According to numbers form the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 37,461 Americans were killed in car accidents in the year 2016. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) noticed a 43 percent increase in Bay Area auto accident fatalities from 2010 to 2016. The 455 fatal crashes reflect the rising populations of the region as well as the relatives of traffic congestion.
Certain kinds of crashes proved deadlier than others. The team at our San Jose, CA law office would like to consider the most dangerous kinds of auto collisions, noting why they are so deadly.
Head On Crashes
Head on collisions are clearly one of the deadliest kinds of collisions. When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions strike each other, the sheer amount of force generated by the impact can be catastrophic. IIHS numbers found that head on collisions were responsible for 54 percent of all passenger vehicle accident deaths in 2016.
T-bone Collisions
Also known as a broadside crash and a side impact crash, T-bone collisions occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the passenger/driver side of another vehicle. These kinds of accidents are most common in intersections where vehicles often travel perpendicular to one another. One-quarter of auto collision fatalities in the United States occurred in T-bone crashes.
Vehicle Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle wind up turning onto its side rather than remaining upright. These kinds of accidents are more likely in vehicles that have a high center of gravity, such as vans or SUVs. The amount of trauma sustained when a vehicle is turned over can be immense. According to the IIHS, there were 7,488 deaths from vehicle rollovers in 2016.
These kinds of accidents can be even deadlier if the vehicle rolls over onto its roof. The roof of the vehicle can cave in, resulting in severe head trauma to any occupants inside of the turned over vehicle.
Underride Crashes with Large Trucks
An underride crash with a large truck occurs when a passenger vehicle strikes the side or back of the trailer. In most cases, the trailer is upraised, allowing passenger vehicles to travel partially underneath. This could result in the roof of the vehicle being compressed and sheared off. The head trauma sustained in such a crash can be fatal.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that half of the fatalities in passenger-vehicle-and-large-truck crashes are due to underride collisions.
High Speed Collisions
With great speed comes greater risk of fatal injury. The force generated is much higher, and the injuries wind up being more catastrophic. The IIHS found that high speed caused or played a contributing factor in 26 percent of car accident deaths in 2016.
Collisions with Drunk Drivers
Driving while intoxicated impairs decision-making skills and coordination. The chances of a fatal crash are far higher if a person is drunk behind the wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 10,497 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2016.
Contact Bowles & Verna LLP
For more information about your legal options after an auto collision, it’s important that you contact an experienced injury accident lawyer. Our team is here to help you in your time of legal need.