Every day, millions of Americans climb behind the wheel or into the passenger side of their car to commute to work, run errands, or embark on adventures.
And while driving is an inherent part of our daily modern lives, accidents still happen. From fender benders to intersection t-bones, the road can be dangerous and unpredictable, and they can result in injuries that range from minor to catastrophic.
In this article, we will explore the most common types of car accidents that occur on the road and the injuries that can result from them.
Rear-End Collisions
The most common type of car accident, a rear-end collision, occurs when one vehicle collides with the back of another. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions make up almost 29% of all car accidents on American roads. This type of accident usually occurs due to tailgating, distracted driving, sudden braking, or adverse weather conditions.
Common injuries you can suffer in a rear-end collision include the following:
- Whiplash
- Seat belt injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Head injuries
Being a defensive driver and making sure to keep a safe distance between you and any car in front or behind you can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in a rear-end collision.
Intersection Collisions
Intersection collisions occur when cars collide at a crossroads, such as at a traffic light or stop sign. These collisions can be hazardous and often cause severe injuries and fatalities, especially to those on the side of the impact.
A car crash at an intersection often occurs due to, among other things, disregarding traffic signals, distracted driving, speeding, improper turning, and impaired driving. Possible injuries that can be incurred include the following:
- Whiplash
- Fractures and dislocations
- Head and brain injuries
- Hand and arm injuries
To avoid an accident in an intersection, the number one thing you can do is be aware of your surroundings at all times and remain vigilant about what other cars are doing on the road.
Single Vehicle Accidents
Single vehicle accidents only involve the driver and passengers in one car. These accidents can include driving off the road, hitting a stationary object, possibly causing parked car damage, running over debris in the street, or rolling your vehicle.
These accidents are most commonly caused by distracted driving, impaired driving, and swerving to avoid something on the road, such as another vehicle, animals, fallen tree branches, or other debris.
Injuries from these accidents can range from whiplash and bruises to catastrophic injuries resulting in fatality. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly half of all accident fatalities fall in the single vehicle accident category, with rollovers alone responsible for 33% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
One of the most devastating and chaotic types of car accidents, a multi-vehicle pileup, involves numerous vehicles colliding in a chain reaction. Adverse weather conditions like fog, heavy rain, or snow most often trigger this chain domino effect. These conditions often create hazardous driving conditions by producing slippery roads and reduced visibility. The result makes it challenging for drivers to respond quickly.
Multi-vehicle pileups are some of the most dangerous accidents on the road, often resulting in a high number of serious injuries and fatalities. The force of impact from multiple angles can cause severe damage to all parties, including head trauma, spinal injuries, and broken bones.
One of the best ways to avoid being involved in a multi-vehicle pileup is by staying off the road entirely when weather conditions aren’t favorable to safe driving. If you are already on the road when these conditions occur, pull over in a safe place until conditions improve. If you have to drive during bad weather, make sure you take precautions such as avoiding distractions, reducing your speed, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles to give yourself ample time to react should the unexpected occur.
Seek Guidance from Experienced Car Accident Attorneys
Understanding the circumstances surrounding the most common types of car accidents can help you avoid them altogether. But accidents happen. And if you find yourself involved in one, the best thing you can do to ensure you’re properly taken care of is to consult with one of the lawyers at McCoy & Sparks about your property damage and personal injuries.
Our lawyers have years of experience helping our clients get financial protection for the medical care they need after they’re injured in a car accident. If you find yourself in this position, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options after you’ve been injured.