In the United States, over 3 million people are injured in car accidents every single year. This might sound like an immense figure, but it is worth noting that the vast majority of car accident injuries in America are minor, with very few requiring medical treatments of any kind.
However, all it takes is a stroke of bad luck for a car accident to result in serious car accident injuries. But what is considered a serious car accident? Knowing the answer to this question will help you seek the support, legal resource, and compensation that you deserve. Read on to find out what qualifies as a serious car accident.
1. Types of Serious Car Accident
When looking at serious car accident stories, it is clear that certain types of collisions and accidents are more likely to be classed as serious. These are the types of accidents that most often become a fatal car accident or an accident that causes so-called “life-changing injuries”. These are usually listed as:
- Head-on collisions: A head-on collision is, in terms of injury and fatality, the most dangerous and serious type of car accident by far. This is when the front ends of two vehicles collide at full speed. The fatality rate for a head-on collision has been estimated to be as high as 58% for all vehicle occupants.
- Rollover accidents: As you might be able to guess, a rollover accident is when a car accident causes at least one vehicle involved to roll over on its top or side, sometimes multiple times. SUVs are most likely to be involved in these types of accidents, due to their high center of gravity. Rollover accidents typically caused broken bones, spinal damage, organ failure, and death.
- Side-impact crashes: This is when a vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, where the doors are located. Since the doors are not built to withstand crash damage, the results can be catastrophic, with a very high fatality rate.
2. Types of Serious Car Accident Injuries
When defining whether a car accident is serious or not, the types of injuries sustained by those involved are usually the main indicator. If you have suffered a serious injury from a car accident, you will likely be unable to work for a long period of time.
If so, you are legally entitled to seek compensation for lost wages. If you choose to do this, always use a qualified and experienced car accident injury attorney such as davidaylor.com. The types of injuries typically classed as serious include:
- Spine injuries: Due to the nature of car collisions, spine injuries are very common. These can range from milder injuries such as whiplash to full-blown paralysis. Either way, all spine injuries should be treated as serious.
- Loss of limb: Car accidents often cause limbs to become trapped or otherwise damaged. As a result, full medical amputation is often necessary.
- Brain trauma: Blunt force trauma to the head is a very significant threat in any kind of car accident. Brain trauma can have last consequences and incapacitate victims for life.
- Bone fractures: Although less severe bone fractures caused by car accidents are usually classed as serious, as they can lead to extended periods in hospital, emotional trauma, and missed work.
Your Auto Questions, Answered
Understanding what counts as a serious car accident is just one way to keep yourself safe and legally compliant on the road. For the answers to all of the car and driving questions you might have, you have come to the right place. Make sure to consult our expertly-curated Auto section for all of the info and advice you need.
