4 of the Most Dangerous Types of Car Accidents

All car accidents have the potential to be catastrophic.

Some accident types, however, are deadlier than others.

Accidents at high speed result in severe injuries and often fatalities. Four types increase the risk of death regardless of speed or the vehicles involved.

Knowing what these dangerous types of accidents can do not only makes you more aware of your driving habits but could save your life.

What Are the Four Most Dangerous Types of Auto Accidents in New Orleans?

Knowing the most dangerous types of accidents is important. It not only helps you pick the right car but makes you more aware of your actions.

Head-On Collisions

By far the deadliest accident type is the head-on collision. Head-on collisions consider both vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash, which means even an accident at lower speeds can be catastrophic.

For example, two vehicles traveling at 30 miles per hour will strike together and create an impact equal to 60 miles per hour. Therefore, these two vehicles could be moving the speed limit and still suffer injuries like that of a highway accident even if they are miles from the highway.

When two vehicles collide, the result is injuries that are far more severe than when the car impacts a solid object. These crashes result in extensive property damage, catastrophic injuries, and often death.

While head-on accidents are not the most common, they account for 10.1 percent of all U.S. fatalities in accidents.

Vehicle Striking an Object Head-On

While the deadliest type of collision is a head-on collision between two cars, a single-vehicle accident can be equally catastrophic. Take a car traveling 60 miles per hour, for example. That vehicle strikes a freeway poll at 60 miles per hour, hitting with such force and then stopping suddenly. In this, the car is striking an object with no give, which means the car must absorb the impact.

Side Impact Collision

Vehicles come equipped with bumper systems and crumple zones that protect from the damage of a front or rear collision. Sadly, this same protection is not on the side of the vehicle. A side door is flimsy and offers little protection compared to the bumper sides of the car. When two vehicles collide at an intersection, one vehicle is struck on its side. The car striking hits with their bumper. This means they have the protection of their crumple zone and the bumper absorbs the impact.

The same is not to be said for the side of the vehicle impacted. In this type of accident, the car that was broadsided will encounter more severe injuries and has a higher risk of fatalities.

In fact, side impacts account for 28.9 percent of accidents in the United States and 20.7 percent of the accident-related fatalities in the country (making it the second-highest type of deadly crash).

You find side-impact accidents in parking lots, intersections, or when two vehicles are passing one another on a multi-lane road.

More vehicles are offering side-impact safety features such as side-curtain airbags to help prevent fatalities.

IHS Safety Rating

Some manufacturers pass the test when it comes to side impacts while others fail tremendously. When you purchase a car, they will showcase the IIHS rating for side-impact or the NHTSA side-impact rating. IIHS tests more extensively than NHTSA for forces on higher damage accidents. Then, IIHS evaluates the structural deformation and dummy sensors to rate a vehicle on its performance.

Not only do you want a car that has the IIHS Top Safety Pick indicator, but you want it to have a “Good” side-impact rating. Rollover Accidents

Vehicles come with protections for the front, rear, and side impact, but they often lack protections for rollover crashes. Top-heavy cars, such as SUVs and trucks, are more likely to roll over than a sedan. These accidents feature violent rolling motions, and even a seatbelt and airbag cannot protect the occupant from serious injury. However, those not wearing seatbelts typically suffer more serious injuries than those wearing them.

Rollovers are like head-on collisions, accounting for 10.9 percent of U.S. fatal crashes. Modern vehicles have systems in place to help prevent a rollover and serious injuries such as crash-free systems. However, not all vehicles take rollover safety as far. When purchasing a car, consider the rollover safety rating it has.

Runoff the Road Collisions

Also known as a roadway departure, this is one of the deadliest types of accidents in the United States. It is a single-vehicle accident where the vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes a fixed object such as a concrete barrier or light pole.

This type of accident accounts for 31.7 percent of fatal accidents and 16.1 percent of all crashes in the United States – making it much more common than it should be.

These incidents occur because of vehicle over-corrections, weather or road conditions, distracted or drowsy driving, and even drunk driving.

What Victims Can Do After an Accident

If you have been injured in a severe car accident, you should seek medical treatment right away. Then, speak with an accident attorney.

Automobile accidents come in many forms, and even a low-impact accident can result in serious, long-term injuries. If you suffer from injuries that result in damages (medical costs, lost wages, and more), speak with an attorney to explore your options for compensation.

Contact Shlosman Law Firm at 504-826-9427 to request a free consultation or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation now.