If you’ve seen the latest news, then you’ve likely heard about the Tiger Woods crash in California. Woods was going 45 miles per hour over the speed limit on an infamously dangerous stretch of road in Los Angeles County when he lost control of his car and struck a tree, propelling his body from the vehicle.
According to Capt. James Powers, the event data recorder on the vehicle indicates Woods hit the accelerator throughout the accident, meaning he likely accidentally pressed the gas while trying to brake. Because this was a single-vehicle accident and no one witnessed Woods speeding or driving recklessly, the police department did not issue a citation. This could have easily become a fatal crash, and should serve as a reminder to all drivers that high-speed crashes can happen to anyone.
What Are The Common Causes Of A Car Crash?
Car accidents are commonly caused by things like:
- Street racing
- Animals crossing the road
- Dangerous curves
- Fog
- Tire blowouts
- Driver fatigue
- Potholes
- Road rage
- Snow and/or ice
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Tailgating
- Improper turns
- Driving the wrong way
- Changing lanes unsafely
- Defective car parts
- Driving at night
- Inexperienced drivers
- Running stop signs
- Running red lights
- Rain
- Driving recklessly
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Police chases
Types Of High-Speed Car Accidents
All accidents are dangerous, but the speed of the vehicle can escalate a crash from serious to deadly. There are quite a few common types of wrecks, such as a:
- Single vehicle accident: As was the case with Tiger Woods’ recent accident, sometimes a wreck only involves one vehicle. Though they are often a result of driver error, there are times when the driver isn’t liable for a single-vehicle crash. For example, they could be caused from poor road maintenance or design, defective auto parts or vehicle defects.
- Hit and run accident: Sometimes motorists flee the scene of an accident in order to avoid financial and/or legal liability. These are known as hit and run accidents. In the event of a hit and run, try to gather as much information as you can about the other vehicle, including the license plate number, make, model, color and the direction that the vehicle was headed. Additionally, take photos of your vehicle’s damage and collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Head-on collision: These accidents occur when two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. Because the impact speed is almost doubled when vehicles hit each other head-on, this is the most dangerous type of crash, and almost always results in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Sideswiping while merging: Sideswiping is usually the result of drivers failing to check their blind spots before merging. Speeding makes it even more difficult for motorists to properly see other vehicles when checking their blind spots.
- Side-impact collision: These accidents, which are also referred to as broadside or T-bone collisions, indicate that the side of a vehicle or vehicles was impacted during a wreck. Side-impact collisions are often caused by driver negligence, and they typically occur at intersections when a vehicle fails to yield to oncoming traffic or runs a stop sign or red light.
- Rollover: Rollovers occur when a vehicle flips on its roof or side, and usually happen when a vehicle turns too fast while traveling at a high rate of speed. Poor weather conditions, such as snow or rain, increase the risk of this type of high-speed accident.
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Damages Caused By High-Speed Car Accidents
High-speed car crashes often result in serious injuries, and even death. Some of the most common types of physical trauma include:
- Soft tissue injuries: Because car accidents can cause your body parts to stretch unnaturally, they often result in damage to your tendons, ligaments and muscles. Though soft tissue injuries can be moderate, they usually require pain management, time and sometimes surgery in order to heal properly.
- Head and brain injuries: Seat belts and airbags help save lives, but they’re often unable to protect you from all injuries, especially to your brain and head. In the event of a collision, you may experience whiplash, resulting in your head hitting the window, windshield, dashboard or steering wheel. This can cause your brain to shake inside your skull, resulting in a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a concussion. Luckily, wearing your seatbelt dramatically reduces the risk of a TBI.
- Broken bones: Because seatbelts work by stopping your torso, they are unable to protect your limbs and head. As a result, your limbs and head may hit objects in the vehicle. This trauma usually results in fractures, bruises and lacerations.
- Internal organ damage: In high-speed accidents, the force of the crash pushes your internal organs, like your bowels, lungs and heart, into your bones. This typically causes your internal organs to become swollen and bruised, but it can also make your organs rupture, puncture or tear. Trauma of this nature can cause internal bleeding or even sepsis, both of which are deadly if they go unnoticed and untreated.
- Seatbelt injuries: Seatbelts are extremely important and they dramatically reduce the risk of traffic fatalities, but they can cause significant damage in a high-speed wreck. Because they forcefully stop your body during an accident, they usually cause bone fractures, particularly to the ribs and collarbone. The vehicle’s speed at the time of the accident directly affects the chances of broken ribs or a fractured collarbone.
- Delayed feeling and pain: In traumatic situations, like a car crash, your body releases endorphins and adrenaline that can actually prevent you from feeling pain immediately after an injury. Your body does this to protect you from being overwhelmed with pain and so that you are mentally stable enough to think clearly and get yourself to safety. Aside from your body’s natural and protective response, delayed feeling can also result from medical shock, psychological shock or nerve damage. These are much more serious issues that you should address immediately.
Aside from the effects of a high-speed car accident on your body, they also result in extensive, and expensive, property damage. When a vehicle is going at a high rate of speed at the time of a wreck, it causes more damage to both you and the vehicle.
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Contact Florin|Roebig Car Accident Attorneys
The professionals at Florin|Roebig understand the importance of recovering fair compensation, especially considering the Coronavirus pandemic. You can trust the personal injury lawyers to review your insurance policy and help you get the funds you need so that you can cover your medical bills and focus on recovering. If you need legal advice regarding a high-speed crash, contact Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation.
