle speed, vehicle type, and whether occupants were wearing seat belts.
Steps To Take After a Rollover Accident
After being involved in a rollover accident, there are some steps you need to take to ensure your safety and protect your health and legal position. The following are some of the steps to take immediately after a rollover accident;
- Check for Injuries
The first thing to do after a rollover accident, if you are able, is to check yourself and other vehicle occupants for injuries. If you are capable, call 911 immediately to get medical help. Even if it seems no one is injured or the injuries are minor, it is best to get medically evaluated immediately. Some injuries may not be easily apparent, while the shock may mask the severity of some injuries.
- Call the Police
Calling 911 is not only essential for having medical services dispatched to your location but also for having the police dispatched. So call 911 even if you don’t think anyone needs medical attention. Police reports are vital evidence in compensation or insurance claims.
- Turn Off the Car
If possible, turn off the car. This can help prevent further risks. Turning off the vehicle can help eliminate the risk of fire or fuel leakage. It also helps prevent electrical systems from malfunctioning.
- Document the Scene
Capture pictures and videos of the accident from different angles, documenting the vehicles’ damage, skid marks, and other pertinent details. If any witnesses saw what happened, get their names and contact information.
- Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact information, driver’s license information, and insurance information.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
- Consult an Attorney
Lastly, consult a car accident attorney to understand your legal rights and options.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been involved in a rollover accident, contact our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for help understanding your legal rights and options. The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Naples, Melbourne, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
