Depending on the types of vehicles involved and the speeds at which they were traveling, a motor vehicle collision can have devastating, often deadly, consequences. Vehicle occupants can suffer broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, paralysis or amputation. While there are countless factors that can influence the outcome, there are four common types of collisions drivers must attempt to avoid.
- Front-impact collisions: Often called a “head-on collision,” these types of crashes can be deadly as the force of both vehicles multiplies. Commonly, impaired drivers could drift across a divider into incoming traffic or a distracted driver could turn the wrong way down a one-way street.
- Side-impact collisions: Often called T-bone or broadside collisions, this type of traffic crash entails one vehicle driving into the side of another. These accidents generally occur at intersections where one driver did not stop at a posted signal.
- Rear-end collisions: Often the result of distracted driving, rear-end collisions are common in slowed traffic or during traffic jams. Generally, the driver in the rear fails to recognize stopped or slowed traffic and does not have the time needed to safely stop or avoid a collision.
- Parking lot collisions: Potentially consisting of all three of the previous types of collisions, crashes that happen in parking lots or parking garages can cover a wide range of accidents. While these collisions are not generally going to occur at higher speeds, vehicle occupants can still suffer soft tissue injuries and property damage.
Drivers and passengers alike can suffer devastating injuries in any type of vehicle collision. Between lost wages, property damage and medical debt, individuals can quickly face financial peril after a serious car, truck or motorcycle crash.