Common types of car accidents
June 14, 2023
Do you know the most common types of car accidents and how to avoid them? Our comprehensive guide delves into different scenarios of car accidents, their causes, and their legal implications. Educating yourself on these topics can help you stay vigilant while driving and keep your passengers safe. Plus, in the event of an accident, you’ll be better prepared to consult with a car accident lawyer.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – read on to become an informed and responsible driver.
Rear-End Collisions
If you’re concerned about car accidents, it’s essential to learn about rear-end collisions – a common type caused by inattentive drivers. They occur when a vehicle collides with the rear of another. So, what should you keep in mind?
Causes
The most frequent cause of rear-end collisions is simply distracted driving. It can be anything from texting, adjusting the radio, or even falling asleep at the wheel. Other causes include tailgating (following too closely) and sudden braking.
Injuries
The severity of injuries in rear-end collisions can vary greatly depending on the speeds involved and the type of vehicle impacted. Common injuries range from soreness to broken bones, whiplash, spinal cord damage, or even death. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, regardless of your initial feeling of injury. The impact may cause damage that isn’t immediately obvious.
Legal Implications
In most cases, the driver in the rear is held responsible for any damages. Insurance coverage for the accident may vary depending on the state and severity of the crash. It’s also wise to consult with a car accident lawyer who can provide additional insight into your rights and responsibilities as an injured party. A lawyer can also help you recover financial compensation for any damages or medical bills associated with the accident.
Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents occur when two or more vehicles cross paths and can be particularly dangerous. One of the main reasons for their occurrence is that drivers often forget to give the right of way and neglect to look out for other motorists.
T-bone collisions
Also known as side-impact collisions, these accidents happen when one vehicle’s front collides with the side of another. T-bone accidents often occur due to drivers failing to yield the right-of-way or running red lights.
Left-turn accidents
These collisions occur when a driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic while turning left. These accidents are risky as the impact often occurs on the side of the vehicle with less protection.
Stop sign or red light violations
Accidents can also happen when drivers fail to stop at stop signs or run red lights, causing collisions with other vehicles lawfully passing through the intersection.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents may involve only one vehicle but can be as damaging as multi-vehicle accidents. Here are the types of accidents that fall into this category:
Rollover accidents
These occur when a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. Such accidents happen due to speeding, sharp turns, or hitting objects on the road.
Fixed-object collisions
A vehicle collides with a stationary object like a tree, lamppost, or guardrail. Distracted driving, intoxication, or driver fatigue are common causes of fixed-object collisions.
Run-off-road accidents
The driver veers off the roadway and crashes into a ditch, embankment, or off-road area. Poor weather conditions, fatigue, or distracted driving can contribute to run-off-road accidents.
As you can see, single-vehicle accidents can be fatal. Therefore, you must always drive defensively and stay alert to your surroundings.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Multi-vehicle pileups are catastrophic accidents occurring on highways or in high-density traffic areas. They involve several cars and have multiple collision points, which can cause significant injuries. Here are some essential things to bear in mind about them:
Chain-reaction collisions
They occur once the first impact triggers a series of subsequent collisions. Factors such as sudden stops, reckless driving, and reduced visibility may contribute to these accidents.
Limited visibility accidents
Inclement weather, such as heavy fog, snow, or heavy rains, can significantly decrease visibility, leading to multi-vehicle pileups. Drivers who don’t adjust their speed or follow at a safe distance are often to blame for these events.
Liability challenges
Determining who is at fault in multi-vehicle accidents can be complicated. Multiple contributing factors must be accounted for to determine liability, such as the initial cause, driver negligence, or poor road maintenance.
Hit-and-Run Incidents
Hit-and-run accidents happen when a driver flees the scene without stopping to offer help or information. These accidents can occur in several scenarios, including pedestrian accidents, rear-end collisions, or sideswipe incidents. It’s crucial to keep the following factors in mind:
Legal implications
Hit-and-run drivers are subject to severe legal consequences, including fines, points on their driving records, and even jail time. In addition, the victim can pursue a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver for damages. Even if you can’t identify the driver, the victim may still be able to collect damages from their insurance company.
Uninsured motorist coverage
If you got injured in a hit-and-run, you can collect compensation for your losses utilizing an uninsured motorist policy. Check with your insurance company to see if you have coverage and how it applies to these incidents.
Car accidents are dangerous and traumatic experiences that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. It’s necessary to be aware of the legal implications of these incidents and leverage your insurance coverage to protect yourself. By taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Regardless of the precautions, the aftermath of an accident can still be challenging to navigate. That’s why it’s essential to seek the help of a qualified car accident lawyer from Mokaram Law Firm with experience in dealing with such matters. They can provide valuable advice and assistance throughout the process to help you receive a fair resolution as quickly as possible. Don’t let a car accident derail your life – take the necessary steps to protect yourself today.
SHARE
Related Articles
Sorry! Can't Help You
Sorry!