Any car or motor vehicle accident can result in injury, property damage, and even death. The severity of the accident depends on a multitude of factors. If the accident results in one or more passengers being thrown from the vehicle, it can create a much more dangerous situation. These accidents are known as ejection accidents. If you or a loved one was involved in an ejection accident, speak with a skilled Rockland County auto accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How Do Ejection Accidents Happen?
Ejections can occur during any crash and can cause serious damage to a victim. Not every accident will result in the ejection of a passenger, but some components act as contributing factors to this type of accident.
- Seatbelt issues
- Rollovers
- Excessive speeds
- Rear end collisions
- Weak roof/sunroof
- Weak windows
Most ejections involve the driver or passenger going through the front windshield, a window, or a door. Not wearing a seat belt is one of the leading causes of ejections during accidents. A defective seatbelt can also play a part.
When the car flips one or more times after the crash, there is a much higher chance of ejection. Windows may shatter, doors can come loose, or a sunroof may cave. A person can be thrown through any of the new entry points created during the crash.
Driving at excessive speeds is dangerous for anyone, but when you get into a crash while driving fast, the force of the impact is more intense. A person, especially one not wearing a seatbelt, could be thrown through the windshield if the collision occurs at high speeds.
What Types of Ejections Exist?
You may be fully or partially ejected from the vehicle. When a person is totally ejected they are thrown from the vehicle and land somewhere outside, whether it is on the pavement, grass, or another car. A total ejection can cause serious injuries and death due to the impact.
When a partial ejection takes place, the victim is not thrown outside of the vehicle. They may be halfway through the windshield or have only a limb hanging out of a window. Either way, something prevented a total ejection. A seatbelt, airbag, or other object in the car could have made this accident a partial ejection which can result in serious trauma and injury but tends to be less severe than a total ejection.
How Can I Avoid an Ejection Accident?
Most car accidents are preventable. You can attempt to avoid an accident in general by practicing safe driving. Follow the speed limits and road rules, do not participate in distracted driving, and keep a safe distance between cars.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen no matter how safely you drive. Prevent extensive injuries due to an ejection accident by:
- Wearing your seatbelt every time you drive and ensuring all passengers are wearing their seatbelt
- Checking the function of your seatbelts regularly
- Checking your windows and doors regularly
- Getting regular maintenance checks
