Car accident ejection injuries in Greenville can be particularly devastating. Our experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains what victims and families can recover.
Car Accident Ejection Can Be Catastrophic
Car accident ejection injuries can be catastrophic. NHTSA reports that fatality rates are three times higher when the person is ejected from the vehicle. Eighty-one percent of car accident victims who are completely ejected from vehicles don’t survive.
Sixty-five percent of car accident fatalities among SUV occupants were ejected from the vehicle. Thirty-five percent of car accident fatalities among passenger car occupants were ejected from the vehicle.
NHTSA calls ejection one of the “most injurious events” that can occur in a car crash.
Why Are Car Accident Ejection Injuries So Much More Catastrophic Than Other Car Accident Injuries?
There are several factors that explain why vehicle ejection injuries are so much more catastrophic than other car accident injuries:
Forces. The speed and forces at impact must be enough to cause ejection. If the accident is serious enough to cause ejection, it’s serious enough to cause catastrophic harm.
Seat belts. Failing to wear a seat belt is a contributing factor to being ejected in a car crash. Without a seat belt, the person continues to move while the vehicle decelerates. This can lead to the person striking windows and doors.
Rollover crashes. Vehicle rollover increases the odds of ejection by five times. A rollover crash often means multiple blunt force impacts, a crushed vehicle roof, and being tossed from side to side, all resulting in severe injury, such as diffuse axonal injury.
Blunt trauma. The person who is ejected can suffer the trauma of striking the vehicle window or door in addition to striking the ground, another vehicle, or other objects.
Vehicle protection. Passenger vehicles are designed to protect occupants in an accident. Crumple zones, safety cages, and airbags can absorb some of the impact and slow deceleration. Ejected occupants don’t have the benefits of these features.
What Is the Difference Between Partial and Complete Ejection in a Car Accident in SC?
A vehicle ejection may be full or partial. When a full vehicle ejection occurs, the person is completely thrown from the vehicle.
A partial ejection occurs when part of the body is thrown from the vehicle while the rest is trapped inside. The head, arms, or torso may be thrown through the windshield, a window, or door frame.
Both complete and partial ejections happen in significant numbers, but total ejections are more common among car accident fatalities. NHTSA reports that 21% of car accident fatalities involve total ejection, while 5% involve partial ejection.
What Are the Most Common Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Car Accident Ejections in Greenville?
Common catastrophic injuries caused by car ejection accidents in Greenville include:
- Traumatic brain injury, concussion
- Spinal cord injury, paralysis
- Organ damage, blunt force trauma
- Broken bones, broken vertebrae
- Cuts, internal bleeding, bruising
- Amputation
- Burns
- Sensory damage, loss of hearing or sight
- Disfigurement, permanent disability
- Wrongful death
In addition, chronic pain and mental health injury can be devastating after a car accident involving vehicle ejection. A person may have a combination of injuries that limit their activities of daily living.
What Role Do Seatbelt Failure and Defective Door Latches Play in SC Ejection Cases?
Vehicle design and mechanical failure may contribute to crash ejection. Door latches and wires may fail, resulting in doors flying open. Parts may be weak, or the impact may cause the door to release.
Similarly, seat belt failure may result in ejection. The seat belt’s components may be faulty, including the retractor, anchor malfunction, locking failure, or spooling overextension. Failing to wear the seat belt correctly or improper sizing may contribute to a malfunction.
Who Is Liable for a Car Accident Ejection in Greenville, SC?
A driver who causes the car accident may be liable for a car accident ejection in Greenville, SC. South Carolina car accident laws apply in Greenville. Driver fault is typically a traffic violation or other negligent driving.
When vehicle design contributes to an ejection, such as a vehicle that is prone to rollover, the manufacturer may be liable. Failed components like the seatbelt or door can also make the vehicle manufacturer liable.
It’s important to investigate and analyze the accident. A vehicle inspection may reveal failed mechanical components.
There may be multiple parties with legal liability.
How Does South Carolina’s Comparative Fault Law Apply When a Seatbelt Was Not Worn?
Failing to wear a seatbelt isn’t comparative fault in South Carolina. The law says that failing to wear a safety belt doesn’t count as negligence or contributory negligence. It’s also not admissible as evidence in a civil trial.
Note: Different states treat this issue differently. An attorney can explain what law will apply to your case.
How Much Is a Car Accident Ejection Case Worth in South Carolina?
Because car accident ejections almost always result in catastrophic injury, they are high-value cases. The value of a claim depends on several factors, including the basis for liability, damages, and the ability to collect compensation.
A thorough investigation and detailed case documentation can increase your final award. A thorough claim will explore future damages, pain and suffering, and emotional anguish.
Bobby Jones Law is a Greenville catastrophic injury lawyer.
When Does a Fatal Car Accident Ejection Become a Wrongful Death Case in Greenville?
When ejection results in fatality, the claim for compensation is a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members may claim compensation. Damages focus on the loss to survivors, including personal companionship and financial contributions to the family.
Bobby Jones Law is a Greenville wrongful death lawyer.
Why Car Accident Ejection Victims in Greenville Need Experienced Legal Representation
Car accident ejection claims are generally for large dollar amounts. They can be legally complex, requiring investigation and detailed evidence preparation.
An experienced Greenville attorney can represent you and handle these important tasks.
Bobby Jones Law represents victims and families in car accident ejection claims in Greenville. We fight for compensation in car accident claims that involve complete or partial vehicle ejection. Contact us today for immediate assistance.
