Vehicle Ejection Accident Kills Two People on State Route 51
On Christmas Day, a rollover accident caused the ejection of two people from the Dodge Durango they were riding in, and both died. The police report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that the incident occurred at about 6:39 in the morning on southbound SR 51, close to the overcrossing for Fulton Avenue. This is when the vehicle went out of control for unknown reasons, passed over onto the road’s shoulder and overturned.
Rollover Accident Being Investigated to Determine Cause
Both the man driving the vehicle and a female passenger died at the accident scene. Officers with the CHP are investigating to see whether drugs or alcohol were factors that led to the rollover. The CHP is requesting that those who might have information about the accident call Officer A.J. McTaggart. He can be reached at (916) 348-2300.
Rollovers and Vehicle Ejection
Rollover accidents happen for a variety of reasons, all of which may be violent and deadly. Some of the reasons rollovers are dangerous include:
- During the rollover process, occupants of the vehicle are thrown about and may hit their head and other body parts against the interior. This can lead to traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and abdominal trauma.
- Roof crush injuries are notorious for causing serious head, neck, and upper body trauma to occupants. They are also unnecessary since manufacturers are required to ensure that the roof is able to withstand 3 ½ times the weight of the vehicle. This is done by building a strong support infrastructure. Many manufacturers fail to do this due to economic reasons, and the roof crashes down upon the occupants. This is why it is critical to preserve the wrecked vehicle as evidence if you have been involved in a rollover.
- Ejection is a serious risk in a rollover. It can happen in two ways. If the vehicle occupants are not wearing seat belts at the time of the rollover accident, they can be ejected, which commonly results in a fatality. Secondly, if the seat belts are defective and break during the rollover, the occupants can be ejected.
Reasons for a Rollover Accident
Many reasons lead to a rollover:
- Vehicles with a high center of gravity are more prone to rollovers. This is especially true when a vehicle is traveling over a certain speed, such as on a highway or when it is struck by another car.
- Some vehicles are more likely to experience a rollover than others, although any car or truck can flip over. Light trucks, vans, and SUVs are the most likely to experience a rollover accident.
- Many rollovers are due to a lack of signage to slow down as vehicles are approaching a curve.
- Being run off the road by another vehicle can lead to a rollover. This is caused when the vehicle’s tires hit soft dirt or gravel, which throws the car off-balance.
Losing a Loved One in a Rollover Accident
Losing a loved one in a rollover is even more tragic because it is preventable. Manufacturers have an obligation to provide safe vehicles to their customers. Problems such as defective seat belts, tires, or lack of adequate roof support lead to many unnecessary deaths.
Because the manufacturer is not living up to their responsibility, it is possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against them through a product liability claim.
Negligent drivers in other vehicles who initiate a rollover accident can also be held liable. In addition, city, county or state agencies in charge of road maintenance or signage can also be held responsible for a fatality. To find the reason for a rollover accident, it is important to retain the vehicle, so it can be checked by our investigators to see if government or manufacturer negligence contributed to the incident.
Helping Families Cope With a Wrongful Death
Families need help when a loved one has died suddenly and through the negligence of another person, government entity, or manufacturer. On a personal level, it is possible to help a grieving person by:
- Bringing food to the family home that is pre-cooked and easy to reheat
- Offering to do chores or pick up items at the store for family members
- Helping family members as they secure end-of-life services for their loved one
How a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Can Help
In a wrongful death case, the family may benefit from filing a claim against the negligent party. This will help cover funeral and burial expenses, the loss of support by the deceased and help the family go on without financial worries. Consulting with an injury attorney is the best way to initiate this action. They will be able to tell you if your claim is valid and your options going forward.
Sacramento Auto Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento auto accident atorney. Phone me for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 if your loved one was lost due to negligence. You can also reach me at (800) 404-5400 or by messaging me online.
I’ve helped many Sacramentans and other Northern Californians since 1982 get car accident compensation as well as the damages they deserve for traumatic injuries and wrongful death cases.
The following links offer additional information about my law firm:
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