What Are the Most Common Types of Highway Accidents?

At Gray Law Firm, we are unwavering in our commitment to assisting victims of highway accidents. Our dedicated team of experienced personal injury attorneys works tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. With personalized attention and expert legal services, we stand by your side every step of the way, helping you navigate the complexities of your case and focus on your recovery.

Which Highway Accidents Occur Most Frequently?

Highway accidents can vary in type and severity, but certain types occur more frequently than others. Understanding these common accidents can help drivers stay vigilant and take preventive measures.

Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of highway accidents. They often cause serious injuries, like whiplash and other back problems. Rear-end collisions are often caused by driving above the posted speed limit, tailgating, sudden stops, or distracted driving. They can be avoided by keeping a safe following distance from other drivers.

Side Impact Crashes, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These traffic accidents typically happen at intersections or when merging lanes, like when one car is attempting to integrate into the highway’s traffic flow. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 50% of combined fatal and injury crashes nationally occur at or near intersections.

Head-On Collisions: Though less frequent, head-on collision traffic accidents are particularly deadly and usually result from wrong-way driving or lane departures.

Single-Vehicle Accidents: These involve only one vehicle and can occur due to losing control, hitting an obstacle, or veering off the road. Factors like speeding, fatigue, adverse weather conditions, and other hazardous conditions often contribute to these accidents. Just because you were the only vehicle that crashed doesn’t mean you don’t have a basis for an accident claim.

Multi-vehicle pileups: These accidents involving multiple vehicles are common on busy highways. Chain reactions from an initial collision, poor visibility, or adverse weather conditions often cause them.

Car Accidents by the Numbers

Highway accidents are a significant concern in the United States, with various sources providing detailed statistics on their frequency and impact.

Fatalities: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tells us that in 2022, there were 42,514 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the U.S., representing a 1.7% decrease from 43,230 deaths in 2021.

Injuries: The NHTSA reported that in 2020, approximately 2.28 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes.

Economic Impact: According to the US Department of Transportation, the total financial cost of motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. was estimated at $340 billion in 2019, accounting for medical expenses, lost productivity, legal and court costs, emergency services, insurance administration, and property damage.

Common Causes: Speeding, alcohol impairment, and distracted driving are leading causes of highway accidents. In 2020, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities, and alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 30% of all traffic deaths.

Vehicle Types: The type of vehicle makes a crash more or less dangerous. In 2020, passenger cars were involved in 54% of all fatal crashes, light trucks accounted for 44%, and large trucks were involved in 9%.

Everyone thinks an accident and the resulting injuries won’t happen to them, but the numbers prove this is wrong. These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges and risks associated with highway travel in the U.S. and the state of New York. 

Common Injuries From Traffic Accidents on the Highway

Highway accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in such incidents:

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. The sudden impact causes the neck to snap forward and backward, damaging soft tissue.

Fractures: Broken bones are frequent in highway accidents due to the high impact forces. Common fractures include arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries occur when the head sustains a significant impact, potentially leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are often life-altering and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries: High-impact collisions can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs, which may not be immediately apparent.

Lacerations and Cuts: Broken glass and debris can cause deep cuts and scrapes, leading to significant blood loss and requiring stitches or surgical intervention.

Burns: In accidents where vehicles catch fire, occupants may suffer from varying degrees of burns, necessitating long-term medical care and potentially leading to permanent scarring.

Chest Injuries: The force of impact can cause rib fractures, collapsed lungs, and damage to the heart or other thoracic organs, often due to the pressure from seat belts or airbags.

Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and bruises affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While often less severe, they can still cause significant pain and mobility issues.

Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims of highway accidents may experience psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, requiring mental health support.

Understanding these common injuries can help recognize the potential impact of highway accidents. To address physical and emotional recovery needs, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention from the accident scene and legal assistance. If you’ve recently been in a highway accident and are suffering from any of these conditions or others, contact our legal team right away.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Gray Law Firm is dedicated to assisting victims of highway accidents through comprehensive legal support. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and provide expert advice. Our firm handles the intricate process of filing claims, ensuring all necessary documentation is accurately completed and submitted on time. If your case proceeds to court, Gray Law Firm provides robust representation, advocating for your rights and striving for the best possible outcome. 

With our personalized approach, experienced attorneys, and commitment to your recovery, Gray Law Firm ensures that you are supported every step of the way toward achieving justice and maximum compensation.