Car Ejection Accidents
When a collision victim is thrown from his vehicle, the probability of serious injury or death is very high. A vehicle accident may result in either a complete or partial ejection. In a complete ejection, the occupant is thrown completely away from the vehicle upon impact. In a partial ejection, the occupant’s body is thrown through the windshield or a side window, and is therefore partially inside and outside the vehicle after impact.
Common Ejection Injuries
Ejection from a vehicle frequently results in serious injury. Typical ejection injuries include:
- Torn muscles or ligaments.
- Severe head injuries.
- Loss of limbs.
- Brain damage.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Broken bones.
- Concussions.
- Rib injuries.
- Paralysis or death.
Causes of Ejection Accidents
The most common cause of driver or passenger ejections is the vehicle occupant’s being thrown from a windshield, window, or door during a collision. This typically occurs when the vehicle occupant fails to wear a seatbelt. Other causes include:
- Malfunctioning door latch.
- Defective seatbelts.
- Weak roofs or sunroofs.
- Weak window glass.
Determining Fault
To recover damages in a vehicle ejection accident, you must first prove fault. The state of Texas uses the modified comparative fault rule, which can limit the ability of a plaintiff to collect damages. This is significant, since the vast majority of ejection accidents occur due to a vehicle occupant’s failure to wear a seatbelt. If an individual is injured in a vehicle accident, he is barred from recovering damages if he is 51 percent or more at fault for his injuries.
You Need an Attorney
Vehicle ejection accidents typically result in serious injuries or death. Litigation generally takes the form of a catastrophic injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases can be incredibly complex, and they require the expertise of an experienced legal professional who concentrates on vehicle accident cases. Contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.