Highways are some of the busiest and fastest-moving roads in Missouri and across the country. While they help people get where they need to go quickly, they also pose serious risks for accidents. Every day, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are injured or killed in highway crashes.
Knowing the most common types of highway accidents can help drivers stay alert and reduce the chances of getting hurt. In this blog post, we’ll explain the most frequent highway accidents and what usually causes them.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of highway accidents. They happen when one car crashes into the back of another. On highways, traffic can stop suddenly because of road construction, traffic jams, or accidents ahead.
When drivers are not paying attention or following too closely, they may not have time to stop. Rear-end accidents can cause injuries like whiplash, back pain, and head injuries.
Even at lower speeds, these crashes can cause lasting damage. Distracted driving, such as texting while driving or looking at a GPS instead of the road, is often the cause of rear-end accidents.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles traveling beside each other brush or crash into one another. These accidents are common when drivers try to change lanes without checking blind spots or using turn signals. They can also occur when a driver drifts due to fatigue or distraction.
On highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds, a sideswipe can quickly turn into a serious situation. A car may lose control and hit the guardrail or other vehicles. The best way to avoid sideswipes is by checking mirrors, signaling early, and staying in your lane.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest accidents that happen on highways. These occur when two vehicles crash into each other from opposite directions. On highways, this usually happens when a driver enters the wrong side of the road or crosses the center median.
Head-on crashes often lead to severe injuries or death, especially at highway speeds. Causes include drunk driving, distracted driving, or falling asleep at the wheel. Safety features like guardrails and divided highways help prevent these accidents, but they still happen too often.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Pileups involve three or more vehicles crashing into each other, often in chain reactions. These are common on busy highways during bad weather or poor visibility. A single crash can quickly turn into a larger one as cars behind cannot stop in time.
Fog, ice, or heavy rain are often factors in pileups. These accidents can be extremely dangerous, as more vehicles become involved and emergency crews struggle to reach victims. Drivers can help prevent pileups by keeping a safe distance and slowing down in poor conditions.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. These are more likely to occur with taller vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans. On highways, rollovers can be caused by speeding, swerving to avoid something, or overcorrecting after drifting out of the lane.
Rollovers can be very serious, especially if passengers are not wearing seatbelts. When a vehicle rolls, it can throw passengers around inside or even eject them. Rollover crashes often lead to severe head, neck, or spinal injuries.
Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks
Large trucks, like 18-wheelers and semi-trailers, are a common sight on Missouri highways. While these vehicles are essential for transporting goods, they can also pose major risks. Truck accidents can occur because of driver fatigue, mechanical failure, poor loading, or bad weather.
When a commercial truck hits a smaller vehicle, the results can be devastating. Trucks take longer to stop, have larger blind spots, and are harder to steer in an emergency. If a truck jackknifes or rolls over, it can block multiple lanes and cause massive traffic delays and injuries.
Contact our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers from Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Highway accidents can happen in an instant, but many of them are preventable. By staying alert, avoiding distractions, and following traffic laws, drivers can reduce their risk of being involved in a crash.
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173
