High-speed collisions are accidents that occur when one or more vehicles travel 30 or more miles per hour. They can happen on any road but more frequently on highways. Unsurprisingly, the possibility and degree of injuries, property damage, and fatalities in these kinds of crashes increase at higher speeds.
Here are the common types of high-speed crashes:
- Head-on collisions: These are highly dangerous because the forward motion of two vehicles is directed right into one another.
- Hit-and-run accidents: This is when a high-speed accident immobilizes one vehicle, but the at-fault driver can still keep going. Instead of remaining at the scene, they drive away to avoid responsibility.
- Rollovers: Rollover crashes happen when two or more tires lose contact with the road, and the vehicle loses its center of gravity, tipping over.
- Sideswipe or T-bone collisions: These crashes happen when one vehicle slams into the side of another one. Every side-impact crash is different, with varying levels of damage and injuries.
What Should I Do After a High-Speed Crash?
As high-speed crashes are more likely to cause serious injuries, call 911 immediately and, if needed, use ambulance transport to get to an emergency room. Anyone without serious injuries can get the following from the other drivers involved:
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number, vehicle make, model, and year
- Insurance policy number
- Vehicle registration information
Also, take pictures from the scene, showing skid marks, weather and road conditions, injuries, property damage, traffic cameras, and speed limit signs.
Write down the exact crash location and see if there were any witnesses. The responding police officers will provide an accident report and can speak with anyone who saw or heard what happened.
Why Should I Get a Medical Exam After a High-Speed Impact Crash?
Getting a medical evaluation after a high-speed crash, even without apparent injuries, is essential. Many do not present with symptoms until time has passed. When that happens, the injuries can worsen. On top of that, the insurance company might assert that the injuries were not severe enough to require immediate care.
Contact your insurer right after the accident to let them know what happened. Explain the crash objectively, with essential details. Answer their questions without elaborating because anything you say might be used against you later. This is also a good time to contact a car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Contact a Bowie Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King After a High-Speed Crash
If you or a loved one was injured in a high-speed impact crash, contact a skilled Bowie car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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