Understanding the different types of car accidents and the injuries they most commonly cause is important for every driver. Each type of collision brings its own risks, and being aware of them can help you take extra precautions on the road. If you or a loved one get into a wreck on the road, consider contacting a highly-rated St. Louis car accident attorney for assistance.
1. Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end collisions are a frequent type of car accident, happening when one vehicle strikes the back of another. These crashes often occur because the following driver is distracted and driving too closely behind another car. Even though some rear-end impacts are low speed, they can still result in significant pain and injury. Common injuries seen in rear-end crashes include:
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Head injuries
While some people recover quickly from these injuries, others can face lingering pain or complications, particularly if a rear-end collision happens at highway speeds. From a legal standpoint, Missouri generally holds the rear driver responsible in these types of accidents unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.
2. Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact accidents (T-bone accidents) occur when the front of one vehicle crashes directly into the side of another. These incidents usually take place in intersections where one driver may run a red light, fail to yield, or misjudge another vehicle’s speed, leaving little opportunity to avoid a collision. Common injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries potentially leading to lasting nerve damage or paralysis
- Broken bones, particularly in the ribs, legs, or arms
- Internal injuries from the sudden and localized impact on one side of the body
Injuries from side-impact collisions are often more severe – sometimes fatal – especially for passengers sitting on the side that is struck. Our firm’s wrongful death lawyer in St. Louis is prepared to fight tirelessly to secure justice for your family if you lost a loved one in an avoidable wreck.
3. Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles collide straight into each, an especially dangerous scenario most often caused by factors like speeding, impaired driving, drifting across center lines, or falling asleep at the wheel. Because both vehicles are typically moving at significant speeds, the energy involved makes these some of the most destructive crashes on the road. Frequent injuries include.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with victims experiencing anything from a concussion to severe, life-altering brain damage
- Injuries to the chest and abdomen, such as broken ribs, internal bleeding, or harm to vital organs, usually due to the violent restraint of seatbelts and airbag deployment
- Spinal injuries, which can sometimes lead to full paralysis
The high speed and direct nature of head-on accidents often mean the injuries are catastrophic, and fatalities are unfortunately common. Because losses tend to be so extensive in these wrecks, victims and their families often face complex and high-value lawsuits, making it crucial to determine exactly what caused the other driver to end up in the wrong lane.
4. Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. These crashes frequently happen due to sharp turns taken at high speeds, sudden maneuvers to avoid obstacles, or in vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as SUVs or vans. Injuries that often occur in these accidents include:
- Significant neck and back trauma, sometimes leading to paralysis if occupants are pinned or violently shaken as the car rolls
- Head injuries, which are particularly severe if a person isn’t buckled in or the roof of the vehicle crumples during the crash
- Broken arms, legs, or ribs
Because of the violent motion and the potential for ejection or crushing, rollover accident injuries are often life-changing or even fatal.
5. Single Vehicle Accidents
Single vehicle accidents involve just one car running off the road or crashing into a stationary object, like a tree, utility pole, or barrier. These situations can arise due to driver error, poor weather, swerving to avoid something, or unexpected road hazards. They may not sound as serious as multi-car crashes, but the impact for the driver and passengers can still be severe. Injuries often include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries, which may happen if a person hits the dashboard, windshield, or side window during the accident
- Fractures and broken bones from hitting interior surfaces like the steering wheel or door frames
Depending on what the vehicle strikes and the speed at the moment of impact, injuries in single-car crossings can range from moderate to critical.
Even when you’re the only car involved, you could still have legal options. If something like a road defect, faulty vehicle component, or the actions of another driver forced you off the road, you may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim.
If you or someone you love has been injured in any type of car accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.