5 Common Car Collisions and How to Avoid Them

Accidents on the road can be unpredictable and with varying levels of severity. Damage can range from small fender-benders to severe crashes with multiple injured parties. This article will discuss the most dangerous types of car accidents on the road and how best to avoid them.

Dangerous Types of Collisions

Below are five types of collisions regarded as extremely dangerous:

  1. T-Bone Crashes

Regarded as the second most dangerous car accident type, about 20% of car crash fatalities result from T-Bone collisions. T-Bone collisions occur when the front of a car crashes into the side of another. This is common when a driver ignores a stop sign and enters the intersection simultaneously with another moving vehicle.

The speed and point of impact contribute to the severity of such crashes. For example, the vehicle that slams into the other may be speeding fast enough to destroy the other car, injuring those inside. In some cases, the vehicle may be pushed into other traffic lanes, resulting in other crashes. To prevent T-bone crashes, ensure to obey all traffic signals, look before going at stop signs, and exercise extreme caution in intersections. Just because you follow traffic laws does not mean everyone else will.

  2. Chain Reaction Accidents

Chain reaction accidents can also have serious fatalities. Statistics show that chain reaction accidents are responsible for about 13,000 casualties annually. If three or more vehicles collide in an accident, it is a chain-reaction accident. Results may be deadly on a freeway with severe traffic congestion, crashing numerous cars into each other and leading to multiple parties being injured. The best way to avoid these accidents is to leave ample space between vehicles on the roads. Doing so can increase your chances of avoiding collisions and prevent the chain reaction on the route from continuing further.

  3. Rollover Accidents

If a car is flipped on its side or rolls upside down on the road, it is considered a rollover accident. Rollover accidents can occur for several reasons. Some drivers accidentally hit guardrails, lose control on uneven pavement, or hit an unseen obstacle on the road. This can cause the car to lose balance and flip over. In addition, drivers can quickly flip a car if it turns at too high a speed. The chances of a rollover increase if the driver is intoxicated or speeding in an unsafe environment.

Although rollover accidents are comparatively rare, they could cause severe injuries and deaths. Passengers may be tossed out of the car or crushed inside the vehicle as it flips. To avoid rollover accidents, do not speed, be careful of your surroundings at all times, and do not drink and drive.

  4. Rear-End Crashes

Rear-end crashes happen when one vehicle crashes into the rear of another. Distracted driving, panic stops, and other accidents are usually responsible for these crashes.

Rear-end crashes are more frequent than others, though they do not often lead to severe injuries. According to the NHTSA’s statistics, they account for just six percent of fatal automobile crashes. However, rear-end collisions can still be dangerous. According to the NHTSA, there are over 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the US annually. Five hundred thousand people sustain severe injuries in those accidents, and approximately 1,700 die.

To avoid rear-end collisions, keep a safe distance between you and the cars around you, and stay focused on the road at all times.

  5. Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions are arguably the most dangerous type of crash. They have a higher fatality rate when compared to other types of collisions. A head-on collision is when two cars traveling in opposite directions collide at the front ends. Head-on collisions often lead to severe vehicle damage and injuries, and even death. Some injuries include brain damage, neck/back damage, amputation, concussions, whiplash, broken bones, and organ damage.

This is one of the most severe and deadly crashes, and while it is rare, it may be tough to avoid. To reduce your chances of a head-on collision, be vigilant of other drivers on the road, obey all traffic laws, and do not drive under the influence.

What You Can Do After a Serious Accident

Accidents often happen unexpectedly, and it can be challenging to know what to do next after they occur. As a rule of thumb, safe driving habits can limit your chances of a car accident. Personal injury lawyer Frank Tomeny states, “Safe driving habits are the key to limiting road accidents. Follow traffic laws, do not speed, and do not drive under the influence. Also, be careful when driving in the rain or other unsafe road conditions.”

If you are a car accident victim, seek a personal injury lawyer to get compensation for your injuries and loss.

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