Rollover Crash Injures 3 People in Ferndale, WA
As reported by nationwidereport.com, three people were injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Saturday, August 14. The accident happened in a Ferndale residential neighborhood near the intersection of Malloy Avenue and Thornton Street. When first responders arrived, they found two people in the vehicle. One person refused medical aid, another was treated and released at the scene and the third person had fled the area before help could arrive.
Rollover Crash Injures 3 People in Ferndale, WA
According to bystanders, the vehicle appeared to be speeding as it traveled northbound on Malloy Avenue. At one point, it crossed the center line and ran off the road on the west side. It then rolled at least once, before ending up right-side up in the front yard of a residence. The residential yard and a car parked in the home’s driveway suffered property damage.
The driver of the vehicle was located by Ferndale police about a half-mile from the crash site. He was then taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center by ambulance.
An investigation is ongoing into the cause of the accident.
What we know about the rollover crash
Although no other driver was involved in this accident, there was property damage. There are three specific factors involved in this car accident: a rollover crash, a single-vehicle collision and driver walking away from the scene of an accident that caused injury and property damage.
Rollover crash:
A rollover crash is when a vehicle crashes into something and then rolls over at least once before coming to a stop. Rollover crashes have a very high fatality rate compared to other types of crashes. Supported by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are six main factors that contribute to the risk of vehicle rollover accidents. These are:
- The type of vehicle (SUVs and vans are more susceptible)
- Driving on rural roads (because they lack clear divisions and barriers that reduce the risk)
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving at high speeds
- Routine driving
- Single-vehicle crashes
In this accident, we do not know if the driver was intoxicated but reports indicated that the vehicle may have been traveling at high speeds. Other factors that may have matched are routine driving and driving on a rural road.
Single-vehicle collision:
A single-car crash has occurred when only one vehicle is involved in an accident. Single vehicle accidents also have a very high fatality rate compared to other types of crashes. Just like this accident, a single-vehicle accident is often a runoff-road (ROR) crash. A ROR accident is when a vehicle leaves the roadway and moves onto the shoulder, median, roadside or parking lane, etc. and then crashes into an unmoving object like a tree, pole, wall or fire hydrant. In a single-car accident, property damage and personal injuries are the typical outcome.
Hit and run:
Even when there is no one else involved in the accident, the crash may be considered hit and run if the driver leaves the scene before a report can be made. In this case, the property damage needed to be addressed with police before the driver left the scene. It’s important to understand that the initial accident may not be a crime but if a person is unlicensed or intoxicated, they could end up facing criminal charges. Fleeing the scene is a serious crime but, in the moment, many feel it is easier to run then face other consequences. In Washington State, fleeing the scene of an accident is considered a criminal offense. The crime can bring serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and restitution for injury or property damage. The driver may also face higher car insurance costs.
Seek the help of a car accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
