Loose Object Car Accidents in Ohio

Loose objects in car accidents occur when items in the car are not properly secured and become projectiles during a collision. And while this may seem like an unlikely scenario unless you’re hurt by an unsecured object, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, unsecured objects were involved in 8,567 U.S. vehicle crashes. These crashes resulted in 1,835 injuries and 63 fatalities.

If you or a loved one were hurt or even killed by an unsecured object in an Ohio auto accident, you deserve to know your legal options and get answers to any questions you have. Reach out to KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, no-obligation consultation.

An experienced car accident lawyer will review the details and offer practical advice regarding possible legal action and your eligibility for financial compensation.

How Loose Object Car Accidents Happen

Loose object car accidents can happen in a variety of ways. For instance, if your car is rear-ended with enough force, a seemingly harmless object in the backseat could be propelled forward and strike you in the head.

Everyday objects found in cars that can cause this type of accident and injuries include purses, backpacks, laptops, cell phones, and other items left on the seat or floor of the car.

Why Loose Object Car Accidents Are So Dangerous

Loose objects in car accidents are hazardous because the everyday items in your car can become projectiles during a crash. While no one expects to be in a collision, serious injuries can result if a negligent or reckless driver hits your vehicle. These items can become airborne and cause additional damage to the car or other vehicles.

Injuries Caused by Loose Objects in Car Accidents

The severity of an injury caused by a loose or flying object in a car crash will depend on various factors, such as the object in question, the force or speed involved, and the other elements of the car accident. But whatever struck you or a loved one, loose objects in auto collisions can cause serious injuries to those in the vehicle.

Common car accident injuries attributed to unsecured items include:

• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash from objects striking the back or neck
• Lacerations from sharp objects
• Facial Injuries
• Broken bones from blunt objects
• Internal damage from objects striking the abdomen
• Wrongful Death

How to Prevent Loose Object Car Accidents

Loose object car accidents are hazardous because they are so unexpected, and virtually any unsecured object can cause harm to you or your passengers. Fortunately, drivers can help prevent these types of accidents.

1. Secure all items in your car. Any items that are not securely fastened should be removed from the vehicle. This includes items in the trunk, on the roof, or in the backseat. All items should be adequately secured with straps, bungee cords, or other fasteners.
2. Check that all items are securely fastened. Before driving, take a moment to ensure all items are securely fastened. Don’t forget to check the backseat and floors.
3. Make sure that the weight of the load is evenly distributed. When loading items in your car, ensure the weight is evenly distributed. This will help ensure that things don’t shift as you drive, reducing the risk of an accident.
4. Avoid overloading your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can cause items to shift as you drive, increasing the risk of an accident. Make sure you don’t exceed the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit for your vehicle.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. When driving, be mindful of your surroundings. Unsecured items also fall from trucks and other vehicles and could cause an accident. If you see an object on the road, slow down and drive around it. Don’t assume that it’s safe to go over it.

Following these tips can help prevent being injured by loose objects if a car accident happens. But unfortunately, you won’t be able to control the actions of other negligent drivers. If a car accident occurs and an unsecured object hurts you or a loved one, get medical attention immediately and consult a lawyer.

Can You Recover Damages if The Other Driver Caused a Loose Object Car Crash?

While the details of every car accident are unique, you may be able to file an insurance claim or lawsuit for the damages and assorted financial losses associated with being injured by an unsecured object in a car accident if the other driver is deemed at fault. You must prove that the other driver was negligent in causing the accident and that the loose object, which would not have otherwise been propelled, caused your injuries.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you assess your case and determine the best action.

Compensation for Loose Object Car Accidents

When you are injured because an unsecured object struck you because another driver was negligent, they may be found liable for your damages. Your lawyer can represent you in pursuit of compensation for all your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

Through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, KNR will fight hard for you to recover your:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

Most car accident cases settle out of court. However, do not expect a quick and easy insurance claims process if your injuries stemmed from a loose object. Insurance companies will work hard to reduce what they owe by denying their policyholder was negligent or that they share responsibility for what happened.

While an insurance settlement might be ideal, you may also need to file a lawsuit and present evidence that the other driver was at fault for the damage caused by a loose object.

What if I’m Partially At Fault

Ohio follows the law of comparative negligence. So, if a propelled object injures you in a collision, you could be deemed partially responsible for the crash and still be eligible for compensation if you’re not considered more than 50% to blame.

For example, if a drunk driver hits your car and an object in your passenger seat subsequently injures you, you likely have a case against the impaired driver. However, suppose you were speeding at the time and in some way contributed to the accident and, by extension, your injuries.

In this case, your possible compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you incurred $10,000 in losses but were found 10% responsible, you will only be able to recover $9,000.