4 Types of Car Accidents That Can Result in Serious Injuries

Thousands of motor vehicle collisions happen every day in Texas and all throughout the United States. These accidents can range from minor bumps to catastrophic collisions. Regardless of the severity of a car accident, the people involved can suffer multiple different types of injuries. When a person is injured by a negligent driver, they will need to understand their options for pursuing compensation for their damages. By understanding the reasons why different types of accidents can occur, injury victims can take the correct steps to ensure that they will be fully compensated.

Head-On Collisions

The most dangerous types of car accidents will often involve frontal-impact collisions between two vehicles. These accidents often occur at high speeds, and the force involved in a collision is likely to inflict severe injuries on the occupants of both vehicles. Even when a person is protected by safety systems such as seat belts and airbags, they may suffer traumatic brain injuries when hitting their head on their vehicle's windshield or other objects, or the sudden wrenching motion of a collision may result in spinal cord injuries that could lead to paralysis. Other serious injuries may include broken bones or severe lacerations.

Front-impact collisions often occur because of drunk driving. When a driver is intoxicated due to the use of alcohol or drugs, they may experience vision impairments, and they may not realize that they are driving on the wrong side of the road. Drunk drivers may also experience a loss of bodily control, making them more likely to lose control of their vehicle and drive into oncoming traffic.

T-Bone Collisions

Accidents in which one vehicle strikes another vehicle from the side can also be very dangerous. People in the vehicle that is struck from the side are likely to be seriously injured. For example, if a car collides directly with the driver's-side door of another vehicle, the impact can cause the driver to be crushed between their door and the interior of their car. In some cases, this can result in severe bone fractures or even amputations. The impact of a collision may also result in traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, whiplash, or other forms of bodily harm.

T-bone collisions often occur because of traffic violations or other forms of negligent driving. People who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs may collide with other vehicles that are proceeding through an intersection. These accidents can also occur when someone speeds up to make it through a yellow light or attempts to make a left turn without checking to make sure the intersection is clear.

Rollover Accidents

Accidents in which a vehicle turns over onto its side or roof can be very dangerous, and the occupants of the vehicle can be seriously injured. People may suffer head injuries or other forms of bodily harm after being crushed under the vehicle's roof or frame. They may also be thrown around the inside of the vehicle and be struck by flying objects, leading to injuries such as broken bones or severe lacerations. In the aftermath of an accident, people may become trapped in a vehicle, and if the car catches on fire, they may suffer serious burn injuries.

Rollover crashes are often single-vehicle accidents, and they may occur when a vehicle's tires leave the road or when a driver attempts to take a sharp turn at a high speed. Rollovers can also occur in multi-vehicle collisions, such as when a larger vehicle strikes a smaller vehicle from the side. A vehicle may also collide with other vehicles after rolling over, and if a rollover occurs on a highway or busy road, it may lead to a multi-vehicle pileup that can cause injuries to other drivers and passengers. In many cases, a driver who lost control of their vehicle will be responsible for a rollover accident, although these accidents may also occur because of dangerous roads that are damaged or overly slippery.

Rear-End Collisions

Collisions in which one vehicle strikes another from the rear are often considered to be minor, since they typically occur at relatively low speeds. However, these collisions can result in significant damage to a vehicle, and they can also cause people in the vehicle struck from behind to suffer injuries such as whiplash, serious sprains, or broken bones. When rear-end collisions occur at higher speeds, they can result in more serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations.

In most cases, a driver who strikes someone else from the rear will be at fault for a collision. These accidents are often caused by distracted driving. A driver who looks away from the road or takes their hands off the steering wheel to engage in activities such as checking their phone or sending a text message may not notice that someone in front of them has slowed down or stopped, and they may be unable to react in time to avoid a rear-end collision. These accidents can also occur because of speeding, tailgating, or other traffic violations that affect a person's ability to slow down when necessary.

Contact a Dallas Car Accident Attorney

Dealing with the aftermath of a car wreck can be difficult. A person who has suffered severe injuries may require emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and ongoing care. Their injuries may also prevent them from working for a significant amount of time, leading to financial losses that can affect their ability to pay ongoing expenses. An experienced Dallas car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in these situations. With the help of an attorney, a victim can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver or other liable parties, ensuring that they will be able to make a full recovery.