It is common knowledge that driving can be a very dangerous activity. A car accident can wreak havoc on the lives of a vehicle’s driver and passenger. Vehicles involved may be damaged or declared total losses by insurance companies. The occupants themselves may be injured. These injuries can be minor, but, depending on the type of crash and the safety precautions taken by the motorists, they can also be very severe and even life-ending. If you recently suffered being hit by a vehicle, you can turn to an attorney, like a car accident lawyer Memphis, TN trusts, to assist you.
Important Factors in a Crash
There are many factors that affect the severity of the injuries of the people involved in a car crash.
- First is speed. The faster the vehicles are going, the more likely it is that the people involved in the crash will be hurt. Although modern cars have many safety features to keep occupants safe, crashing at high speeds can be a recipe for disaster.
- Second is angle of impact. Depending on how two vehicles strike each other, different physical forces will be felt by the passengers, different parts of the vehicle may contort, and different injuries may be sustained. In single-vehicle crashes, a car may roll over or strike a guard rail or other solid object. Typically, the most dangerous type of crash is a head-on collision with another vehicle that is also moving. Head-on collisions with solid objects are also extremely dangerous, particularly at high speeds.
Ways to Avoid Injury in a Car Crash
- The best way to avoid injuries in a car crash is to exercise caution. Because speed is often the number one predictor of the severity of the crash, make sure that you follow speed limits. Be aware of the weather which can affect visibility and can make the roads slick. Never operate a vehicle under fatigue or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Make sure that you are not distracted while driving, and always keep an eye out for other drivers who may not be as cautious as you.
- It is also imperative that you take advantage of the safety mechanisms in your vehicle. You should always wear your seatbelt with the shoulder restraint and require all passengers in your vehicle to do the same. You should make sure that all children in your vehicle are also properly restrained in an age-appropriate car or booster seats that meet all current industry standards. You should also make sure that you pay attention to warning lights on your dashboard, making sure that any issue with your vehicle’s airbag, tires, stability control, brakes, and other features are promptly addressed so that all of the safety features in the car are functioning properly to protect you in the event of the crash.
If you do have the unfortunate experience of being injured in a car crash, you may experience a wide range of injuries including soft-tissue injuries such as whiplash. You may also experience more serious injuries to the bones and skin in your arms, legs, and torso. Chest injuries are common, as are head injuries, especially if your seatbelt is not used properly or if you do not have a vehicle with a functioning airbag.
Any injury you sustain, however, can be life-changing.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Patterson Bray, for their insight into car accidents.