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.