Car accidents are extremely common, and certain types of car accidents seem to occur over and over again. But while we keep saying the same types of car accidents over and over, each accident is unique—resulting in different injuries and property damage. Furthermore, legal liability will also vary depending on the type of car accident.
Our car accident attorneys have seen many different types of car accidents, but some appear more frequently than others. The following list lays out the most common types of car accidents.
Rear-End Collisions
This type of collision occurs when one vehicle hits another vehicle directly from behind. These crashes are often at slower speeds, but that is not always the case.
Of the over 6 million accidents that occur in the United States every year, roughly 40 percent of them involved rear-end collisions. That means that there is a rear-end collision about every 8 seconds in the United States.
A rear-end crash may be impossible to avoid if you are the being rear-ended. For the other driver, however, this type of accident is relatively easy to avoid. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that most rear-end collisions are caused by driver inattention. Handheld devices like cell phones, GPS systems, or music players are often to blame for rear-end collisions.
Other Low-Speed Collisions
Low-speed collisions are extremely common. In fact, national and state reports do not cover all of the low-speed collisions because they often go unreported. These occur in parking lots, heavy traffic, neighborhoods, strip mall areas, and other areas that are prone to more pedestrians. This type of accident also usually includes hitting a parked or idling vehicle. Many of these accidents occur while a car is backing up.
Avoiding a low-speed collision is as easy as paying more attention to other cars and pedestrians. Use your mirrors or back up camera to help you move in reverse, but do not rely on either method exclusively, if possible. Drive defensively and remember that pedestrians usually have the right-of-way.
Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact crashes or “T-bone crashes”, account for roughly 25 percent of all vehicle accidents on an annual basis. T-bone accidents occur when a driver fails to stop before entering an intersection when there is already a car in the intersection, causing damage directly into one side of the other vehicle. This usually means that one driver did not yield as required to the driver that had the right-of-way. Side impact crashes can cause serious injuries and damage, and it is especially important to get legal help in these types of cases.
Following the rules of the road can go a long way to avoid these types of collisions, but for the person being hit, there may not be anything you can do. Take note of stop signs and traffic lights, and use caution when entering any intersection. You may also want to consider obtaining a vehicle with side airbags, which can help lessen some of the injuries associated with this type of crash.
Single Vehicle Accidents
Single-car accidents are also relatively common, and sometimes unavoidable. These accidents often involve hydroplaning (losing control because water forces your tires to lose contact with the road), animals, or losing control of your vehicle for other reasons, such as trying to avoid an accident with a vehicle. Even single-car accidents can sometimes include other parties that are liable for damages and injuries.
One of the best ways to avoid a single car accident is to be sure that you are driving reasonably under the conditions. If you are driving at night, use your lights to help you avoid animals or objects in the road. Slow down in poor weather conditions, and drive defensively by keeping a close watch on the drivers around you.
Call in the Professionals to Help with Your Car Accident Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Beaumont, you may have a legal liability claim. This may mean that you are entitled to compensation to help pay for your medical expenses, property damage, and time away from work. Call a Beaumont injury attorney for a free consultation today!