While many car accidents can be avoided by taking due diligence, others are beyond factors you can control. If you are a victim of a car accident caused by another person, it is prudent to seek legal redress and get compensation for damages as well as injuries sustained. Here are the 9 most common types of car accidents.
1. Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents, also known as pile-ups, refer to a collision involving several cars. This type of accident normally happens on highways where there are hundreds of cars traveling at high speeds side by side. It is difficult for drivers coming into an accident to stop at a safe distance, hence the accident ends up being a pile-up of multiple cars. Multi-vehicle car accidents are complicated since:
- It is difficult to prove which driver caused the accident since most drivers are partially responsible
- Sometimes, fuel leaks cause fires, which further complicates the issue
2. Sideswipe Accidents
A sideswipe occurs when there is contact between two cars driving in the same direction next to each other. The driver who sideswipes the other is at fault and is liable for the damages related to the accident. In many instances, an accident happens when:
- Two lanes merge and the driver who doesn’t pay attention during the lane change sideswipes the other driver
- An animal or object causes drivers to swerve abruptly
- Cars are moving towards a blind spot while the other drivers don’t notice
3. Hit-and-Run Accidents
This is a type of accident where a driver hits a person and fails to stop. This is a complex affair as there are significant criminal and civil consequences for the runner, as well as complications for victims seeking to be compensated. Hit-and-run accidents can become criminal when the driver:
- Fails to stop after hitting a person
- Fails to alert emergency services
- Fails to transport the victim to get medical assistance where necessary
- Fails to alert the police
4. T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents occur when a car’s front strikes another car’s side, forming a T shape at the point of impact. This mostly happens at intersections due to one driver’s disregard of a stop sign. The at-fault driver will usually drive through the intersection, but unfortunately, another car might be crossing the intersection at that very moment. Victims are likely to suffer serious injuries including:
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts and lacerations
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent disability
5. Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident occurs when a driver, in an attempt to avoid hitting an obstacle, turns the steering wheel suddenly, causing the car to tip over onto its side or its roof. These types of accidents have a higher fatality rate than other kinds of accidents. Cars with a high center of gravity such as SUVs or pickup trucks are more prone to rollover accidents. Common causes of rollover accidents include:
- Soft-road shoulders
- Curbs
- Uneven ground
- Guardrails
Other factors such as motor vehicle malfunctions or hazardous roads cause rollovers. Vehicle manufacturers can be held liable for vehicle damage as well as any injuries sustained.
6. Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents occur when drivers make miscalculations at intersections mainly due to inattention or illegal maneuvers. Intersection accidents end up causing a variety of other accidents including:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone crashes
- Head-on-collisions
7. Road Construction Accidents
Road construction accidents are accidents that occur within construction work or zones that are defined as highway sections where construction, maintenance, or repair is taking place. Many reasons lead to road construction accidents including:
- Speeding
- Improper signage
- Distracted driving
These types of accidents may involve construction equipment such as traffic cones or jersey walls, or other vehicles. You can claim compensation if you believe that the accident was due to another party’s negligence.
8. Rear-end Accidents
A rear-end accident happens when a car crashes into the car in front of it. In most cases, it is not the fault of the rear driver. The liability for this type of accident is not automatic since even the lead driver can be at fault too. It is important to determine the at-fault driver since this will define which driver is liable for property damage and injuries.
While there are methods used to figure out the percentage of negligence by each driver, figuring out which driver negligently violated the traffic laws or rules is the only way to determine the at-fault driver. The traffic laws and rules in contention include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Tailgating
By filing a personal injury lawsuit, injured plaintiffs can get compensation for their injuries. Drivers and passengers in a rear-end accident who get injured can seek compensatory damages such as:
- Car repair costs
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Survivor damages for wrongful death
9. Head-on Collision
A head-on collision is a crash of two cars that occurs when the cars moving toward each other from opposite directions collide. This is among the most dangerous car crash types, given that the cars are driving toward each other from opposite directions and at high speeds. They result in fatalities on most occasions since the impact is huge.
Head-on collisions result in extreme physical pain and in many cases, victims suffer from burns, broken bones, severe lacerations, and internal injuries. In cases where a victim is pinned inside the car or is thrown from their car, the injuries are even worse. Head-on collisions are mainly caused by:
- A driver who experiences a medical emergency such as a seizure or heart attack
- A driver who is drowsy or drunk
- A distracted driver
Call Your Car Accident Attorney Today
When you find yourself in any of the 9 common types of car accidents, many unforeseen events end up being a new reality. You may have sustained injuries, your car may be damaged and you may not be able to go to work. Contacting a car accident attorney immediately is important as they could help you seek compensation from the at-fault party.
