Rollover accidents are some of the most tragic events that can happen on the road.
If you ever experience a rollover accident, we hope that you remembered to wear your seatbelt beforehand. Whether you do or not, the steps you take next will be the same. Below, we detail this process, explain why each step will help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Stay Calm
Before making any moves, you’ll want to take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Though this situation is a stressful one, letting yourself succumb to anxiety will only hurt you. What you can remember is that your life isn’t over, help is on the way, and everything should be okay.
Turn Off Your Engine
Car engines are built to function right side up, not upside down. What this means for you is that you’ll want to turn your car off after a rollover accident. While its functionality likely will not be compromised, the collision could cause unexpected leaks, which can be dangerous.
Pay Attention to Smoke
There is a small chance that your rollover accident leads to a vehicle fire. However low that probability is, the tragedy that comes with it makes it worth your attention. Pay attention to your sense of sight and smell after the crash. If you detect smoke, it is time to start getting out of the vehicle as quickly as you can.
Check For Injury
If you do not smell or see any smoke, you should check yourself for injuries before proceeding. If the damages are minor, you may be able to exit your car on your own. If you sustain a severe injury, you’ll need some help getting out of your vehicle. Emergency responders might help you with that task.
Exit the Vehicle Carefully
One way people sustain additional damages is exiting the vehicle unsafely. If the car is turned upside down, getting out is a complicated physical maneuver, plus there might be broken glass around. No matter what, be sure to get out carefully so you don’t become more injured.
Make Sure Someone Has Called an Ambulance
A rollover accident typically warrants an ambulance ride to the hospital. When you get out of your vehicle, make sure somebody has already called. While that should be the case, this task often falls through the cracks.
Get the Medical Attention You Need
Lastly, you need to get some level of medical attention. Whether that is a trip to the hospital right away or an appointment at a car accident doctor the next day, you should start to take care of your health as soon as you can.
Rollover accidents are some of the most tragic events that can happen on the road. The reason is that they so often cause severe injuries. Fortunately, you can do two things to improve your chances of a favorable outcome. First, follow the steps on this list so you can protect your health. Next, you can call a local car accident lawyer and see if you can obtain compensation for those medical bills and other associated costs.