Photo credit: The Daily News
TEXAS CITY, Texas (April 2, 2020) – Authorities have identified the driver who was killed in a rollover crash on Highway 3 in Texas City earlier this week.
According to The Daily News, the victim was identified as 35-year-old Nathan Trivitt of Texas City. The crash occurred on Tuesday on State Highway 3 near Century Boulevard. Police believe the accident occurred when Trivitt attempted to avoid a collision with an 18-wheeler when his vehicle veered off the road, rolled over, and ended up in a ditch. He was pinned in his vehicle following the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt-force injuries.
How Do Rollover Accidents Happen?
According to SaferCar.gov, rollover accidents have a higher fatality rate than other accidents, accounting for nearly 35% of all deaths from passenger vehicle crashes. The risk of severe or fatal injuries increases if the occupants were not wearing seatbelts when the vehicle rolled over.
These accidents can occur when a driver loses control of the vehicle and over-corrects, running off the road and rolling over. Other rollover accidents occur when the vehicle “trips” over something, including a curb, a pothole, or soft roadside shoulder.
Vehicles that are taller and narrower have a higher likelihood of rolling over than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Some of the vehicles that are most likely to roll over include:
- Pickup trucks
- Sport-utility-vehicles (SUVs)
- Vans
During a rollover crash, occupants can easily be thrown about the cabin, or could be ejected from the vehicle, and could suffer serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken or fractured bones
- Cuts and lacerations
In the most tragic instances, the victim may not survive the injuries.
Rollover Accidents Caused by Design or Manufacturing Defects
While some rollover crashes are caused by driver error, others could be the fault of the vehicle itself. Vehicle and parts manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure their products are reasonably safe when used or operated properly. When a rollover accident occurs, it is vital to review the handling and braking of the vehicle to determine whether a design or manufacturing defect could have caused or contributed to the crash.
Some common defects that could cause a rollover crash include:
- Flawed stability design
- Problems with the suspension system design
- Tire failure
- Defective tire tread
- Faulty or inadequate braking systems
In a rollover crash, roof crush is also a significant concern. There could be additional issues with roof supports, seats, seatbelts and buckles, windows and the windshield, and others.
Pursuing Compensation for a Rollover Accident
In the event of a rollover crash that results in injury or death, the victims or surviving family members have the right to seek full and fair compensation if the accident was caused by negligence. An experienced attorney will examine all possible causes of the crash and identify any and all potentially liable parties.
Those who’ve been injured could be owed significant compensation, including payment for both economic and non-economic damages. This could include:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages from time missed from work
- Loss of future earnings (if disabled)
- Loss of support or companionship
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Other damaged or destroyed property replacement
- Pain, suffering, and emotional anguish
In the event of a fatal crash, surviving family members of the victim could pursue a wrongful death action against the at-fault party to recover payment for funeral and burial expenses, loss of future earnings, and other damages.
If you were hurt in a rollover crash or if you lost a loved one in a tragic accident, contact an experienced rollover accident attorneys at The Ammons Law Firm right away to discuss your rights and legal options.
Disclaimer: On our blog, we report on recent catastrophic accidents to begin important conversations about consumer safety. If these resources are found to include any false or outdated information, we invite you to contact The Ammons Law Firm as soon as possible so we may update them. This content should not be construed as legal counsel or advice.
