If you’re a regular road user in Philadelphia, you’ll know just how many risks there are on our city’s busy highways and byways. However, you might, at some stage, have wondered; what is the deadliest type of car crash?
In this post, we’ve looked at the various collision types and explain which are the most likely to cause serious injuries or loss of life. We also share some guidance on how to stay safe, and explain some steps you can take if you’ve recently been in a serious road accident.
Head-on collisions are widely considered the most dangerous car accidents (not taking incident frequency into account). When two cars collide head-on at speed, the force of the combined impact is typically devastating.
These collisions are potentially even more dangerous when there is a mismatch in size between the two vehicles involved (such as in truck or motorcycle accidents). The occupants of the smaller vehicle often stand little chance of avoiding considerable injuries in this situation.
Head-on accidents most often happen on two-lane roads without median dividers. They can occur when a driver drifts out of their lane accidentally, or when they attempt to overtake another car without enough space.
Victims of head-on collisions often suffer severe impacts within their vehicle (such as if their head makes impact with their steering wheel or their car’s dashboard). The situation is even worse for any occupant traveling without a seatbelt, as the force of the impact can throw them out of their car.
T-bone collisions occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a "T" shape. This often happens junctions when a driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic or stop for red lights.
While they’re not as devastating, on average, as head-on collisions, they occur much more frequently. So, the overall threat they pose to life on our roads is significant. T-bone accidents tend to result in more severe injuries to occupants of one car (the car that gets hit) than the other. Occupants sitting on the side of the car that gets hit often suffer particularly serious harm. Some cars – particularly older models – are more vulnerable to major structural damage when they get hit from the side because of a lack of reinforcement there; this makes the risk to health even greater.
When you think of car accidents, you may picture two or more cars or trucks getting involved in a collision. However, according to IIHS-HLDI statistics, a slender majority (51%) of the fatal road accidents that took place in Pennsylvania in 2022 involved only one vehicle.
It’s important to realize that, just because a crash only involves one vehicle, that doesn’t mean it can’t give rise to liability on the part of another road user. For example, if you were forced off the road because of another driver’s reckless passing, that other driver could be liable to compensate you. Alternatively, if you had a crash because of inadequate lighting or a poorly maintained road, you might be able to sue the public authority in charge of these amenities in pursuit of damages for your injuries.
Rear-end collisions are common in heavy traffic. Sudden stops, tailgating, and distracted driving are often the culprits behind these accidents. Bad weather can also be a factor, as it’s harder to stop in time on wet or icy roads.
A lower percentage of these collisions are fatal compared to other crash types. However, heavier rear-end collisions do cause death and serious injury. They also commonly lead to whiplash.
Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side. The resulting force can crush the cabin and cause severe harm to its occupants.
Rollovers are more common in vehicles with a higher center of gravity, like SUVs, trucks, and vans. Sudden swerves, high speeds, sharp turns, and collisions with other vehicles can all cause rollovers.
Multi-vehicle pileups usually occur on highways and can quickly escalate into massive accidents with numerous injuries. They’re more common during periods of bad weather, as fog, heavy rain, and ice can reduce visibility and increase stopping distance. Reckless drivers often play a role as well.
A risk to be aware of here is the fact that emergency services may take longer to reach you if you’re in the middle of a crash site. Delays in the administration of care in this situation greatly increase the risk of death and serious injury.
Unfortunately, a certain number of serious road accidents will always happen. However, it’s important to remember that if every driver behaved responsibly behind the wheel and followed all the relevant rules and directions, there would be far fewer deaths on Pennsylvania roads. The reality is that the majority of road accidents come about because of avoidable human error.
Some of the most common negligent habits we come across in our practice include:
If any of these factors played a role in your crash and the evidence is there to prove it, you stand a much better chance of securing compensation from the at-fault party via a lawsuit. In some cases (such as those involving alcohol or drug use by the at-fault driver), you might even be entitled to punitive damages.
However, every case is different. In order to get an accurate idea of your likely compensation entitlements, you’ll need to consult with a lawyer.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help you recover damages for economic losses such as medical and funeral expenses and loss of income, as well as noneconomic damages like loss of companionship and emotional pain.
In Pennsylvania, the only family members eligible to benefit from wrongful death suits are typically spouses, children, and parents.
So, what is the deadliest type of car crash?
Some accident types are high-risk because of the devastation they can cause (such as head-on crashes and pile-ups). Others, while less destructive, pose a big general risk because of their high frequency (such as T-bone crashes and single-vehicle accidents).
Regardless of the type of accident you’ve suffered, though, the pursuit of compensation involves the same steps. If yours was a serious crash, there’s a good chance you’ll need to file a road accident lawsuit to get all the damages you need to get your life back on track.
In order for this to succeed, you’ll need a capable lawyer in your corner. Contact The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia to schedule a free initial consultation about your case. You can reach us via our online contact form, or over the phone at 800-969-4400. Don’t delay; the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be for us to build an effective case on your behalf.
