Car crashes occur in various types and magnitudes, with minor to profound implications. Depending on the extent of the situation, significant property and bodily damage could occur because of an accident. However, some crashes have proven to be more fatal than others.
Studies indicate that T-bone collisions and multiple vehicle crashes have dire impacts on those involved. Other contributing factors like speed and point of impact also influence the severity of a collision.
Below is a list of serious types of collisions:
Off the Road Crash
According to multiple studies, off-the-road accidents are the most dangerous collisions, making up 32 percent of fatal crashes. They occur when a car veers off the road and crashes into other objects.
Poor weather conditions often cause these accidents. Other possible causes include distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs, or falling asleep while driving.
Side Impact Collision
Side-impact collisions are often fatal as the side of your vehicle is not designed to offer any protection during an accident. Side impact crashes make up 21 percent of deadly crashes in the US.
They mainly occur at intersections, highways, and parking lots. With fatality rates from this collision increasing annually, auto manufacturers are now installing side airbags in vehicle doors to offer increased protection.
Rollover Accidents
As the name suggests, these crashes cause a vehicle to roll over following a collision. These crashes are often dangerous as the victims get tossed in different directions and even risk being thrown out of the vehicle. Rollover accidents make up close to 11 percent of vehicle crashes.
You should purchase vehicles with high rollover safety to avoid being involved in rollover accidents. Vehicles like SUVs and trucks are more prone to rolling over during collisions.
Head-On Crash
Head-on collisions are hazardous, especially if vehicles travel at high speeds. The accident victims from these crashes suffer from severe injuries or death.
Head-on collisions are exponentially more dangerous as the impact is an outcome of the combination of both vehicles’ speeds. They contribute to 10 percent of fatal accidents. Always drive without distractions, reduce speeds, ensure your airbags are activated, and wear your seatbelt to reduce the impact of a head-on crash.
Rear-End Accident
Although these accidents may not appear fatal, they can cause severe injuries to the spine and neck from the impact. You can prevent this type of collision by avoiding distracted driving.
Focus on the environment behind your vehicle using the rearview mirrors. This way, you can maneuver out of the way if the driver behind you does not stop early enough.
IIHS Safety Rating
Before purchasing a car, check its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety rating, as it tends to be more comprehensive than the NHTSA’s. The IIHS extensively evaluates structural deformation and dummy sensors and then rates a vehicle’s safety based on this performance.
While some manufacturers pass side-impact tests, others receive failing scores on certain tests. Most vehicles get fitted with proper front and rear-end protections. However, you want a car with additional protection from rollover and side-impact crashes.
Key Takeaways
Not every accident is severe or life-threatening. Nevertheless, different factors, such as speed, vehicle make and model, and safety measures taken by the passengers determine the fatality outcome of a crash.
A proper understanding of various types of accidents can help you improve your safety while driving. After an accident, seek medical attention, then speak to a personal injury attorney to familiarize yourself with the legal options available. They will help you get compensation for property damage and bodily harm.
