Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Not only are these accidents dangerous, but they can also lead to serious injuries. While some insurance industry publications may attempt to minimize the severity of these accidents, here are some disturbing truths about car accidents:

They Are More Dangerous Than You Think

The National Safety Councilreports that there are roughly 12 million car accidents each year in the United States. Of these accidents, an estimated 2 million are deemed non-fatal but result in disabling injuries. If that was not shocking enough, about 10 percent of all car accident victims each year will become disabled.

Another commonly underestimated factor is the speed of the other car. Many people believe that in order for an injury to occur, the impact must occur at a high speed. To the contrary, a speed as low as just 5 miles an hour can cause significant cervical or neck injuries. Even if there is little or no damage to either one of the vehicles involved, injuries can still happen.

Injuries sustained during car accidents are not always immediately recognizable. In fact, even in cases where there are no broken bones, the victim may still suffer from “soft-tissue” injuries that may not be immediately obvious. These injuries can last for months or even years in some cases. A study conducted by the European Spine Journal suggests that nearly 10 percent of all car accident victims will experience degenerative bone conditions within the first year following the accident.

The Dangers of Rollover Accidents

Roll-over accidents are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. In 2002 alone, there were roughly 70,000 accidents involving the rollover of a sport utility vehicle (SUV). These crashes resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000 people and thousands more were injured.

In some cases, rollover accidents may involve a collision between two or more vehicles. Other times, a rollover accident may involve just one car. In single-car rollover accidents, it is not uncommon for the driver to not even realize that the negligence of someone else may have contributed to their accident. Common culprits include poor vehicle design, road defects and negligence in the production of the tires.

The severity of these crashes is clear. Rollovers account for nearly one-fifth of all standard automobile deaths, 36% of pick-up truck deaths and 51% of SUV deaths in the United States. In many instances, the occupants of the vehicle are physically ejected during a rollover crash. Survivors of these accidents are very lucky if they are able to escape uninjured. Victims experiencing serious injuries should consult with an experienced car accident lawyer.

Know The Limits of Your Vehicle

The primary reason for a large number of SUV rollover accidents may be the design of the vehicle. Many times, an SUV may have a relatively narrow wheelbase and a high center of gravity. This makes these vehicles significantly more likely to rollover during a collision. With this in mind, SUV drivers should always wear a safety belt and stay within the posted speed limit.

If you or someone you know has been seriously hurt in a car accident, your next call should be to an experienced car accident lawyer.