Brother and Sister Killed in Hastings Rollover Accident

Teenage brother and sister were recently killed in a Nebraska car accident after being ejected from their vehicle. The fatal car crash occurred on Clay County Road 312 south of Clay Center southeast of Hastings. Officials say the 17 year old boy was behind the wheel on a gravel road when the vehicle rolled over. Both brother and sister were ejected from the car. They may not have been wearing a seat belt. The 15-year-old girl died at the scene, and the driver was pronounced dead on arrival at Mary Lanning Healthcare. Two other passengers survived with injuries, including one person who was also ejected from the car.

Rollovers are among the most deadly type of vehicle accidents. Even passengers who are properly buckled up can get flung around inside their vehicle or even ejected through the windshield during a rollover accident. Seatbelts that work properly can greatly reduce the severity of injuries suffered in a rollover and prevent vehicle ejections. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 95 percent of occupants who are completely ejected in rollover accidents are not wearing seatbelts.

Seatbelts can help prevent ejection injuries, but it is also important to review why rollovers happen in the first place. Top-heavy vehicles such as SUVs are prone to rolling over because of their design. Defective tires can cause rollovers as well. Many rollover accidents, however, are the result of speed and poor decision-making.

If you have lost a loved one in a rollover, you need to speak with a car accident attorney who will prove the cause of the crash and help you get the support you need. Depending on the cause of the rollover and the effectiveness of the safety devices in the vehicle, financial compensation may be available for funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Contact Cullan & Cullan LLC to discuss your case. You can reach us at (402) 882-7080.