Some Common Types of Car Accidents in Buffalo and the Injuries They Cause

Image Source

Buffalo is a famous city in New York, United States. Buffalo’s streets have a thousand tales ranging from urban activity to unexpected accidents changing life in half a second. Many different kinds of accidents happen, be it a back-end collision on a crowded downtown street, a T-bone collision at an intersection, or a several-vehicle pileup on an icy highway. 

Every kind of accident presents different dangers, sometimes leaving pedestrians, passengers, and drivers with injuries of varying severity. This article will discuss the most frequent forms of car accidents, the injuries they usually cause, and common places for car accidents in Buffalo.

1. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to sudden braking or distracted driving. These accidents frequently occur in heavy traffic, especially on roads like the Kensington Expressway (Route 33), where congestion is common. Poor visibility during Buffalo’s long winters also increases the likelihood of these crashes.

Injuries from Rear-End Collisions:

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head trauma from hitting the dashboard or headrest

2. T-Bone Accidents

Generally, side-impact collisions or T-bone accidents take place at intersections either by running through a traffic light or not yielding the right-of-way. A common place for such accidents includes busy intersections along Elmwood Avenue and Delaware Avenue, where high traffic flow increases the chances of these crashes.

Injuries from T-Bone Accidents:

• Broken ribs and fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

3. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are the second-most intense car crashes that can occur when two cars traveling in opposite directions hit one another. Common causes of head-on crashes in Buffalo include wrong-way driving, driver fatigue, and slippery roads, which can be particularly deadly during heavy snowstorms.

Injuries from Head-On Collisions:

• Severe head trauma and concussions
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal injuries that may require emergency surgery

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal collisions are among the most fatal types of car accidents, often leading to life-threatening injuries or death.

4. Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents

Accidents increase in Buffalo due to ever-increasing foot and bicycle activity, especially in neighborhoods such as Elmwood Village and Allentown. A driver failing to yield or making a sudden turn puts pedestrians and cyclists at great risk.

Injuries from Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident:

• Fractures: Impact on a vehicle can break bones.
• Head trauma: Even helmets may not prevent concussions or skull fractures.
• Spinal injuries: Hard falls can lead to lasting spinal damage.

5. Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Multi-vehicle pileups typically happen on highways, often due to fog, snow, or ice, which reduce visibility and braking ability. Buffalo’s highways, such as the Scajaquada Expressway (Route 198), can become hazardous during winter storms, increasing the risk of chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.

Injuries from Multi-Vehicle Pileups:

• Crush injuries from being trapped in a vehicle
• Severe burns if fires break out
• Psychological trauma and PTSD

From frozen roads to congested intersections, Buffalo roads offer endless dangers. Though accidents are unforeseen, knowledge of typical types of crashes can be the difference between safety and danger.