Car accidents in Texas can be devastating when they involve a secondary collision. These incidents are caused by various factors and can lead to serious injuries.
Secondary collisions are serious
Secondary collisions occur when a vehicle involved in an accident does not stop moving. For example, a car gets hit by another vehicle, overturns and flips multiple times before finally stopping. A vehicle might be hit by another car and then strike an object such as a guardrail, mailbox or light pole. This is a secondary collision.
Many victims of secondary collisions suffer from serious injuries and even fatalities. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), around 18% of all car accident deaths are due to secondary collisions.
A secondary collision is also serious because, after the initial impact, the vehicle has already most likely suffered significant damage and cannot absorb additional impact. As a result, the occupants are far more vulnerable to the effects of a secondary collision.
Potential injuries from secondary collisions
One of the biggest reasons why people experience injuries after a secondary collision is because of the deployment of airbags. These devices are meant to protect people after an accident, but when a secondary collision occurs, the airbag may already be out, which doesn’t provide additional protection. Most secondary collisions result in the vehicle being hit from the side instead of from the front or back, making airbags ineffective.
Common injuries after this type of accident include head injuries, back injuries and fractures. Sometimes, the victim may have already sustained the injury but it is exacerbated by the secondary collision.
Protection from secondary collisions
Vehicles with post-collision braking are less likely to be involved in a secondary collision. However, even if one does occur, the effects are often blunted with post-collision braking.
Remaining extra cautious while driving could keep you and others safer. Choosing a vehicle with added safety features is also wise.