You might think rural roads are safer because there are fewer vehicles, which means a much lower risk of a collision. This sounds reasonable, but car crashes on rural roads are still dangerous. In some rural road situations, there may be a greater risk of severe injuries from a collision.

Below, our Minneapolis car accident lawyers explore the dangers of rural roads, common types of collisions and steps to take following a crash.

If you were injured in a crash on a rural road, or in a more populated area, our team at TSR Injury Law may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages. There is no obligation to hire us to represent you, and we do not charge any fees unless we win your case.

More than $1 billion recovered. Call us today: (612) TSR-TIME.

How Rural Roads Differ from Roads in Urban Areas

Rural roads present unique hazards compared to urban, more densely populated roads. Some of these differences include:

Higher Speed Limits

Fewer stop lights, stop signs and pedestrian crosswalks can mean higher speed limits, ranging from 55 to 65 miles per hour. Unlike rural roads, urban roads typically have speed limits ranging from 25 to 45 miles per hour.

Rural roads often have higher speed limits due to lower population density and fewer intersections. This makes these areas less congested and seemingly safer for driving at higher speeds. However, this can lead to increased risk as drivers often underestimate hazards they could encounter and overestimate their ability to react quickly while speeding.

Design and Conditions

Narrow lanes, sharp bends, limited lighting, and poor road conditions like potholes, minimal road markings, lack of guardrails, and bad weather can reduce traction and visibility. These are all factors that create more challenges while driving and increase your risk of damaging your vehicle or getting into a crash.

Secluded Area

Secluded areas could mean less police presence patrolling the roads, making it a common territory for impaired and reckless driving that may lead to crashes. Drunk and aggressive drivers may commit to negligent action because they believe they are less likely to get caught. Therefore, they are likely to take more risks that endanger themselves and others on the road.

Wildlife

Driving through rural areas could mean there is an increased risk of collisions with animals, especially at night. Their sudden appearance on the roadway can catch drivers off guard – drivers may swerve to avoid hitting an animal, which risks a collision with another vehicle or off-road barriers.

Deer vs. vehicle collisions are common in rural areas and can be incredibly dangerous, not only for vehicles but also the people inside the vehicles.

Types of Collisions Likely to Happen on Rural Roads

The severity of collisions with other drivers on rural roads can easily vary depending on how the vehicles collide with one another. These are the most common collisions on rural roads:

• Head-on collisions: During a head-on collision, the front ends of two vehicles collide. This can lead to devastating injuries, especially if both vehicles were driving at high speed. In rural areas, head-on collisions often occur when a driver makes an unsafe passing attempt on a two-lane road.
• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collision happens when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle, usually due to following too closely or sudden braking. Rear-end collisions often cause injuries such as whiplash.
• Side-impact collisions: A side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone, occurs when the side of one vehicle is struck by the front of another vehicle. This often happens at intersections or during lane changes, causing severe injuries to car crash victims. T-bone collisions typically occur when a driver disregards a stop sign or signal, due to speeding or distracted driving.
• Sideswipe collisions: In a sideswipe collision, the side of one vehicle slams into the side of another. Sideswipe collisions are common during merging or lane changes.

What To Do After a Rural Road Collision

After a rural road collision, it is essential that you take the following steps for your health, safety and to seek compensation:

• Seek immediate medical care: Seek medical help quickly, even for minor injuries. Adrenaline and shock can hide symptoms initially, and delayed injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may appear later. A thorough medical evaluation helps detect and treat these issues early, preventing complications and long-term health problems.
• Move your vehicle: At the crash scene, use your hazard lights and move your vehicle out of the way of flowing traffic, if possible. This will help minimize traffic backup, reduce the risk of secondary collisions and create a safer entryway for emergency responders to get to the scene.
• Take photos: Take pictures of the car crash and damage from a safe distance to gather as much evidence as you can.
• Report to authorities: Call emergency services and give necessary details to the police officer for an accurate A police report documents crash details like road conditions, weather and witness statements. This information is crucial for determining liability and aiding the insurance claims process.
• Consult a lawyer: Consulting an experienced lawyer helps you navigate legal complexities. An attorney can advise you, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. Seeking legal counsel early ensures your rights are protected and supports you in pursuing fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Involved in a Car Crash on a Minnesota Rural Road? Call TSR Injury Law

If you were involved in a car crash on a rural road in Minnesota, TSR Injury Law is here to help. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to advocating for crash victims and securing the compensation they deserve.

You do not have to deal with the aftermath of a collision alone. Reach out to us for a free initial case evaluation and let us guide you through the legal process. We charge no fees unless we win your case.

Schedule a free legal consultation to learn if you have a case. Call (612) TSR-TIME.