In Georgia, 1,615 people died in traffic accidents in 2023. Each fatal accident is a tragedy, and Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys can meet for a free consultation with grieving family members to determine if they have a legal right to file a lawsuit. Financial compensation in no way makes up for the death of a spouse, child, or parent, but it can provide some measure of justice. A wrongful death attorney in Atlanta can advise you about what steps to take and what compensation is available. Below, we look at many of the deadliest types of car accidents. Call (404) 529-3476 if you have any questions.
Head-On Collisions
Head on collisions should be rare, and they are. Nonetheless, when they do occur, head-on collisions are much more likely to result in fatal injuries.
According to the National Safety Council, about 5,800 people in the country died of head on collisions in 2023. Those numbers are high given that these accidents make up only about 2% of all collisions.
Why are head-on collisions so deadly?
- Greater impact. The two cars are not glancing off each other at an angle. Instead, they are colliding head on, which can lead to abrupt deceleration and fatal injuries.
- Higher speeds. Drivers are more likely to be going at high speeds in head on collisions when compared to rear-end crashes. Drivers might fall asleep or be intoxicated and not have the sense to slow down. Collisions tend to be more serious when they happen at high speeds.
- Riskier actions. Some head on collisions result from people fleeing the police. They might shoot into a one-way street to evade arrest and, in doing so, cause a fatal accident.
Contact our law office if you lost a loved one in this type of accident. A lawyer can discuss what evidence is useful, including the police report and any witness statements.
T-Bone Accidents
Also called “side impact collisions,” these accidents often happen at high speeds when one driver runs a red light at an intersection. Innocent victims get struck and can suffer fatal injuries.
Although car safety is always improving, many vehicles were not reinforced at the sides like they are in the front. As a result, a T-bone can lead to more car damage and greater risk of serious injury to occupants who are tossed around. Some cars do not have side airbags, for instance, which means a motorist can slam their head into the side window and suffer a major traumatic brain injury.
According to the NSC, side-impact collisions caused 8,700 deaths in 2023.
Rollovers
A rollover is a frightening accident which occurs when the center of gravity suddenly shifts and a vehicle flips onto the hood or its side. Some cars roll over after driving on gravel at high speeds or when struck by another car. Getting tossed upside down can lead to serious head and neck injuries, especially for motorists who did not buckle up. Some motorists are thrown clear of the vehicle.
Rollovers are not common. Some estimates put them at 2% of all motor vehicle crashes. Unlike other accidents, a rollover might be a type of single-vehicle accident, meaning no other driver is involved in the crash.
Rear End Collisions
This might be one of the most common accidents. Despite the prevalence of rear end collisions, fewer people die in them. The National Safety Council reports that 3,300 people died in this type of crash, which is less than half of the number of people killed in T-bones.
There are some simple reasons why rear-end collisions are relatively less deadly. For one thing, at least one driver has probably stopped. The driver coming up from behind often realizes they need to hit the brakes, so that car is also decelerating, even if a crash is unavoidable. The lower speeds involved in rear end collisions contribute to fewer fatalities.
Of course, some rear end collisions are deadly. A tired driver might fall asleep on the highway and not realize a construction zone is up ahead. Instead of slowing down, they plow at high speeds into the vehicles going through the zone. The result is a multi-vehicle pileup on the highway with many fatalities.
Pedestrian Accidents
In 2023, the NSC reports that 3,300 people died in pedestrian accidents. It is no surprise that these are especially dangerous accidents for pedestrians. Atlanta pedestrians confront numerous hazards, including speeding motorists who don’t believe they have to yield. It is no surprise to read headlines about people being killed after getting struck by a driver:
- Pedestrian is “run over” by a driver at Cobb Intersection in April 2025.
- Motorist “runs through crosswalk” in Athens in January 2025 and kills one person.
Pedestrian accidents can die from the direct trauma of the collision or later after suffering grievous spinal or head injuries.
Georgia has a reputation as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Our number of fatalities are nearly as high as the numbers in Florida and Texas.
What to Do after a Fatal Car Accident
Many of our clients survived the very accident which claimed the life of their beloved family member. That means our clients are often struggling with bodily injuries while grieving at the same time.
Reach out to an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer. Our legal team can swoop in and begin compiling evidence to use in your legal claim. We can investigate the fatal crash and possibly:
- Ask questions of the driver who killed your loved one;
- Analyze the value of a claim after reviewing relevant evidence;
- Visit the scene of the accident;
- Inspect any vehicles involved;
- Review other wrongful death cases to determine fair compensation;
- Take other steps to protect our clients and their rights.
Our firm has successfully brought many wrongful death cases. We know how to win these cases.
Speak with an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer in Atlanta
You can reach our firm by calling (404) 529-3476 or submitting information online in a confidential manner. We provide compassionate legal representation to families struggling to overcome a tragic accident. Contact us today.