What Are the Common Types of Car Accidents?
Did you know there are 5 million car accidents in the U.S. annually?
There are various types of car accidents each year. If you are worried that you or someone you know could be in an accident, you might want to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of car accidents. That way, you’ll know what to do if it does happen to you.
So, here are the different kinds of car accidents that can happen and what to do if one happens to you.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident on the road. It accounts for almost 40 percent of all motor vehicle accidents.
Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle pushes or crashes into the back of the car in front of it. These accidents usually occur in heavy traffic.
It is also in congested areas and can result in either minor damage. This includes a few scratches and dents or may lead to more severe injury and significant repairs.
The car accident is also caused by a driver following too closely to the vehicle in front of them. It can also be caused by sudden changes in speed, poor lighting or weather conditions, or distracted driving. Be sure to look for immediate car accident help after having an accident.
Rear-end collisions can easily be avoided by maintaining an appropriate distance from the car in front. Drivers must pay attention to their vehicles’ mechanisms and follow traffic laws.
Side-Impact Crashes
These types of accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. This often happens when one vehicle makes a left turn or runs a stop sign. The collisions are hazardous due to the variety of cars involved, the size and weight compared to the other vehicle, and the distance to the ground.
Additionally, the type of impact can cause extensive damage as the vehicle is crushed in the side. The resulting damage can be severe. This involves extensive damage to the frame, doors, windows, and engine, so it is better to have a personal injury lawyers that can help you in an accident.
Side-impact crashes are also often the cause of severe injuries and fatalities. This is due to the type of collision forces involved and the usually minimal protection of the side of the vehicle.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents and happen when two vehicles collide front-to-front or front-to-back. Head-on collisions account for 10 percent of all car accident fatalities and occur more frequently on two-lane roads and in zones with a higher speed limit.
These kinds of accidents are usually caused by drivers drifting out of lanes, speeding, or impaired driving. Other causes include distracted driving, drowsy driving, drivers failing to yield or obey signs, or even reckless driving.
Head-on collisions have the highest fatality rate of any type of car accident since the forces at impact are twice as great as a side-impact crash. Injuries caused by head-on collisions can range from minor whiplash to severe permanent disabilities or death. Hiring a lawyer can help you with the process of an accident.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
These types of accidents occur when a vehicle collides with a stationary object such as a tree, building, or utility pole. Other single-vehicle accidents include rollovers, caused by a vehicle leaving its travel lane and striking an obstacle like a curb, or a vehicle overturning due to its speed or design.
Single-vehicle accidents are typically the result of a driver’s recklessness or negligence. They can also occur when a driver willfully forgoes safety measures like wearing a seatbelt, exceeding the speed limit, or distracted driving such as texting and driving. To avoid such accidents, drivers should always go within the speed limit, avoid distractions while driving, and wear a seatbelt.
Multi-Car Pile-Ups
Multi-car pile-ups are a type of car accident that can have devastating consequences. These events often occur during inclement weather, such as in freezing rain or poor visibility on the highway.
When cars cannot navigate the roadway correctly and come to abrupt stops, a chain reaction can begin, causing a pile-up of multiple vehicles. These pile-ups can span numerous lanes. This leads to more cars and trucks crashing into each other.
In some cases, the pile-up can affect so many cars that vehicles are crumpled and mangled beyond recognition. To prevent these types of accidents, drivers should allow for sufficient follow distance between themselves and other cars, keep headlights on at all times, and obey the posted speed limit signs.
Pedestrian Accidents
Another common type is pedestrian accidents. These occur when a pedestrian is struck by a car while crossing the street, walking along the side of the road, or even at an intersection.
Contributing factors to pedestrian accidents include a driver’s failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians, a driver’s failure to slow down in residential areas and near pedestrian crossings, and a driver’s inattention. These types of accidents can often be severe. This is because pedestrians do not have the protection of an exterior vehicle, and the force of impact can be considerable.
Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, especially in areas with a high ratio of pedestrians, and to always be prepared for the unpredictable.
Texting and Driving Accidents
These accidents are often severe and can cause severe bodily injury or death. One of the most alarming factors of these accidents is that the driver is constantly distracted by their cell phone while behind the wheel.
This distraction can be deadly. It can lead to impaired judgment, increased response time, and potentially careless decisions overall. In addition, texting and driving accidents are often fatal due to the lack of seatbelt usage, as the driver may be unable to focus on putting one on due to distractions.
To prevent texting and driving accidents, it is essential to stay focused on driving, obey the speed limit and traffic rules, and turn off any cell phone notifications before engaging in an operating activity.
Knowing Types of Car Accidents to Prevent
Regardless of the types of car accidents, it is essential always to remain safe and be an aware driver. All can lead to significant injury and property damage. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer right away to ensure your rights are legally protected.
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