While many car accidents result in minor fender benders, others can result in serious harm to the driver or passengers, causing life-changing injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the six most dangerous types of accidents may help you take preventive measures on the road.
Head-on collisions need little explanation. They occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash front-to-front. These are often the deadliest accidents since drivers are impacted by the full force of the collision. Even when traveling at a moderate speed of 40 mph, the collision force doubles to 80 mph.
Why They Are Dangerous:
Safety Tip: Always wear a seat belt and make sure your airbag is functioning properly.
Otherwise known as side impact collisions, T-bone accidents happen when the front of one car hits the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These types of accidents typically occur in intersections, parking lots, and other high-traffic areas.
Why They Are Dangerous:
Safety Tip: Ensure your vehicle has side-impact airbags.
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Car accidents involving one or two vehicles can cause serious injuries, but when the number of vehicles involved goes up, so does the likelihood of life-threatening and fatal injuries.
Pile-ups involve three or more vehicles and often result from chain reactions on highways or in poor weather conditions.
Why They Are Dangerous:
Safety Tip: Maintain a safe following distance and stay alert in congested traffic or poor visibility.
Rollovers can happen to any vehicle, but are more common in SUVs, vans, and top-heavy trucks. They often result from sharp turns, overcorrections, or hitting obstacles.
Why They Are Dangerous:
Safety Tip: When purchasing a vehicle, talk to your dealer about vehicles with high rollover safety ratings.
While many rear-end crashes are minor, they can still cause long-term damage to a person’s neck and spine. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered.
Why They Are Dangerous:
Safety Tip: Be aware of what is going on behind your vehicle. Make sure rear-view mirrors are clear and clean and in the proper position so you can use them properly.
These accidents involve a single vehicle veering off the road and striking a stationary object like a pole, guardrail, or tree.
Why They Are Dangerous:
Safety Tip: Stay alert, avoid distractions, avoid texting and driving, and never drive under the influence.
Every driver has a legal obligation (or “duty of care”) to look out for the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and other individuals. When that duty is violated, and negligence causes harm, the at-fault party may be held liable.
At Nash & Franciskato, we advocate for accident victims, offering you peace of mind during your recovery and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys will:
Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in which you suffered serious injuries due to another’s negligence? Contact our Kansas City-based law firm of Nash & Franciskato today at (877) 284-6600.
One of our experienced team members will speak with you personally and provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 14, 2020. It was reviewed for content and accuracy on August 13, 2025, and was republished on August 17, 2025.
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