What’s The Most Injurious Event in a Car Crash?

The most injurious event in a car crash is ejection from the vehicle. This means that being ejected from a vehicle during a car accident is an event that is likely to cause severe bodily damage and fatality. Many people do not want to think about themselves or their passengers being thrown from a vehicle, but the harsh reality is that it can happen at any time during a collision, especially if speeding is involved.

What does it mean to be ejected from a vehicle and how does this happen?

Being ejected from a vehicle means that your body is thrown from inside of the vehicle to outside of the vehicle. This can happen when there is a lot of force or impact in a car accident, which causes your body to go through the windshield, window, door, or even a sunroof. Here are a few common reasons why ejection from a vehicle occurs:

• The driver or passenger was not wearing a seat belt: One of the most common reasons for vehicle ejections is not wearing a seat belt. Seat belts are devices placed in vehicles to keep the driver and passengers secure and in position during an accident. When a person chooses not to wear a seat belt, they increase their chances of being thrown from the vehicle if an accident occurs.
• The vehicles involved in the crash were driving at high speeds: Another common cause of vehicle ejections is driving at high speeds. When one or both drivers are driving at excessive speeds and collide, the force and impact can cause individuals to be thrown from the vehicle.
• The vehicle parts were faulty or defective: Many times, a vehicle ejection can be an auto manufacturer’s fault. This is common if a vehicle part is faulty or defective. Some of the vehicle parts that may be faulty or defective and lead to a vehicle ejection are windows, door latches, windshields, roofs, seat belts, and sunroofs. When these parts do not function as they should, individuals can be thrown out of the vehicle during a crash.
• The car seat was improperly installed, expired, or faulty: If a child is in a car seat at the time of an accident, it is expected that the car seat will keep them in place. However, if the car seat is improperly installed, expired, or faulty, this could increase their chances of being ejected from the vehicle.
• The vehicle rolled over onto its side or top: When a vehicle rolls over onto its side or top, this can cause the driver or passengers to fall out or be thrown from the vehicle. This is especially dangerous as the vehicle could roll over on top of the individual, crushing them instantly.

Injuries that usually result from vehicle ejections in Kansas City, MO

When an individual is ejected from a vehicle, they may suffer injuries from the ejection itself. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to suffer additional injuries from being hit or run over by other vehicles after being ejected. If an individual is able to survive a vehicle ejection, they will likely experience catastrophic injuries that will affect them for the rest of their life. The following are some of the injuries that typically result from vehicle ejections:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Skull fractures
• Cuts and lacerations
• Whiplash and neck fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Permanent nerve damage
• Burn injuries
• Crush injuries
• Paralysis
• Broken or fractured bones
• Amputations
• Severe bruising
• Disfigurement
• Scarring
• Soft tissue injuries

Wearing a seatbelt prevents vehicle ejections

The most important step that you can take to prevent vehicle ejections is to make sure that you and your passengers always wear a seatbelt. This will significantly reduce your risk of falling out or being ejected from your car if a crash occurs. Some people may try to tell you that wearing a seat belt can cause you to become stuck in the vehicle if it rolls over or catches on fire. However, the chance of being thrown from your vehicle is much higher than the chance of your seat belt failing in those situations.

In addition, the injuries are usually a lot more serious if you are ejected from the vehicle. Most of the time, if your seat belt is faulty and will not unlatch, an officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician will make it to the scene of your accident in time to help you exit the vehicle. Therefore, you should not put your life in danger by refusing to use a safety device that was designed to keep you safe in the event of an accident.

What are Missouri’s seat belt laws?

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, every individual who rides in the front seat of any type of vehicle that weighs less than 12,000 pounds is required to wear a seat belt. Children who are not required to be in a car seat and are between the ages of eight and 15 must wear a seat belt when riding in any seat of any type of vehicle. All individuals under the age of 18 riding in a truck of any weight must wear a seat belt.

If a child 15 years of age or younger is unbuckled in a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle will be held responsible. Children and adults who are ages 16 and up and not wearing a seat belt will be held responsible for themselves. A citation and fine will likely be issued if an individual is caught not following Missouri’s seat belt laws.

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we take vehicle ejections very seriously. If you or a loved one was ejected from a vehicle and believe negligence was involved, please get in touch with a lawyer from our firm as soon as possible. Our team has been voted as Kansas City’s Favorite Law Firm due to our compassion, understanding, empathy, and friendliness. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your initial appointment today. We conveniently have offices in various locations, such as Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Parkville and St. Joseph (MO); Olathe, Kansas City, and Overland Park (KS). We accept walk-ins at our main office in Kansas City, MO, or we can schedule your free consultation at our other locations.