7 Types of Car Accident and How to Avoid Them
A car accident can seemingly come out of nowhere. You might be surprised at how unprepared you are for the possibility of a crash.
Of course, not every accident is avoidable. If you do find yourself in a wreck, it’s vital that you know how to contact a car accident lawyer. The right lawyer will ensure you get fair treatment in the aftermath of an accident.
The more you know, the safer you are out on the road. Let’s break down the most common types of car accidents, how to avoid them, and what to do if it’s too late.
1. Getting Rear-Ended
One of the most common types of auto accident is referred to as getting “rear-ended.” This type of accident occurs most often in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
When you come to a stop and the car behind you doesn’t stop in time, they may run into your back bumper. This kind of accident can cause serious injury, depending on the speed of the cars involved and the position of your seatbelt against your body.
If you’ve been rear-ended, you should contact a seat belt injury lawyer as soon as possible. You should also get checked out by a doctor even if you don’t feel like you got injured.
2. Getting “T-Boned”
The phrase “getting t-boned” comes from the T shape that occurs when one car collides with another at a perpendicular angle. This usually happens in the middle of an intersection.
When you get t-boned, it’s important to have a car crash attorney on your side. This type of accident generally involves one party who is clearly at fault, because they failed to observe right-of-way laws. This means that the other party may be eligible for significant compensation for injuries.
A skilled personal injury lawyer in Smiths Falls or your area can help you navigate the
complexities of a t-bone collision legal case. Determining fault is challenging, but your lawyer will analyze the accident circumstances, traffic laws, and other factors crucial for seeking compensation. T-bone collisions frequently cause severe injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment. Your attorney can collaborate with medical experts to assess your injuries and calculate the long-term recovery costs.
Sometimes, getting t-boned is not the result of a right-of-way error; but rather, of one driver not being able to see the other. This can occur because of glare from the sun or other weather-related conditions.
3. Backup Collisions
A backup collision is effectively the opposite of a rear-ending accident. Sometimes, when a driver’s vision is obstructed while parking, they will run into the car behind them.
Because most drivers back up at a low speed, this type of collision often causes minimal damage.
Still, you should always exchange insurance information with the person who backs up into your car. Their insurance will likely cover some, if not all, of the damages to your car.
If your car has a backup camera, remember that these renderings are not always completely accurate. Make sure to actually turn your head and look behind you while backing up.
4. Single-Vehicle Crashes
Not all car accidents involve two parties. If you crash your car into a highway guardrail, an animal, or any free-standing object, it is called a single-vehicle crash.
These crashes are proportionally more fatal than car-on-car collisions. This means that, although single-vehicle crashes aren’t the most fatal type of accident overall, they are fairly likely to cause death.
In order to avoid a single-vehicle crash, you should always stay alert on the road.
Avoid any situation in which you might get sleep at the wheel. Also, you should try to stay away from excessively icy or wet roads, as these can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Following speed limits is crucial for your safety to reduce your reaction time. Avoid distractions
texting, calling someone on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems, as they
significantly increase your accident risk. Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained by regularly
checking your brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels to prevent mechanical failures.
Reduce your speed and use headlights for better visibility when driving in adverse weather
conditions. Signal your intentions with turn signals to communicate with other drivers,
minimizing misunderstandings and reducing the risk of collisions.
Always check both ways, even when you have the right of way, and be cautious of other drivers
who may not adhere to traffic signals. In areas with wildlife, exercise extra caution, especially in
rural or wooded regions, and pay attention to warning signs indicating potential animal
crossings.
5. Side-Swipes (and Other Parked Car Accidents)
Sometimes, you don’t even have to be in your car to get into a crash. In cities where many people park on the street, it’s common for cars to get “side-swiped.” This means that someone accidentally drove too close to your parked car and damaged it.
If you use street parking often, you should make sure you have a car insurance policy that covers this kind of damage. You should also always fold your side mirrors in when you park. Those mirrors are often the most vulnerable part of your car when it’s parked.
6. Windshield Damage
Windshield damage is, hands-down, one of the most irritating things that can happen to your vehicle. Windshield damage usually comes from falling objects in your environment, not other drivers.
Many things can cause a crack in your windshield. Damage can come from an object falling off the vehicle in front of you, a bird or other wild animal, heavy snow or hail, rocks kicked up by the wind, and more.
To avoid windshield damage, park your car in a covered area such as a garage. Also, stay alert when you’re on the highway and avoid driving behind cargo trucks.
7. Weather-Related Accidents
Extreme weather always makes driving more dangerous. In a snowstorm, you run the risk of having your vehicle damaged by hail. You also may find yourself getting pushed around by the wind or slipping around on wet pavement.
Heat waves may also indirectly cause car accidents. During a heat wave, you’re more likely to lose your concentration and drive distractedly.
The best way to avoid a weather-related car accident is to simply avoid driving during periods of extreme weather. If you have to use your vehicle, you should limit your trips to just the essentials and be as vigilant as possible.
Don’t Let a Car Accident Derail Your Life
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t worry. This unexpected collision doesn’t have to throw your life into a tailspin.
As long as you have the right attorney on your side, you can expect to get the compensation you deserve for an accident.
For more tips on how to get through day-to-day life safely, check out the rest of our blog!
