TYPES OF HIGH-SPEED IMPACT CRASHES
Though there are different types of car crashes, few are as severe or deadly as those at high speeds. These are widely considered to be the most dangerous type of car crash due to the higher fatality rate and carnage that is inflicted upon both vehicle and passenger.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most vehicle safety performance tests are done at around 35 mph. Many of us would consider that to be a modest speed considering most U.S. interstates are nearly double that. This means that if you’re a victim of a high-speed car crash, it’s likely you were traveling well over what your vehicle was tested to handle.
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This might sound alarming, but there’s no need to panic. Understanding the different types of car crashes and how to avoid them will help make you feel safer on the road.
What is considered a high-speed impact crash?
High-speed collisions are classified as those that occur at speeds of 30 mph or more. In the United States, most high-speed crashes happen on highways and interstates. In these accidents, the likelihood that personal injury will occur is greatly increased. There are several different types of car crashes that are considered high-speed.
Types of High-speed Impact Crashes
Due to the vehicle’s velocity during these collisions, the magnitude of damage and accident type are heightened. What can happen to both the driver and the automobile is more lethal. There are six common types of high-speed accident classifications.
Rollover
A rollover occurs when your vehicle physically turns over. The chances of this happening at high speeds are greatly increased due to the vehicle’s momentum. Personal injury risks are higher in these types of situations due to the loss of control of the car.
T-Bone Collisions
These accidents tend to happen at intersections. They are side-impact collisions named for the position of the vehicles during the wreck. One vehicle strikes the front of their car into the side of another at a nearly perpendicular angle, creating a T-shape and thus giving this vehicle accident its name.
Head-On Collisions
Regarding high-speed impacts, this is the most dangerous type of car crash. This is due to the forward motion of both vehicles being directed into each other. Additionally, direct impact rather than a glancing blow increases the carnage during the collision.
Sideswiping while Merging
Similar to the T-bone collision, this is another type of side-impact collision. When these situations arise, it’s due to one vehicle trying to enter a lane that is already occupied. The vehicle makes an impact with another, typically with its front fender.
Hit and Run Accidents
Another situation that can arise in high-speed crashes is a hit-and-run. In these scenarios, a vehicle has an impact with another but is still able to be driven. The driver flees the scene leaving the other party at the crash site.
Single Vehicle Accidents
These types of incidents occur when the driver loses control of the vehicle but does not collide with another motor vehicle. Typically, the motorist collides with a road barrier, animal, or natural obstruction.
Tips to avoid being in a high-speed impact car accident
Knowing about these accidents isn’t enough to prevent them. There are defensive driving steps you can take that will help reduce your chances of being involved in one. Some of the more common ways to lower your risk of being in a motor vehicle accident are:
- Keep your distance from other motorists.
- Slow down.
- Don’t drive when tired or drowsy.
- Avoid driving in inclement weather.
- Check mirrors multiple times before merging or turning.
What to Do After a high-speed collision
Vehicle crashes are always stressful. When they happen, there’s a strong possibility your adrenaline will be high, and your emotions will be amplified. Do your best to follow these steps after an accident:
- The first thing you’ll want to do is stay calm. Panic or anger can lead to poor decision-making.
- Next, check yourself for injuries. If you don’t have any, check any passengers you have with you.
- Get to a safe spot off the road. Don’t leave the scene of the accident, but don’t stay in an area that could result in further harm.
- Call emergency services.
Once you’ve established that you are going to be okay, you’ll want to think about taking legal steps. You’ll want to get in touch with a car accident attorney to better understand what you might be entitled to.
Colorado Car Accident Attorneys
The law office of Bachus & Schanker can help car accident victims that have suffered a personal injury from these types of high-speed collisions. Our staff takes pride in helping you understand if you have a claim — and helping you file one if you do. Motor vehicle crashes can be devastating, but filing a claim won’t be with the help of our experienced Colorado Car Accident Attorneys.
Sources:
Car Safety Ratings.
Kornberg, H. Consumers Guide to Serious Injury Collisions.
Written and Legally Reviewed By: Kyle Bachus
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,461 Google Reviews
Kyle is a member of the Colorado and Florida Bar associations and has served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association for more than twenty years in total. Over the years, Kyle has achieved justice for many clients. He has served on numerous committees and repeatedly won recognition from his peers at both the state and national level. He is proud of the role he has played in the passage of state and national legislation to protect consumers and is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer.