Every day, fatal car crash types happen on the roads and highways of Louisiana. Each type of accident has its rate of severity, judging from the number of deaths and people suffering a severe injury that changes their life completely. In our experience, some accidents are more dangerous than others. Yet, no matter what type of automobile accident you were involved in, an experienced New Orleans car crash lawyer from Wright & Gray is ready to help you file a personal injury claim and negotiate a fair settlement amount for you.
In this article, we plan to focus on the types of accidents that result in the most severe accident injuries. We will also focus on auto accident fatalities. Our goal is to help you avoid these situations as far as possible by understanding how and why these car crash types happen.
Statistics on Car Crash Types, Fatalities, and Accident Victims
The National Safety Council has determined that 42,339 people lost their lives in various motor vehicle crash types across the United States in 2020. The most deadly crashes involved:
- collision with a stationary object
- a crash between two or more vehicles
- an accident involving a bicycle
- a pedestrian accident
As for the causes of these fatal crashes, Drive Safely compiles data from several reports issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which indicate that:
- drunk drivers kill 28 people every day across the US
- drowsy driving is responsible for 2.1% of all traffic deaths on American roads
- wearing safety belts is the first and most important way of preventing serious injury or death
- speeding is responsible for 9,400 deaths across the US in one year
At the same time, bad weather combined with little experience or reckless driving is the cause of 21% of all car crash types across the United States each year.
In the state of Louisiana, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that 727 people lost their lives in 2019 in various car accident types, representing 15.6 deaths per 100,000 population. This puts our state above the US average of 11.0 deaths per 100,000 population.
What this statistical data show is that anyone may become a victim of distracted driving, drunk driving, a high rate of speed, or inclement weather. In this context, prudent driving habits are essential for saving your life and that of the passengers in your car.
What is the Type of Crash with the Highest Fatality Rate?
A New Orleans Louisiana car crash injury attorney knows that any kind of traffic accident has traumatic circumstances for the victim. You may suffer catastrophic injuries that will alter the course of your life forever due to a negligent driver. The vast majority of accident victims are left with long-lasting emotional trauma and mental anguish, including PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). And accident fatalities occur equally among drivers and vehicle occupants.
However, some types of collisions have a higher risk of accident deaths and injuries. Compiling various statistical data from actual crashes, these are the deadliest accident categories:
1. Off-the-Road Car Crash Types
This single-vehicle accident has the highest fatality rate. It occurs when a driver loses control of their vehicle, leaves the road, and crashes into a stationary object, such as a bridge or a light pole. 32% of all auto accident fatalities are victims of off-the-road crashes.
The reasons for this type of crash are various:
- distracted driving
- driving under influence of alcohol or drugs
- speeding
- poor road conditions
2. Side Impact Collision
Also known as T-bone collision, it ranks as the second most dangerous car accident. 21% of all fatal car crash types are side-impact collisions. The reason for this is that, compared to bumper systems, car doors offer little protection to drivers and vehicle occupants.
A T-bone accident is more likely to result in severe injuries and death in older vehicles. Modern cars have supplementary safety features, including airbags installed in the doors.
3. Rollover Accidents
A rollover car accident is more frequent in the case of SUVs and large vehicles, including large commercial trucks. They account for 11% of traffic fatalities across the US. A rollover is more likely at high speeds and in poor road conditions (potholes, debris on the road, etc.)
4. Head-On Accident
The reason why this type of accident is so deadly is the fact that the impact felt by all the occupants is the sum of the speeds of both vehicles. A reported 10% of all fatal accident victims lose their life in a head-on collision.
5. Rear-End Accident
Also known as a fender bender, this type of accident happens when a vehicle bumps into the one in front of it. Speeding, aggressive driving (tailgating), and failure to maintain a safe distance between vehicles are the main causes of this type of fatal accident.
What to Do After All Car Crash Types
As you can see, most types of accidents can lead to death or severe injuries. If you were hit by another vehicle, you need to do the following:
1. Call 9-1-1
You must call 9-1-1 to report the accident to the police and seek emergency medical treatment. When the law enforcement officers arrive, state what happened, but do not make any statements implying what may have happened and whose fault it is.
If the emergency medical team tells you that you should go to the hospital, accept the ambulance ride and undergo all the recommended tests and medical procedures. You will be able to recover your medical costs by filing a personal injury claim with the assistance of a car crash lawyer in New Orleans.
2. Collect Evidence about the Accident
Until the police and ambulance arrive, take photos and videos of your injuries, the damages to your vehicle and the position of both vehicles right after the crash. Also, photograph any other relevant elements, such as potholes or ice sheets on the road.
At the same time, get the other driver’s contact and insurance information and look for potential eyewitnesses. Ask them to give you their name and phone number. Your personal injury attorney will contact them as soon as possible to take their testimonies.
3. Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Injury Law Firm
It is crucial to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer only. Do not accept to talk or negotiate with the insurance adjuster representing the other party. You will most likely be determined to accept a lowball settlement (preventing you from taking any further legal action). Or, the adjuster will manage to convince you that you do not have a valid claim.
A New Orleans Louisiana car crash injury attorney at Wright & Gray will tell you the truth – how much your case is worth and what your chances of success are. When we accept a case, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we do not charge upfront fees.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car crash, make sure that you get justice and schedule a free consultation with us as soon as possible: 888-912-4944!