Most Dangerous Types of Car Accidents in Alaska
Any traffic crash scenario can be devastating for victims, but there are some types of car accidents that are more dangerous than others. In Alaska, the numbers for fatal collisions are thankfully rather low. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are around 59 fatal crashes annually, leading to 67 deaths. Still, these figures represent a rate of 9.1 fatalities for every 100,000 residents in the state. Plus, thousands of victims suffer injuries that cause significant losses, pain, and suffering.
The nature of the auto crash does affect the severity of the harm, which in turn impacts the extent of the losses for victims. You may have rights if you were hurt or lost a loved one in any type of collision, and an Anchorage car accident lawyercan assist with your remedies. It is possible to recover compensation for your losses, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Monetary damages will provide important financial support if you are affected by any of the most dangerous types of car accidents in Alaska.
Head-On Collisions: Among the most serious traffic collisions is a head-on impact, in which a vehicle strikes another vehicle or object at the front end. Automakers have invested billions of dollars and years of effort to bolster this entire forward section in an effort to protect occupants. A head-on crash is markedly severe because the energy of all involved vehicles adds to the violence of the accident.
Side Impact Crashes: These incidents are often called “T-bones” because of the shape the vehicles take when one strikes and broadsides another. The occupants on the affected side are at the highest risk of serious injuries, particularly harm to the lower extremities. Side impact collisions frequently occur at intersections when a driver does not obey traffic signals or right-of-way laws.
Rear-Enders: One of the most common types of car accidents in Alaska is a rear-end collision. Fault is typically assigned to the following driver, but the operator of the leading vehicle may be at fault for negligent acts as well. Because of how the human body reacts to a rear impact crash, victims often suffer whiplash. This soft tissue injury is caused when the head is violently forced forward and backward, leading to trauma in the tissues of the neck, back, and shoulders.
Accidents Involving Vulnerable Road Users: Another type of dangerous traffic incident affects road users considered vulnerable because they are not inside a traditional passenger vehicle. Vulnerable road users include motorcycle riders, bicycle riders, and pedestrians. Without a metal barrier to protect them from the impact, any crash can lead to devastating consequences for victims. These individuals will also suffer a secondary impact when striking the ground.
Talk to an Alaska Car Accident Attorney About Your Remedies
To learn more about your legal options after an auto collision, please contact Power & Power Law. You can reach our offices in Anchorage at 907-222-9990 or via our website. We can schedule a free consultation with an Alaska auto accident lawyer to discuss details.