Marsalisi Law
worst type of collision to be in

Driving the open road is one of life’s great pleasures. Keeping safe on the road helps ensure you can enjoy the journey.

Aside from a fender bender, different kinds of car accidents can result in severe injury or death. Car accidents are a leading cause of death around the world.

According to the WHO, about 1.25 million people die in car accidents every year. That’s an average of 3,287 deaths a day.

As with some motorcycle accidents, some car accidents are not the fault of the driver. Learning about the types of car accidents can help you become more aware of the dangers on the road.

Here is a little insight into five of the most dangerous car accidents.

1. The Rollover Crash

Most recent-model cars come with a variety of airbags as an important crash safety feature. From side airbags to front airbags, these features deploy at the first signs of impact.

However, while airbags can help minimize injury, in a rollover accident your airbags might not be enough to prevent severe injury or death. Many might agree that the worst type of collision to be in is a rollover crash.

During a rollover, your car can roll violently–over and over– until it comes to a stop. High speeds or sudden changes in direction can cause rollover crashes.

Rollovers also can occur when a car runs headfirst into the side of a vehicle traveling in a perpendicular direction. The force of impact pushes the unsuspecting car and launches the roll.

These accidents can result in severe head and neck trauma and can leave drivers and passengers trapped in a crashed vehicle.

To help prevent rollover crashes:

  • Drive at a safe rate of speed;
  • Come to complete stops at stop signs and red lights;
  • Slow for turns–especially in wet or icy weather;
  • Avoid sudden lane changes and curbs.

Always be aware of your surroundings and practice safe driving to avoid the devastating effects of a rollover crash.

2. The Single Car Crash

You might think that the most dangerous car accidents involve more than one vehicle.

However, the AAA found that the highest rate of car automobile fatalities occurs in single-car crashes. In 2015, single-vehicle accidents caused 55% of reported vehicle deaths.

These types of accidents often happen as a result of drowsy or distracted driving, such as:

  • A driver takes a few seconds to look down at a phone;
  • A driver hits an animal on a dark road;
  • A driver comes around a corner too fast.

Single-car crashes can also be the result of poor vehicle maintenance. A blown tire can change your direction of travel and cause an accident. Steering issues or brake problems can make it difficult to turn or stop your car to avoid a collision.

Be sure to keep your car well-maintained and stay alert when driving. These simple steps can help prevent a single-car accident.

3. The Head-On Crash

A head-on collision takes place when two cars are traveling toward each other crash headfirst.

These accidents often occur when a car crosses over a center lane in traffic. The impact of a head-on collision can be devastating.

Not only are the vehicles suddenly stopped, with enough force, the front end of the cars can crush the front driver and passenger space in the car. The human body experiences significant trauma during a head-on crash that happens at a mid-to-high rate of speed.

To avoid head-on car crashes, stay alert and stay in your lane. Be aware of other cars drifting out of a lane and take evasive action.

4. The Rear-End Crash

A rear-end fender bender might not be a big deal. However, at a higher rate of speed, when you’re hit from behind it can be one of the most deadly car accidents.

When parked at a stoplight or stop sign, you aren’t prepared for impact. If a car comes up behind you at a high rate of speed, a collision gives a dangerous jolt to your body.

A rear-end crash can also push a car forward into the vehicle in front or oncoming traffic. This creates a more dangerous situation in which you’re now at risk of a collision by traffic possibly coming from other directions.

People involved in a serious rear-end crash often report long term damage to their neck and spine. This type of accident can leave drivers and passengers with long-term chronic pain.

When stopped at a stoplight, it’s crucial to remain alert to what’s behind you. Use your rearview mirror to keep an eye on cars approaching from the rear.

5. The Side-Impact Crash (Also Known as T-Bone Collision)

A side-impact crash most often takes place at an intersection. An intersection is a dangerous place for your vehicle to sit after an accident–making a side-impact crash extremely dangerous.

It’s essential to watch for cross-traffic to stop before entering an intersection after a light change. Getting hit from the side can also happen in heavy traffic during a lane change.

A side-impact crash can cause a car to stop, spin, or push into other lanes of traffic. It can be a very severe injury type of accident.

Avoid these collisions by keeping an eye on other traffic around you and driving at a safe rate of speed.

How You Can Avoid Dangerous Car Accidents

Sometimes, a car accident happens out of your control. However, you can avoid many dangerous car accidents by staying alert, not exceeding speed limits, and obeying traffic safety laws and signs.

If an accident happens, follow the same guidelines for what should take place after a motorcycle accident. Your safety is the first priority.

Then, collect information, evidence, call the police, and contact legal help. Contact a qualified accident lawyer to take care of claims and represent you throughout the process.

Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal. Talk to Frank at 727-800-5052.