Unlike standard crashes, rollovers involve a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof and rolling over multiple times. This violent motion increases the likelihood of serious injury or death, particularly for passengers who have limited control over their environment during the event.
Whether caused by high speeds, sharp turns, collisions with other vehicles or uneven terrain, rollovers can result in traumatic injuries due to the intense forces at play. Understanding the types of injuries passengers are most likely to sustain in such accidents is vital for awareness, prevention and timely medical intervention.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
These injuries occur when the brain is subjected to sudden jolts or direct impacts. During a rollover, passengers’ heads can strike parts of the vehicle interior, such as windows, doors or the roof, especially if they are not wearing seatbelts.
Spinal cord and neck injuries
The twisting and tumbling motion in a rollover places extreme stress on the spine and neck. These injuries may take a while to manifest and can worsen without prompt medical attention. Signs of spinal injuries include:
- Loss of sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Neck stiffness
- The inability to move certain limbs
Early diagnosis and stabilization are critical for preventing long-term damage.
Broken bones and internal injuries
Another common consequence of rollover accidents is broken bones. The violent motion can throw passengers against hard surfaces or cause them to be crushed under the vehicle’s weight if ejected. Additionally, blunt force trauma can result in internal injuries, such as:
- Ruptured organs
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to the lungs and liver
These injuries are life-threatening and require immediate emergency care.
Rollover accidents are frightening and often devastating, particularly for passengers who are less able to brace or react in time. In the aftermath of these collisions, survivors should seek immediate medical intervention. Moreover, they should enlist hands-on legal support to seek compensation for their injuries.