22 Feb WHAT TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS?
Posted By Gruenberg Kelly Della || 22-Feb-2021
In 2018, a total of 36,560 people died in motor vehicle crashes. Data from the Insurance Information Institute suggests most fatal crashes were the result of side-impact collisions (17.9%), head-on collisions (10.8%), rollover accidents (7.8%), and rear-end accidents (7.2%).
Some of these numbers make sense. For example, rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident, so it makes sense that they would lead to a large percentage of fatal crashes.
Other accidents, like head-on collisions and rollover accidents, are notably less common, though, which indicates they may also be more deadly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers account for approximately 2% of all car accidents and nearly 35% of deaths. Due to amplified and concentrated force, head-on collisions and T-bone accidents are similarly dangerous.
Why Are Rollovers So Dangerous?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) classifies a rollover as any accident in which the vehicle tips onto its side or roof at any time during the crash. Many rollovers happen after the driver makes impact with another vehicle or a fixed object. Sometimes, rollovers occur after a vehicle leaves the roadway.
During a rollover, passenger vehicle occupants are more likely to be ejected from the vehicle, which increases the likelihood of death. This is especially true if passenger vehicle occupants do not wear their seatbelts.
Some vehicles have a higher potential for rollovers than others. In 2018, rollovers accounted for 20% of occupant deaths in cars, 40% of occupant deaths in pickups, and 42% of occupant deaths in SUVs.
Why Are Head-On Collisions So Dangerous?
When two vehicles collide head-on, both vehicles are usually traveling in opposite directions. This means the force involved in the accident is double the amount of force present in other accidents. As such, head-on collisions are particularly dangerous.
Additionally, many head-on crashes involve speeding, driving under the influence, and other dangerous behaviors that can make accidents worse.
Understanding Side-Impact Collisions
Not all side-impact collisions are created equally. Sideswipes are significantly less dangerous than accidents that occur at an angle, such as T-bone collisions. The severity of a side-impact collision frequently comes down to force. If one car slams into the side of another at full speed, the passenger on that side of the vehicle may be seriously injured or killed.
This happens when drivers fail to yield, run stop signs or traffic signals, or simply fail to pay attention and drive safely. T-bone accidents are extremely common at intersections and can quickly become fatal at any speed when cars collide with motorcycles or commercial trucks collide with passenger vehicles.
What If I Am Injured or Bereaved By a Car Accident?
Both “fender benders” and fatalities count as car accidents, and unfortunately, there’s no way to know when or how an accident may play out. All car accidents are traumatic situations, so you should always alert the authorities and look out for your health – no matter how serious a crash may be.
If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a car accident, you may have to take legal action to secure your future. Gruenberg Kelly Della can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, missed wages, and even funeral expenses in wrongful death cases.
We have over 100 years of combined experience, and we are ready to put it on your side.
All you need to do is call us at (888) 305-6372 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.