Ejection accidents are among the most dangerous that a motorist can be involved in. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), occupants who are ejected from motor vehicels during a collision are three times more likely to suffer fatal injuries compared to occupants who remain restrained inside the vehicle. That said, those lucky enough to survive these accidents typically sustain catastrophic injuries that result in massive medical bills. This can be incredibly stressful if another party’s negligence caused the collision. If you or a loved one has been harmed in an ejection accident, you should contact our compassionate Manatee County Auto Accident Lawyers, who can help you understand your rights and legal options.
What Are Ejection Accidents?
An ejection accident occurs when a driver or passenger is propelled or thrown from a vehicle during a crash. It’s imperative to understand that there are two types of ejections: partial and complete. The occupant is thrown upward, sideways, or forward in a partial ejection. However, their body doesn’t completely exit the vehicle. They may be partially restrained by a seatbelt, window, or windshield, half of their body outside the car. Complete or total ejection occurs when the occupant is thrown clear of the vehicle. While both can be catastrophic, complete ejections pose more risks as another driver may hit them.
Most ejection accidents occur as a result of vehicle rollovers. This is because these accidents are particularly violent events. When a person is ejected, they are exposed to significant impact forces, leading to severe injuries or even death. For those who survive ejections, their injuries are often overwhelming and life-altering. Victims are most vulnerable to the following injuries after an ejection crash:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Crush injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries
How Can I Prevent an Accident?
The number one precaution to reduce your risk of serious injury in a crash and your risk of being ejected from the vehicle on impact is wearing a seat belt. While some people believe it’s safer to travel without a seatbelt because they fear they won’t be able to unlatch it after an accident or are too lazy to buckle up, wearing a seatbelt at all times is crucial. Failing to wear a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of vehicle ejection. This is because seat belts keep you secure in place in the event of a collision.
If you have been seriously injured in an ejection accident that was not your fault, the experienced lawyers at Becker & Lindaeur are here to help. Our legal team is prepared to help you fight for the just compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve incurred at the hands of others. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
