What are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?

Each car accident is unique, yet there are types of car accidents that happen more often than others. Some are more dangerous than others, but all car accidents are extremely dangerous and can cause severe harm or even death. Various factors may lead to car accidents, including driver irresponsibility and defective vehicles. A person who has been injured in a car accident has a right to seek compensation if another person causes the accident. An attorney can be pretty helpful in determining fault in common auto accident scenarios.

The most prevalent types of car accidents are discussed below, with the distinct causes that may lead to each of these incidents. Car wrecks are all unique. You will want an experienced attorney in settling cases regarding car wrecks. If you have been involved in a vehicle accident and interested in your legal options, consider contacting a Columbus car accident lawyer for a no-obligation case assessment and consultation.

Rear End Collisions

A rear end collision is also known as a rear end accident, or rear end car wreck. Rear end collisions occur when a car crashes into the back end of another. Even at moderate speeds, read-end crashes may cause a wide range of serious injuries. This auto accident often results in neck and back injuries, ranging from whiplash to spinal cord damage. Many rear end collisions are caused by drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road. 

For many people, the temptation to text or talk on the phone while driving is too high. In addition to texting, distracted drivers may surf the Internet, check social media or even watch movies. Rear end accidents are often the result of distracted driving. Drivers should resist the temptation to take their eyes off the road. Whether you have recently been in a rear end collision or not, it is important to know where your local auto body shops are located. Browse various locations of auto body shops in Columbus, Ohio, so in case of an emergency, you know who to call.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side impact accidents, also known as T-bones, occur when a vehicle hits the side of another car. According to the  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, side-impact crashes accounted for 27% of all car passenger fatalities in the United States in 2009. There is less room on the vehicle’s side to absorb and protect passengers in these crashes, making them even more deadly.

T-bone accidents occur if a vehicle fails to stop at a red light and hits a car proceeding through the intersection on a green light. Even if you have the right of way, you should constantly watch incoming traffic.  Always be aware of your surroundings to try and protect yourself from reckless driving. 

It is important to always be prepared for the worst. Don’t assume that other drivers will follow the regulations of the road at all times. Understand the precautions you can take to ensure passengers, like children, are as safe as possible, in case the worst happens. Check out this guide about how to keep your child safe in the car.

Head-On Collisions

Accidents in which two cars collide head-on are among the worst on the road. These accidents mostly happen with oncoming traffic. Animals, trees, and other roadside barriers have been known to cause frontal-impact crashes. Road hazards such as snow, rain, ice or fog may increase the risk of head-on collisions.

After an accident like this, drivers and passengers are more than likely to suffer serious injuries. Internal injuries, such as concussions, dislocations and traumatic brain injuries, are common among accident victims.

Chances are, after a head-on collision, your car will be totaled. Be prepared and know where your local towing companies are located in Columbus, Ohio.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Three or more automobiles are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, which usually occurs on major roads, freeways or highways. Due to the repeated collisions, these incidents may be more hazardous than head-on collisions. Regardless of how many safety features a vehicle has, it is impossible to withstand multiple vehicle strikes.

It is challenging to prevent multi-vehicle collisions since some victims get trapped in the crosshairs of two reckless drivers. Multi-vehicle collisions can cause a car pile up, which blocks traffic on roads and highways. Car pile ups can be very dangerous because innocent bystanders can add to the pile up.

Collisions with Trees or Stationary Objects

There are major vehicle accidents in which only one vehicle is at fault. Crashing into stationary things like trees and shrubs is responsible for 7% of all fatal accidents in the United States. It doesn’t imply another motorist doesn’t share some or all of the blame just because only one driver and one vehicle is engaged in the actual crash. Oftentimes, a motorist is forced off the road to escape a collision with another car. The number of vehicles involved is not always the determining factor, as avoiding head on crashes can often save lives.

Contact a lawyer to discuss your case and the possibility of claiming compensation for your injuries caused by the car accident.

Rollover Accidents

A rollover car accident is when the car physically rolls. Most rollover auto accidents are single-vehicle crashes. However, rollover accidents are not always caused by driver error. A driver might lose control due to a car malfunction which results in an auto accident. When a driver loses control, the car rocks back and forth, and can be susceptible to rolling. Be aware if your car is likely to tip over and roll with this list. 

Crashes while Merging

When two lanes of traffic converge, one automobile may sideswipe the other, causing a car accident. Crashes while merging happen when drivers try to enter another lane without checking their blind areas. Avoiding these sideswipe accidents is as simple as checking your blind spot. It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings. One should also be cognizant of their speed while merging, as faster speeds shrink the window for all drivers involved to react.

Your Local Car Accident Lawyer is Ready to Help!

In this article, we explained the most common types of car accidents. A car accident injury may have severe and long-lasting consequences, resulting in medical bills and lost pay due to time missed from work. These injuries may also create physical and mental pain and suffering, making it difficult to return to pre-crash conditions. Car accident victims who feel the other motorist was negligent may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and losses. If one has any personal injury claims, an attorney can help assess whether or not they have a case for compensation by interviewing them about what occurred.