On a Thursday afternoon in Overland Park last month, the driver of a Dodge Charger sped down I-435 in the far left lane, then suddenly swerved across all lanes to get to the US-69 exit. The car hit a jersey barrier, then an SUV, which rolled over onto its side.
The driver of the car was thrown from the vehicle and killed and the driver of the SUV was injured.
Rollover accidents leave people injured and killed every year. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, there were 3,301 vehicle overturn crashes in the state in 2018, resulting in 2,514 injuries and 147 deaths.
What causes rollover accidents?
These types of accidents often happen when a driver loses control of the car. The driver may have been:
- Distracted – texting, talking on the phone, eating and other behaviors take the driver’s attention away from the road
- Drunk – alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time
- Fatigued – a driver who has not had enough rest can fall asleep at the wheel
- Speeding – Driving at high speeds makes it much more difficult to control the car, especially when turning or changing lanes.
- A driver can also lose control after hitting an obstruction in the road, or as the result of a blown tire or mechanical defect.
What kind of injuries do rollover accidents cause?
A rollover accident can leave people seriously hurt. People can suffer fatal injuries. Those that survive may experience:
- Head injuries – These include fractures, head lacerations, concussion and traumatic brain injury.
- Neck injuries – A victim may suffer whiplash, slipped discs or herniated discs in the cervical spine.
- Back injuries – These include slipped discs, herniated discs, fractured vertebrae and spinal cord injuries, which could cause paralysis.
- Broken bones – A victim can be left with fractures of the arm, leg, hands, ankles and other areas of the body.
- Lacerations and soft tissue injuries – These include cuts, bruises, torn ligaments and pulled muscles and tendons.
In addition to physical effects, injuries from a rollover accident can also have a significant financial impact. Medical expenses can add up very quickly. If you need further treatment that stretches out for months or even years, those costs can become overwhelming.
We take your car accident case seriously
After you’ve been in a rollover accident, dealing with insurance companies can be confusing and frustrating. The fact is they are not on your side. They are looking for excuses to pay you as little as possible. And they have lawyers who are looking out for their best interests.
That’s why it’s important to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer if you’ve been hurt in a Kansas rollover accident. At Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers, we know how to build strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable. Our attorneys fight the insurance companies to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Rollover accidents can change your life in seconds. Take back control. Call the car accident lawyers with a record of results. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We put your interests first and are ready to fight for justice.
