Common Types of Vehicle Collisions

Car accidents can occur from any direction, and the point of impact makes a difference in the outcome and injuries sustained. There is also an elevated risk of vehicle collisions along Greenville’s high injury network, which includes N. Pleasantburg Drive, Laurens Road, Augusta Street, Stone Avenue, and I-385. Each road poses different dangers and can contribute to different types of accidents, which may include these 5 primary types of collisions: 

• Rear-End Accidents: One of the most common types of accidents, but it is often responsible for causing whiplash and neck and spine injuries. Occupants may experience an initial impact that pushes them forward before they experience a second impact when they are pressed backward. 
• Head-On Accidents: These accidents are among the most dangerous since the impact is absorbed directly. These collisions can result in severe injuries that could include TBIs or internal injuries. These accidents also have the potential to be fatal. 
• Side-impact Accidents: This point of impact is also particularly dangerous to occupants. Also known as a T-bone accident, collisions occur on the sides where there is the least amount of protection from force.
• Sideswipe Accident: These accidents can occur when drivers drift from their lanes or do not see other cars in their blind spots. The accidents could be minor or more serious if they cause another driver to lose control of their vehicle. 
• Rollover Accidents: Rollovers can occur when a collision or road condition causes a vehicle to become imbalanced and roll over. These accidents are highly dangerous because of the force and multiple points of impact; vehicle occupants are likely to sustain injuries. Rollovers are also likely to result in traumatic brain injuries and other severe conditions. 

When motor vehicle collisions occur, there are generally three points of impact. There is a force from both the initial collision and the stop. The third point of impact is when organs collide with bones and other body cavities. Accidents such as rollovers may increase this number even more. 

The Impact of Human Error on Roadway Collisions

Car collisions are generally the result of human error. This can result from acting in a certain manner, failing to act, or not making necessary accommodations. These acts of negligence can cause a variety of accidents and types of injuries. Some common factors that contribute to car accidents in Upstate South Carolina include: 

• Speeding
• Distractions
• Fatigue
• Alcohol or drug use
• Recklessness
• Road conditions
• Weather conditions
• Improper turns 
• Failure to obey traffic signals or rules of the road
• Inexperience
• Faulty parts or poor maintenance

It is important to drive defensively and educate yourself on car accidents and auto insurance requirements so you can remain alert and be equipped to take the proper steps in the event of a collision. Caution should be exercised at all times to remain vigilant around other motorists and help minimize the risk of an accident. 

Top Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

Injuries from car accidents can be varied, but there are several significant ones that occur most frequently. These can have profound ramifications for your life both initially and as you move forward. As such, it is important to know what injuries to be aware of and to seek medical attention right away. Below are some common conditions that you could sustain in an accident.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury can happen far too frequently in car accidents. These injuries often have two parts, which include the initial moment of injury and the resulting changes that happen as damage occurs to the brain. These injuries can affect physical, cognitive, emotional, psychological, sensory, and motor skills.

Neck and Spine Injuries

Individuals who sustain a spinal cord injury may suffer from a partial or complete disturbance of messages between the brain and the body. This may affect mobility and other regulatory functions. It may also affect specific portions of the body or an entire region. Neck injuries are also most likely to be sustained through whiplash or force on the neck.  

Chest and Rib Injuries

Chest injuries and fractured ribs can cause individuals significant pain and even make it difficult to breathe. Fractured ribs can also increase the risk of puncturing the lungs and other soft tissues. Depending on the force and impact applied to this region, these injuries can even lead to fatalities. 

Internal Injuries

Organs are impacted by the force of an accident and can result in internal bleeding, bruising, or damaged organs. These injuries may not be noticeable to the naked eye, but require proper diagnostics and a prompt response to rule these injuries out or treat them. Internal conditions can cause major complications if left unattended. 

Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are those that cause irreparable and permanent damage. These injuries often include those that result in paralysis, disabilities, and disfigurement. They may require extensive treatment, long-term, or permanent care. Catastrophic injuries may also result from acts of gross negligence.  

How to Demonstrate Liability in a Car Accident Claim in Greenville, SC

When it comes to car accidents, South Carolina is an at-fault state. What this means for you is that when another driver collides with you because they were negligent, you can file a claim with their insurance company to recover your medical expenses and the other losses that they caused you. Before damages can be awarded, though, fault must be determined and negligence must be established as part of the case. 

Insurance adjusters will investigate the case to see what factors were at play and who contributed to the accident. They will make their assessment and issue compensation accordingly. For personal injury claims, the process is similar, but car accident lawyers in Greenville, SC must also establish four key elements to show the presence of negligence. These include: 

• Duty of care: The other driver was obligated to follow the rules of the road, remain alert, and exercise caution to keep you and other motorists safe.
• Breach of duty: The other driver disregarded their obligations for one reason or another when they acted carelessly.
• Causation: The other driver’s actions were the catalyst that caused the collision and ended up hurting you as a result. 
• Damages: Because of the other driver’s liability, they must pay you damages for the losses you suffered. 

The steps above are a legal requirement in all personal injury claims. To ensure they are satisfactorily fulfilled, it is important that you have sufficient evidence to demonstrate each component. Your lawyer can review evidence that you have collected, as well as help you compile more as needed for favorable results. 

What to do if You are Partially to Blame for the Accident

If you are concerned that you are partially to blame, you need to talk to your lawyer so they can help limit potential liability and help you recover compensation. South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence approach, so any party who is less than 50% at fault can receive compensation reduced in proportion to their level of fault. Parties that contributed more than 50% are barred from receiving compensation.