Risks on the Road: Most Dangerous Car Accidents

Posted in Car Accidents on April 16, 2021

No one ever wants to be in a car accident, but certain motor vehicle accidents are more dangerous than others. Read on to learn more about the car accidents most likely to cause serious injury or death for individuals involved — and to understand how to recover for your injuries after a car accident.

The Dangers of Motor Vehicle Collisions

The following types of motor vehicle accidents are some of the most dangerous on the road:

Rollover Crashes

A rollover accident is much like the name describes — when a car rolls over onto its side or roof after a shift in the vehicle’s center of mass. Rollovers are more common in SUVs and pick-up trucks because they have a higher center of mass.

A rollover can happen when one vehicle strikes another, causing a shift in the center of gravity, or because of some action by the driver such as quickly changing direction, taking a turn too fast, or going off-road on uneven terrain. Rollovers run an increased risk that an occupant will be ejected from the vehicle, making death or serious injury much more likely. More than 6,300 passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover accidents in 2019.

T-Bone Crash

A T-bone accident is one where a vehicle strikes another from the side, creating a “T” shape at the point of impact. These accidents most commonly occur at intersections and because of one driver’s failure to yield. T-bone accidents are also called broadside collisions because the impact happens on the broadside of the vehicle. These types of accidents account for 27% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities.

Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles strike each other directly on their front ends. These accidents are particularly deadly, accounting for over 50% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths. The nature of the accident generally means that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions, making it more likely that both vehicles are driving at a high speed.

Single Vehicle Crash

These accidents only involve one car and can be caused by road or weather conditions, obstacles on the road, or a driver who doesn’t have control of the vehicle. The driver is not the only person who might be injured in a single-vehicle crash. Passengers in the vehicle might be injured, and innocent bystanders such as pedestrians or bicyclists could also be hurt or killed.

No matter the type of accident, if it was caused by the negligent or intentional act of another party, they are responsible for resulting injuries.

Responsibility for Injuries

Any deviation from a normal standard of care is a negligent act. For a driver, any violation of a traffic law or regulation is strong evidence of negligence. This includes speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The nature of the resulting injuries will vary from accident to accident but can include:

• Head injuries: Any blow to the head in an accident can result in a head injury such as a laceration or concussion.

• Traumatic brain injuries: Some blows to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury. The effects of these injuries will depend on the location and strength of the blow but can result in long-term cognitive impacts, a coma, or brain death.

• Spinal injuries: The spinal cord allows the brain to communicate with the body, and these injuries can result in a range of symptoms from numbness to paralysis.  

• Broken bones and fractures: Broken bones can significantly limit a victim’s ability to perform day-to-day activities, and severe breaks might require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

• Internal organ damage: A blow to the body can result in damage to internal organs, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Internal organ damage can be hard to diagnose and, if a diagnosis is delayed, can be life-threatening.

• Road rash: If the victim is a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or is ejected from the vehicle, their skin is likely to rub along the pavement. This can cause a painful skin injury called road rash. If serious, skin grafting might be required.

• Cuts, bruises, and sprains: These more minor injuries can still limit a victim’s ability to perform their daily activities and live the life they previously enjoyed.

Work with your lawyer to evaluate the facts of your case and to determine which party or parties are responsible. The most obvious negligent party is the driver of a vehicle involved in the accident, but also make sure to consider the driver’s employer if they were performing job duties at the time of the accident. Consider evaluating the vehicles involved in the accident for any defects because a vehicle manufacturer is responsible for a malfunctioning vehicle.

Securing Recovery

Work with your attorney to prepare a comprehensive damages demand of all the injuries you have suffered as a result of the accident:

• Medical Costs: Include all your medical costs, including emergency transportation, prescription medication, doctor bills, and the cost of surgical procedures, in your damages demand. If relevant, include an estimate of future medical costs.

• Lost Income: If your injuries force you to miss work or work a reduced schedule, the defendant is responsible for your lost wages as well as an estimate of future lost earnings or limitations on future earning potential.

• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, the defendant is responsible for repair or replacement.

• Emotional Distress: If the accident has left you suffering from emotional distress like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, include appropriate compensation for this suffering in your damages demand.

• Loss of Enjoyment: If you are no longer able to participate in activities that were an important part of your life, include compensation for this loss in your damages demand.

• Punitive Damages: If a defendant’s action were particularly egregious, the jury may award punitive damages to punish them for their actions.  

If you or a loved one was the victim of a car accident in or around New Orleans, LA, contact The Law Office of John Redmann, LLC today for a free consultation on your case.