Study Finds Brain and Spine Injuries Common in Rollover Accidents

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on April 19, 2012

A recent study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that injuries to the brain and spinal cord are common in vehicle rollover accidents. Injuries to the chest, including the ribs and internal organs, were also common, according to researchers.

The NHTSA study found that 25 percent of those who lose their lives in rollover crashes were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Failing to wear a seat belt in a rollover makes it more likely the person will be thrown from the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a fatal head or spinal cord injury.

Even among those who are securely belted in, however, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries made up nearly 70 percent of fatal or permanently disabling injuries among those hurt in rollover accidents. These types of injuries can cause permanent impairments, are difficult to treat, and often require longer hospital stays and more rehabilitation than other types of injuries, increasing their cost. For these reasons, auto manufacturers often make rollover safety a priority, and any condition in the vehicle, its parts, or the roadway that might increase the risk of a rollover should be promptly fixed.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a rollover accident, please don’t hesitate to call the skilled rollover accident lawyers in Washington at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. We will help you investigate what happened and hold any negligent parties responsible so that you and your family can focus on healing and moving forward after the crash. Call us today at (888) 228-3860 for a free and confidential case evaluation.