Rollover Crash Causes Miles-Long Backup in Washington State
Posted Friday, May 28, 2021 by Chris Thayer
A woman is being hospitalized for serious injuries after an accident on Interstate 5 just south of State Route 516 in Kent occurred around 5:30 a.m. earlier this week. The woman was pulled over in a disabled vehicle when it was struck at a high speed by a large box truck. The woman’s car was almost entirely crushed, and was sent flying into a ditch, where she remained trapped and seriously injured until a crew was able to extricate her. The woman is now being treated at a local hospital for serious injuries. It is unclear at this point what her condition is or whether the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. The right lanes of northbound I-5 South were blocked for several hours while crews worked on the scene. Police say they believe it is possible that the driver of the box truck fell asleep behind the wheel, however, they do not suspect intoxication or impairment otherwise.
*The Dangers of Rollover Crashes * Rollover crashes account for approximately 35% of all traffic fatalities. Considering how traumatic they can be to the passengers, it is easy to understand why. When a truck rolls over, both the truck and its contents become a threat to all other drivers on the road. A rolled-over truck can easily act as a barrier across several lanes of traffic, and when these accidents occur unexpectedly, drivers may not have sufficient time or space to avoid colliding with it. This can result in dozens of collisions within the span of a few moments. Additionally, trucks carry everything from rocks and timber to hazardous chemicals and livestock. All of these pose unique threats to drivers when they are unleashed on a highway. When standard passenger vehicles roll over, it can cause significant trauma to the necks and spinal cords of occupants. In cases in which occupants are not wearing seatbelts or where a child is not properly strapped into a carseat (or the car seat is not properly fastened to the car) occupants are generally ejected from the vehicle, which can cause extensive physical trauma and even death. Further adding to the damaging impact of these kinds of collisions, a rolled over car or SUV also becomes a hazard to all others on the road, often impacting or colliding with other vehicles, passengers, or ejected occupants. Once the vehicle’s wheels are no longer in contact with the ground, it is simply a 6,000 pound weapon that is entirely out of control.
*Avoiding Rollover Crashes * The best way to avoid rollover crashes is to adhere to posted speed limits, leave plenty of space between you and other cars and trucks, and to make sure that you are alert and awake when driving. However, while these actions can mitigate the risks associated with rollover crashes, it is impossible to avoid them completely. Sometimes you can take all necessary precautions and adhere to all laws and speed limits and still find yourself the victim of a devastating crash due to another driver’s negligence. In these cases, a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation for the physical harm and damage that you have suffered.
*Talk to a Lawyer * If you have been injured in a Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, or Issaquah accident that was not your fault, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Pivotal Law Group are ready to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.