5 Common Types of Car Accidents:
As the urban population surges, the number of vehicles on the roads and highways continues to increase. As a result, the traffic situation gets worse and the probability of getting involved in a car accident becomes higher. There are many different reasons for the occurrence of auto accidents, but they are a leading cause of death in the United States. Most crashes and collisions can be blamed upon the negligence of drivers, but sometimes external factors like the weather, road conditions, and vehicular faults can also be responsible.
Many people incur severe injuries in fatal accidents, sometimes leading to wrongful death, permanent disability, or temporary incapacitation. Victims may not be able to return to work or even pursue a normal life post-accident. The cost of recovering from the injuries is a separate burden, which is why victims can file a personal injury claim to obtain some relief. It is in the victim’s best interest to hire a car accident attorney instead of communicating directly with the perpetrator’s insurer.
Understanding the common types of car accidents can help you become a better driver and avoid fatal injuries:
- Rear-End Collisions
Rear-End collisions frequently occur during heavy traffic flow and whenever people are stuck in traffic jams. More than 30% of car crash settlements are the result of rear-end hits caused by tailgating. When the roads are congested, drivers stay dangerously close to the vehicle ahead. This is a common practice, even though traffic rules instruct drivers to maintain a distance of one car length. However, drivers do not keep at a safe distance because they do not want another vehicle to take over or shift into their lane. Sometimes, drivers are not able to apply the brakes in time and thereby crash into the backside of the car upfront.
- Head-On Collision
In a head-on collision, two cars moving in opposite directions crash into each other. This usually happens when one of the drivers is moving in the wrong direction in a one-way street or when drivers are not obeying traffic lights. The greater the speed of each car, the higher is the impact of the collision. Head-on collisions often take place when traffic lights are out of order or malfunctioning.
- T-Bone Collision
A T-bone collision means that one car has hit another from the side at a 90-degree angle. These types of accidents occur at intersections, where cars are incoming from different directions. Drivers who run red lights or start moving before the green light are primarily responsible for these collisions. Passengers who get hurt in these accidents are hurt severely, as there are no airbags for protection on the sides.
- Lane Switching
When driving in heavy traffic, it is necessary to stay in your original lane to avoid disruption. However, it is common for drivers to get frustrated and panicked, especially if they are running late. They attempt to merge into an adjacent lane that seems to be moving more quickly. This creates angst and confusion among fellow drivers, causing cars to hit or collide.
- Car Rollover
Rollover accidents are less common and mainly occur when a driver loses control of the vehicle. Rollover accidents are often related to the shape of the car, as well as the road and weather conditions. Some cars do not have a stable design, i.e. their center of gravity is not near to the ground. As a result, bulky cars like SUVs tumble, flip, and sometimes land on their roof. Slippery and steep roads increase the probability of a rollover accident.
