The impact of a car accident can cause the vehicle to hit an object or another vehicle, go off the road, or even flip over. An SUV recently flipped over in Daytona Beach, prompting many bystanders to help get the vehicle upright and help the occupants.
The incident happened on March 26. A gray SUV blew a red light at the intersection of International Speedway Boulevard and Fentress. That was when it was hit by a white SUV that had the right of way.
The impact caused the gray vehicle to spin out and flip onto its right side in the middle of the intersection. The driver of the white SUV came to a stop nearby. The vehicle with two people stranded inside wound up standing on its right side in the middle of the intersection.
Fortunately, help was close by. Eight strangers joined forces to rescue the occupants of the overturned SUV and it was all caught on a nearby traffic camera at the intersection.
When neither of the two occupants emerged from the vehicle, cars pulled over, and people rushed to help. Eight good Samaritans, including an Army veteran and an occupant of the other SUV involved in the crash, worked together to get the SUV upright and help the trapped victims.
The eight passersby were able to line up alongside the overturned SUV, grab hold of the side of its roof, and rock it back and forth. In less than a minute, the team was able to push the vehicle back onto its wheels. Local police praised all the good Samaritans, stating that they embodied “the spirit of Daytona Beach.”
Altogether, four people were involved in the crash. There were two people inside the gray SUV and two occupants in the white SUV. Nobody was seriously injured and none of the four required hospitalization. However, the 31-year-old driver of the gray SUV that was overturned was later given a citation for running a red light.
What Causes a Vehicle to Overturn?
Vehicles are often built to be very sturdy, but they can still roll over or overturn. Here are some common causes:
- Collisions with other vehicles or objects can cause a vehicle to roll over, especially if the impact is forceful or occurs at an angle that affects the vehicle’s balance.
- High speeds can increase the likelihood of rollovers, especially when combined with sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
- Vehicle design. Certain vehicle types, such as SUVs, trucks, and vans, have a higher center of gravity compared to sedans, making them more prone to rollovers, particularly during sudden swerves or turns.
- Sharp turns. Taking sharp turns at high speeds can cause the vehicle’s momentum to shift, leading to loss of control and potential rollover.
- Tire blowouts. Sudden loss of tire pressure, often due to a blowout, can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. This increases the risk of a rollover.
- Road conditions. Poor road conditions, such as uneven surfaces, potholes, or debris, can destabilize a vehicle, especially when traveling at high speeds. Also, some road features, such as steep slopes, narrow lanes, or sharp curves, can contribute to rollovers, especially if drivers are not cautious.
- Weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice can reduce traction and increase the likelihood of losing control, leading to rollovers.
- Load distribution. Uneven or improperly secured cargo can affect the vehicle’s stability, particularly in vehicles with higher centers of gravity.
If your car flips over, it can be a scary situation. Once your vehicle loses control, you need to brace yourself for the impact. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm. As difficult as it may be, try to stay calm. Panicking can cloud your judgment.
- Turn off the engine. If the car is still running after flipping over, turn off the engine to reduce the risk of fire.
- Assess the situation. Take a moment to assess your surroundings. Check for any immediate dangers, such as oncoming traffic or hazardous materials.
- Check for injuries. Assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone is injured, prioritize getting them medical assistance immediately.
- Unbuckle seat belts. If it’s safe to do so and there’s no risk of further injury, unbuckle your seatbelt.
- Exit the vehicle safely. If possible, exit the vehicle through the nearest window or door. Avoid crawling through broken glass if you can. If the doors are jammed shut, use a window to escape.
- Seek assistance. Once you and your passengers are safely out of the vehicle, move to a safe location away from traffic and call emergency services for help. Provide them with your location and details of the situation, and then wait for help to arrive.
Contact Us Today
Vehicles can flip over due to a severe impact. When it happens, it can take a village to get the car or truck back up and running.
Florida has nearly 250,000 car accidents a year. These crashes can result in a wide range of effects. If you have been affected, seek legal help from the team at Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm. To schedule a free consultation today, call (954) 876-4344 or fill out the online form. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.