The Four Most Common Types of Fatal Car Wrecks

No one wants to think about it, but car accidents in San Antonio and throughout Texas cause fatalities more commonly than people think. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were more than 4,000 fatal car crashes in Texas in 2021. As the roads continue to become more congested, that number is only expected to grow. While not all car crashes are going to be fatal, there are certain types of accidents that are more likely to cause a fatality than others. Below, our San Antonio car accident lawyer explains what these are.

Head-On Collisions 

Head-on collisions account for only two percent of car accidents on the road, but they also make up ten percent of all fatalities. As the name suggests, these crashes occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the front of another. The most common causes of these accidents include running red lights, speeding, swerving to avoid obstacles on the roadway, and misjudging distances.

T-Bone Accidents 

A T-bone accident occurs when one driver slams into the side of another vehicle. These accidents are extremely serious because unlike the front and rear of vehicles, the sides do not typically have crumple zones that can protect occupants within the car. T-bone accidents are most commonly caused by motorists who turn in front of oncoming traffic. However, if a driver drifts onto the other side of an interstate or highway lane to pass drivers who are traveling at a slower pace. T-bone accidents often occur at high speeds, which is more likely to result in fatalities.

Vehicle Rollovers

 Unlike other types of car accidents, a rollover usually only involves one vehicle. These crashes are typically caused by drivers who do not maneuver their vehicle properly or who do not properly handle it. For example, speeding while turning around tight corners is a very dangerous maneuver that can result in a fatal vehicle rollover. Depending on the facts of a case, vehicles sometimes roll over more than once. Vehicle rollovers often result in fatalities. Victims may die at the scene, or they may succumb to their injuries in the days or weeks that follow the crash.

Distracted Driving 

Looking at your phone, eating, and changing the radio station while you are driving may all seem fairly innocent. However, these are all distractions that can have very serious consequences. Any time a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for just a few seconds, it is like they are driving the length of a football field with their eyes closed.

Our Car Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Help After a Fatality 

If you have lost someone you loved in a wreck, our San Antonio car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Israel Garcia can help. Our seasoned attorney can identify the liable party, prove they were negligent, and help your family obtain the maximum compensation they deserve. Call or text us now at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to schedule a free review of your case.

Sources:

iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state

forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/head-on-collision/