There are a lot of factors that can contribute to the seriousness of a car accident. Speed, seatbelt usage, and place of impact can all dictate the severity of injuries suffered in a wreck. But there’s also another issue that could come into play that many people are unaware of: the presence of loose objects in the cabin of the vehicle. A purse, cell phone, laptop, groceries and other items that are sitting in the back seat or on the floorboard of the vehicle can prove catastrophically dangerous when a car accident occurs.
The risks posed by loose objects are significant. In fact, one study found that in a collision at 55 mph, a 20-pound object strikes with 1,000 pounds of force. That’s enough to rip away a limb or take your life. Even smaller objects can prove dangerous when they go flying and strike your head or neck. And when you’re talking about multiple objects in the vehicle, as is the case for most people, you can find yourself in a whirlwind of projectiles that strike you from all directions when you’re involved in a crash.
How can you keep yourself safe from loose objects in a collision?
The best way to keep yourself safe from flying objects during a wreck is to simply keep your vehicle’s cabin clean. Put loose items in the glovebox, center console or trunk, and make it a regular practice to clean out your car to discard unneeded loose objects that have been sitting around. Hopefully now that you’re aware of the risks here, you’ll be more proactive in keeping your vehicle clear of loose objects so that you remain as safe as possible in the event of a wreck.
If so, then legal action may be warranted to seek accountability, closure and the compensation needed to offset your losses. To succeed on one of these claims, though, you’ll need strong evidence and compelling legal arguments. That’s why now is the time to start developing your legal strategy and taking the next steps toward securing the outcome that you deserve.