A Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do After a Car Rollover

There are about six million car accidents every year in the United States. Although car rollovers make up a small percentage of these accidents, they also tend to be the deadliest.

While a rollover accident can happen to anyone, specific vehicle types make it more likely. Pick-up trucks, SUVs, and vans are more top-heavy vehicles that increase the likelihood of a rollover. Rollovers are also more prevalent in mountainous or hilly terrain and during significant weather events.

If this frightening and dangerous situation happens to you, knowing what to do can save your life. Continue reading to learn what to do after a car rollover in our brief yet informative step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Engine

As soon as possible, turn off your engine. A car rollover can cause engine leaks, which have the potential to cause an explosion. Turning off your engine reduces the risk of explosions.

Step 2: Stabilize Yourself

If the car rollover left you hanging upside down, quickly check yourself for life-threatening or severe injuries. If you seem okay to move, place one hand on the roof of the car and press your feet to the car floor. Carefully unbuckle with your free hand and lower yourself.

If you have severe injuries, don’t attempt this. Instead, stay where you are until emergency professionals arrive. If your cell phone is nearby, use it to call 9-1-1.

Step 3: Create an Escape Route

Check to see if the door opens before anything else. If it doesn’t, use either a window punch tool or your car’s headrest to break a window. But don’t crawl out of your vehicle just yet.

Step 4: Check For Oncoming Traffic

Before crawling out of your vehicle, check for oncoming traffic. If the road is clear, or you can get out on the roadside, crawl out of the car. After helping other passengers out, get as far away from the car as possible in case of an explosion.

Step 5: After Your Escape

Once you’ve escaped, call 9-1-1 if help isn’t already on the way. Accept medical attention when medics arrive on the scene and cooperate with the police. If you had passengers in your vehicle at the time of the accident, make sure they also accept medical attention.

You’ll want to call your insurance company once you’re home. It may also help to contact a lawyer. If you don’t have one, you can check Sweetlaw.com.

More Questions About What to Do After a Car Rollover?

If you’re in the unfortunate situation where your car has flipped over during an accident, take the five steps above. They can help you get to safety during the accident and effectively handle the situation in the days to come.

Do you have more questions about what to do after a car rollover?

Browse our other posts. We have many blogs on car rollovers and related topics to help you learn more on the subject.

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