The Most Dangerous Types of Car Accidents

Statistically speaking, head-on collisions and rollovers are the most dangerous types of car accidents. Rollovers account for only 2% of crashes but nearly 35% of deaths and head-on collisions caused 3,471 deaths – or about 10% of total fatal crashes – in 2017. Although rear-end crashes are the most common type of motor vehicle accidents and side-impact crashes cause more deaths each year, rollovers and head-on collisions lead to injury and death almost every time they occur.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions happen when the front of one vehicle impacts the front of another while both vehicles are traveling in opposite directions. Because both vehicles are traveling when head-on collisions occur, the impact of the crash is doubled. For this reason, head-on car accidents are often deadly.

Negligent drivers cause head-on collisions by driving on the wrong side of the road, often as a result of drugs or alcohol. Drivers may also drift from their lane on a 2-way street due to distracted driving or cause accidents while driving aggressively or trying to pass a slower vehicle when it is unsafe to do so. Speed is often a factor in head-on collisions.

Injured drivers and passengers can sue for any head-on crash caused by negligence.

Rollovers

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says the following about rollovers:

“A crash is classified as a rollover if the vehicle tips onto its side or roof at any time during the crash.”

In 2018, a total of 6,583 passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover accidents. Most rollovers happen after an initial crash, but some are not prompted by an initial collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal rollover crashes are frequently motivated by speed and botched behaviors during routine driving maneuvers, such as negotiating curves.

Nearly half of all fatal rollover crashes involve alcohol, as well, and some types of vehicles (like SUVs, pickups, and vans) have a higher center of gravity and are more susceptible to rollovers. Some vehicles, such as the Bronco II in 1983, have even been recalled because their risk of rollover was too high to be acceptable.

If you are hurt in a post-collision rollover or a rollover caused by a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation.

Recovering After a Serious Accident

Rollovers and head-on collisions are often fatal, and even survivors face serious injuries. If you’ve been injured or bereaved by someone else’s negligence in one of these dangerous accidents, Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Littky-Rubin & Whitman can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have over 200 years of collective experience and have successfully handled almost every type of accident claim.

For outstanding representation after a serious accident, call us at 561-899-2100 or contact us online today– and don’t forget to schedule your free consultation.