What Is the Most Dangerous Kind of Car Accident?
Head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of car accident, followed closely by rollovers and accidents with large trucks. Keep reading to learn more about each kind of crash:
Head-On Collisions
When 2 vehicles hit each other head on, the momentum and force can cause serious injuries and fatalities. For example, if 2 vehicles crash head on while traveling at 45 mph, the impact speed would be 90 mph. This is much more dangerous than one car traveling at 45 mph into the side or rear of another vehicle, which may allow the impact speed to decrease.
Although head-on collisions are less common than other kinds of car accidents, they account for more deaths. In 2019, for example, there were 33,244 fatal traffic collisions. About 3,613 of these were head-on crashes, which were responsible for 10.9% of total traffic deaths (statistics from the Insurance Information Institute).
Rollover Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
“A crash is classified as a rollover if the vehicle tips onto its side or roof at any time during the crash. The rollover may result from an impact with another vehicle or with a fixed object. Many rollovers occur after a vehicle leaves the roadway and may lead to occupants being ejected from the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a fatality.”
Rollovers are extremely dangerous because passengers can be thrown around the cabin and even ejected from the vehicle. Even with seat belts and air bags, passengers can violently hit different surfaces within the vehicle, leading to spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Some types of vehicles, like SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, are more susceptible to vehicle rollovers.
In 2019, a total of 6,358 passengers died in rollover crashes.
Large Truck Crashes
Due to the size and weight of semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, big rigs and other large trucks, accidents with these types of vehicles can be especially dangerous. Sometimes, passenger vehicles even slide underneath large trucks in accidents known as underride accidents.
Horrifically, underride accidents can behead passenger vehicle occupants or crush the car’s cabin and the people inside. Large truck crashes frequently lead to serious injuries and fatalities. In 2019, a total of 4,119 people died in large truck crashes.
All Motor Vehicle Accidents Are Dangerous
There is no such thing as a “safe” motor vehicle accident. Even low-speed collisions or “fender benders” can lead to whiplash and other serious injuries.
While head-on collisions, rollover accidents, and large truck crashes are the most dangerous types of car accidents, all motor vehicle accidents can result in injuries, fatalities, and other losses.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, our team at Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. is here to help. We can find out what caused your accident and help ensure you do not have to suffer the consequences of another driver’s carelessness alone.
Our firm has been helping people like you since 1974 and secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Call us at (732) 709-4400 or send us a message online to schedule your free consultation today.