Police from northern New York are reporting that a 17-year-old driver lost control of her vehicle while exiting the highway. She and her five passengers were injured as the vehicle rolled over into a roadside snow bank.
Fortunately, the vehicle rollover only caused minor injuries, but all six of the people in the vehicle -- who range in age from 14 to 38 -- were brought to a nearby hospital for medical attention and treatment. At the time of initial reports, police were uncertain why the teenage driver lost control, so they will continue to investigate and determine if any charges will be filed.
The final police report will give the driver and passengers a better idea of their legal options and responsibilities. In the event that the driver was not acting with reasonable caution, such as driving too fast for the road conditions or using a cell phone, then there may be grounds for a civil suit filed in accordance with New York's personal injury laws.
Many rollover accidents wind up being very serious in nature. As such, it's not uncommon for these incidents to result in life-altering or fatal injuries. Although none of the vehicle's passengers report major injuries at this time, they could still benefit from carefully monitoring their health in the weeks and months after the incident. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately after the accident, as they can be aggravated over time.
Motor vehicle accident victims may have difficulty sorting through the implications of the incident and subsequent injuries, which is why it may be most beneficial to seek the advice of a legal professional who can provide much-needed clarity.