Fatal Accidents

Fatal motor vehicle accidents: they impact so many people beyond those who die in the collision. Perhaps the most horrendous part of it all is that so many of these types of accidents are preventable, if only people would take more precautions on the road. Simply staying focused on the task at hand can make a huge difference, and when accidents do occur, being safely latched in a seatbelt can save lives.

General Tips 

Whiplash, broken bones, lacerations, internal injuries, and brain damage. These are the preferable outcomes when compared to fatalities. Every accident can be avoided, or the outcomes can be mitigated, when drivers adhere to some simple guidelines:

• Never use drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel;
• If you find yourself getting drowsy, pull over rather than thinking you’ll be able to make it a few more miles;
• Stick to the speed limit;
• Slow down when conditions require;
• Avoid distractions from phones, kids, pets, etc.

 Head-on Crashes 

The most serious type of accident is a head-on collision.  This is the type of crash that is most often fatal, particularly when trucks, semis, and tractor-trailers are involved. The reason is obvious: smaller vehicles have no defense when tons of steel and rubber come crashing through the windshield.

T-Bones 

Another deadly type of accident, t-bones are common in intersections when vehicles fail to yield and one motorist smashes into the side of another. There are things drivers can do to avoid these treacherous crashes:

• Slow down and look carefully when approaching intersections;
• Use your turn signal.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-ups 

It must be terrifying to be smashed like an accordion in a vehicle pile-up. These kinds of crashes are common during traffic jams and inclement weather, but drivers can minimize their chances of being involved by following at a good distance, tapping on brakes when slowing, and remaining calm in these high-pressure situations.

Rollovers

 Rollover crashes are generally single-vehicle incidents. Drivers lose control when speeding, distracted, braking heavily, or swerving, especially on turns. When these behaviors are combined, the chances of a rollover go up, up, up.

Rear-enders 

Smashing into the rear of the vehicle ahead of you can be fatal, particularly if that vehicle is significantly larger than your own vehicle. Speed is one of the most important factors related to the seriousness of this type of incident, as rear-enders in bumper-to-bumper traffic are clearly more survivable.  Avoid these accidents by following at a safe distance and by making sure your brakes are in good working order.  Of course, drive within posted speed limits.

In the Aftermath 

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to the reckless or negligent actions of another driver, the dedicated and experienced Kissimmee personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group can help. Schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.