Depending on countless factors, vehicle occupants can suffer devastating injuries in a collision. From broken bones and head trauma to crushed appendages and paralysis, drivers and passengers face severe injuries that could require extensive medical treatment. Based on the type of injury, it could take years to heal or possibly never fully heal over the remainder of the victim’s lifetime.
From the time of day to poor weather, numerous factors influence when and where a motor vehicle collision occurs. Some collision angles, however, typically result in serious injuries. These accident types can include:
- Rear-end collisions: Based on traffic patterns, this could be the most common type of collision. While many low speed rear-end collisions might seem like a minor fender-bender resulting in low-impact damage and injuries, a high speed collision can have catastrophic consequences. The impact can result in a violent, jarring motion of the vehicle. This movement often leads to traumatic brain injury or damage to the spinal cord resulting in paralysis.
- Side-impact collisions: Often called a broadside collision or T-bone crash, this type of impact sees one vehicle smash directly into the side of the other. This can destroy the side of the vehicle causing the metal to crumple inward toward the vehicle occupants. A T-bone collision can result in crush injuries, amputation, brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
- Head-on collisions: A front impact collision is likely the most dangerous type of crash an individual can suffer. With two vehicles moving toward each other, the rate of speed and force of impact are multiplied. Unfortunately, this type of crash can eject vehicle occupants through the windshield to strike the other vehicle, stationary objects and, eventually, the ground itself.
While any type of motor vehicle collisions can result in catastrophic injuries, the angle of impact can directly influence the damage drivers and passengers suffer. Whether it is due to poor weather, vehicle malfunction or a distracted driver, motor vehicle collisions often result in severe injuries. These injuries could require surgery, a lengthy hospital stay, extensive physical therapy and a lifetime of expensive medications.