Driver Ejected From Vehicle in Manhattan Crash: What Should I Do?
Ejection accidents often prove to be incredibly dangerous for drivers in Manhattan. As the name suggests, these accidents involve occupants being thrown from their vehicles. These victims are frequently crushed or struck as they lie on the road. Crashes like this occur all the time in Manhattan, and many families can attest to their hazards. If you have lost a loved one due to an ejected crash, consider a consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in Manhattan.
What Happens When Someone Is Ejected from a Vehicle?
When someone is ejected from a vehicle, they tumble out of the windows or windshield. In some cases, the windows are already broken when the victim falls out. In other cases, the force of their body against the window smashes it as they fall out. Sometimes, victims fall out of windows that were already open at the time of the collision. Occupants can also tumble out of moonroofs or sunroofs with relative ease.
After the occupant leaves the vehicle, they continue to fly through the air based on the momentum of the vehicle. In many cases, this momentum is considerable – especially during high-speed crashes. For example, if a vehicle is traveling at 100 miles per hour, an occupant will travel at the same speed through the air when they are ejected.
These high-speed ejections cause obvious injuries due to impacts with the road, concrete barriers, trees, and other vehicles. Perhaps the most serious injuries occur when an occupant is crushed by their own vehicle after an ejection. This type of injury is associated with a rollover crash, and the occupant may be ejected into the path of their own rolling vehicle.
Alternatively, someone might fall onto the road before being struck by a passing vehicle. This might be a vehicle following close behind the collision – or the same vehicle that caused the collision.
Seatbelt Use and Ejection Crashes in New York
New York is a no-fault state, which means that seatbelt use (and other types of fault) may not factor into the injury claim. However, ejection accidents usually cause serious injuries – and a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. In this situation, failure to use a seatbelt may result in a reduced (but not eliminated) level of compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Ejections can easily cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities
- Drivers and passengers are often crushed after being ejected
- Families can file wrongful death claims after fatal ejection crashes
Can a Manhattan Auto Accident Lawyer Help After a Fatal Crash?
Cohan Law, PLLC may be able to assist families who have lost loved ones to fatal ejection accidents. We know how life-changing these incidents can be, and we understand the financial and emotional pressures you may be facing. A wrongful death lawsuit could provide vital financial support – helping to cover unpaid hospital bills, funeral costs, lost future income, and much more. Reach out today to learn more during a consultation with our experienced New York wrongful death lawyers.
Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4160669/