Different Types of Car Accidents: Head-On, Rollover & Beyond

Posted June 20, 2023 in

Wisconsin lost 595 people to car accidents in 2022. These fatalities resulted from 115,694 reported car accidents, making Wisconsin’s deaths-per-reported-accident higher than the national average.

These numbers are tragic. While some car accidents are unavoidable, many are the result of human error and can be prevented.

The following outlines car accident scenarios in Wisconsin and highlights their causes. Familiarizing yourself with these could help save your life and the lives of fellow travelers.

Different Types of Car Accidents

Head-On Collisions

While less common than other car accidents, head-on collisions are among the most deadly accidents. A head-on collision occurs when the front-ends of two vehicles meet while traveling in opposite directions.

Head-on collisions are most likely to occur in rural areas. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported a 58% fatality rate for vehicle occupants in head-on collisions in 2017. 

Common causes of head-on collisions include:

  • Driving distracted;
  • Speeding;
  • Drowsy driving; and
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Injuries from head-on collisions may be catastrophic requiring lifelong care and treatment such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.

Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident is when a vehicle tips on its side or roof during a crash. Vehicles may roll once or multiple times in a rollover accident depending on the force of the crash. Motor vehicles with a higher center of gravity are more likely to rollover like SUVs, vans, and semi-trucks. 

Rollovers may be caused by:

  • Speeding;
  • Road debris;
  • Overloading or misloading cargo;
  • Distracted driving; and
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Vehicle occupants may be ejected and killed or catastrophically injured in a rollover.  

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when one car’s front end hits another car’s back end. Rear-end collisions regularly result from distracted driving. 

Rear-end collisions are usually the fault of the following driver. Drivers who fail to pay attention to traffic and road conditions may not leave themselves sufficient stopping distance to avoid a collision.

Rear-end collisions may be minor to severe depending on the force of the impact. The most common injury in rear-end collisions is whiplash.

Whiplash is a painful neck injury caused by the forceful, rapid, back-and-forth movement of the neck. It may last weeks or months and may lead to chronic pain.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions are accidents where one vehicle strikes another at a perpendicular angle forming a “T” shape. These accidents generally happen at intersections. Side-impact collisions are especially dangerous for passengers on the side of impact.  

These collisions are often serious and caused by drivers who fail to yield or stop at intersections or ignore traffic signs and signals. 

Contact Our Experienced Milwaukee Car Accident Team Today

If you suffered injuries in any of these or another type of car accident, reach out to the experienced legal team at Mingo & Yankala, S.C. We help victims of distracted and careless drivers recover compensation to move forward with their lives.

A car accident attorney at Mingo & Yankala, S.C., will review your accident claim at no cost and advise you of your legal options. If you have a valid claim, we will start your case right away.

Team up with a successful Milwaukee law firm now. At Mingo & Yankala, S.C., you only get charged for our services when we win compensation for you.