Common Serious Or Fatal Vehicle Accidents
Nobody anticipates the possibility of fatalities when they get in their vehicles. Yet, roughly 40,000 fatal accidents occur across the country annually—over 3,000 of them right here in the Sunshine State. Collisions have lethal consequences under many circumstances. The most common types of fatal crashes, however, include the following:
Head-On Collisions
Most first responders know that when two vehicles crash in a driving lane, the opportunity for fatalities is at its highest. They comprise only 2 percent of all collisions, yet account for one in ten traffic fatalities. What leads to head-ons? Most often, they are the result of three factors:
- Passing when on-coming traffic is too close;
- Running a red light;
- Swerving around an object in the roadway.
Rear-End Collisions
Commonly occurring in stop-and-go traffic, this type of incident can result in just a fender bender at low speeds. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries are also possible, and can be more serious, and even fatal, as speeds increase.
Rollovers
Rollover crashes generally involve a single vehicle, and virtually always result in serious injuries and/or death. They occur when drivers are unable to maneuver road conditions such as curves, often due to high speeds or weather issues.
Multi-Car Pileups
When a single accident occurs and one vehicle after another slams into standing traffic, the potential for serious injuries and fatalities becomes very high. These kinds of accidents occur primarily during times of severe traffic congestion or inclement weather that impairs visibility.
T-Bones
When one vehicle slams into the side of another, it can be extremely dangerous, especially to individuals seated on the side of impact. These kinds of collisions occur frequently at intersections when a vehicle that is going straight collides with one that is turning. Speed is often a factor in the severity of the incident.
Distractions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about 3,000 fatalities and 40,000 injuries each year are the result of distracted driving. Distractions may play a part in each of the accident-types listed above.
Drive Defensively
What can you do to minimize your risk on the road? Experts say that defensive driving is key to increasing your safety. That means:
- Avoid distractions like cell phones;
- Stay in your lane and give other motorists plenty of room;
- Signal your intentions well ahead of executing them;
- Pay extra attention when passing or when traveling through intersections;
- Adjust driving in changing weather conditions;
- Drive at safe speeds.
After an Accident
If, despite your best efforts, you are the victim of a serious accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another motorist, it is possible you could be eligible to receive damages to compensate for your injuries. To discuss the possibilities, schedule a confidential consultation with the experienced Kissimmee car accident attorneys at Salazar & Kelly today.
Source:
iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state
