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Freeway Accidents: An Overview of Causes and Common Injuries


Freeway accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on the busy highways of Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including high speeds, heavy traffic, driver error, and weather conditions. Below, we provide an overview of the different types of freeway accidents, the injuries they commonly cause, and some statistics regarding freeway accidents that you may find useful.


Types of Freeway Accidents


Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of freeway accidents, accounting for approximately 29% of all car accidents. They often occur when a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance, leading to a collision with the vehicle in front of them.


Side-impact collisions: Side-impact collisions account for approximately 27% of all car accidents. These accidents can be particularly dangerous on freeways, as the force of impact can cause the struck vehicle to spin out of control.


Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are some of the most severe freeway accidents, accounting for approximately 10% of all car accident fatalities.


Multi-vehicle collisions: Multi-vehicle collisions account for approximately 5% of all car accidents but can result in some of the most serious injuries due to multiple impacts and atypical crush profiles.


Common Injuries from Freeway Accidents


Freeway accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-changing injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:


Whiplash: A neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. Whiplash is common in rear-end collisions and can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.


Broken bones: Fractures and breaks are common in freeway accidents, particularly in high-speed collisions. Approximately 44% of car accident injuries involve fractures.


Traumatic brain injuries: Head injuries are common in freeway accidents and can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Approximately 20% of car accident fatalities involve traumatic brain injuries.


Spinal cord injuries: The force of impact in freeway accidents can cause severe spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis and other long-term health issues. Approximately 31% of car accident injuries involve spinal cord injuries.


Statistics on Freeway Accidents


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 6.7 million car accidents in the United States in 2018, resulting in 36,560 deaths and 2.7 million injuries. Of these accidents, approximately 25% occurred on highways and interstates. Furthermore, the NHTSA reports that speeding was a factor in approximately 26% of all car accidents and 30% of all car accident fatalities.


If you have been injured in a freeway accident, contact Phillips & Associates for a free consultation today. We will work diligently and aggressively towards securing the best possible outcome in your case.

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