Car collisions are the cause of 1.2 million deaths worldwide and disabilities for the 50 million people around the world who survive. Many people have to struggle with the effects of traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries for the rest of their lives. For those who suffer less permanent injuries, they still have to find ways to recover financially. All the hospital bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs add up fast. However, you may be able to find a way out of this by talking to a Tennessee auto accident lawyer if the accident was caused by another driver.
Types of Car Accidents
There are numerous types of car accidents and many that do not fit one particular category, but amongst these, three types of car accidents are considered the most dangerous.
Side collisions can happen when someone turns left too early or late at an intersection and can lead to compression injuries. Compression injuries from this type of accident tend to affect the pelvic regions. Whiplash and other neck injuries can also occur from the force of the impact. Neck injuries result from nerve root avulsion and brachial plexus damage. This leads to discomfort and chronic pain in some people.
Head-on collisions carry tremendous force behind them because of the fact that both vehicles are traveling at high speeds. The sudden deceleration experienced by both drivers can cause injuries to the lower extremities and head. Bone fractures, dislocations, and sprains are common in the legs, ankles, and knees. Seatbelts tend to lessen the impact of the upper body, but the head and neck may still lunge forward and back at rapid speeds. This commonly leads to whiplash and traumatic head injuries in severe accidents.
Rollover crashes involve more movements and impacts against the sides of the car. Glass shards and pieces of metal can create gashes and deep cuts in the skin. Seatbelts help in head-on collisions, but people in rollover accidents tend to be ejected from the vehicle.
Ways to Avoid a Car Accident
There are different ways to avoid car accidents. Not all of these ways may apply to you. Driving after drinking alcohol and using a cellphone or other electronic device in the car are some of the most common causes of car accidents. When it comes to drinking, try to find another way home if you feel too drunk to drive. If you feel the need to respond to a text, pull off to the shoulder or a gas station.
Following the speed limit decreases your chances of experiencing a car accident because speeding decreases reaction time and increases the severity of car accidents when impacts do occur. Cars are advancing each year. Recent car models have built-in mechanisms, like electronic stability control and front collision mitigation, to help you avoid accidents.
