While all car accidents can be dangerous and result in serious injuries, some are more deadly than others. Unfortunately, one of the most dangerous kinds of collisions occurs when someone is ejected from their vehicle during a collision. If you have been involved in an ejection accident, you should connect with a Sacramento auto accident lawyer as soon as possible to explore your legal options. This blog explores these accidents in further detail.
What Is an Ejection Accident?
An ejection accident occurs when the occupant of a vehicle, whether the driver or a passenger, is forcefully propelled from the vehicle during a collision. They may go through the windshield or a window. Unfortunately, the injuries that result from these accidents can be catastrophic, if not fatal.
It’s also important to note there are different kinds of ejection accidents. A whole ejection occurs when the individual is entirely outside the vehicle, while a partial occurs when only half of their body is outside the car. You may also find that while both kinds of ejections can be devastating, often complete ejections can be more serious as the victim runs the risk of being run over by a passing vehicle.
What Measures Can I Take to Prevent These?
You’ll find that by far the most important thing you can do to prevent an ejection is to wear your seatbelt and ensure all your passengers are buckled in before you start driving. Statistics show that wearing your seatbelt drastically reduces the risk of being ejected from your vehicle.
In addition to wearing your seatbelt, you should also frequently inspect the belt to ensure there is no wear, tear, or fraying that can compromise the effectiveness of your seatbelt. If you notice any issues, you should have the seatbelt replaced immediately.
You should also frequently inspect your windshield and windows for cracks and chips. This can weaken the glass, meaning you are more likely to go through in the event of a collision.
Am I Eligible to Recover Compensation?
If you are involved in an ejection accident, understanding your legal options is critical. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of their rights and will accept the first offer they receive from the negligent party’s insurance. However, this is likely considerably lower than the funds you actually deserve for the injuries and damages sustained.
As such, it’s imperative to work with an attorney who can help you determine the value of your case to fight for adequate compensation. In general, you may be able to hold the other driver liable for the injuries you’ve endured. Additionally, if your seatbelt malfunctioned or was defective, resulting in your ejection, you can also hold the manufacturer liable for your injuries.
It’s important to understand that California is a pure comparative negligence state. As such, if you are not wearing a seatbelt at the time of a collision, you can still collect damages. However, they will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident, which can be high if you do not take the necessary measures to buckle in.
When you are involved in a catastrophic ejection accident, seeking legal representation as soon as possible to fight for the compensation you deserve is critical. At the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we understand how troubling these times can be, which is why we’re ready to fight for you. Contact us today to learn more.