Previously, we discussed the most dangerous car accidents in America. While those accidents are important, some of them (especially head-on collisions) are relatively rare. Rather, most people involved in a crash will be involved in one of these three most common car accidents.
Low-Speed Collision
Whether it’s a parking lot fender-bender or a rear-ending at a stoplight, low-speed collisions make up a large percentage of all car accidents. Low-speed collisions tend to be less deadly, but still present a significant risk of pedestrian injury and whiplash.
While some joke about fender benders, remember that the sheer weight of a vehicle moving at 15-20 MPH can cause severe injuries. Even a difference of 5 MPH can mean the difference between life and death.
Side-Impact Collision
Any intersection or turn into traffic represents a risk of a side-impact collision. There are two leading causes of these accidents. First, a driver underestimates the speed of oncoming traffic before making their turn. Second, a car runs a stoplight and crashes into someone who had the right of way.
These impacts are uniquely terrifying because they are both common and extremely dangerous. Cars aren’t designed to absorb blows from the side. Most cars absorb just 5% of the incoming damage from a side impact.
Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions are, by far, the most common type of accident. They can happen anywhere and at any time. Daydreaming or looking away for three seconds could result in a high-speed rear-end collision on the highway.
These accidents are much more likely to result in severe injuries, especially whiplash. When a car is rear-ended at high speed, the sudden jerking causes passengers to abruptly jerk forward and back, hyperextending their necks and potentially pulling muscles, pinching spinal ligaments, or even directly injuring the spinal cord.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you might have a case. If you’d like to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced lawyer from Pete Olson Injury Attorneys to evaluate your case, please send us an email or call (877) 438-7383.
