Car accidents happen for different reasons, like problems with the vehicles or the road, mistakes made by drivers, and not being careful or acting recklessly. Even though each accident is different, there are common ways they happen. Paying attention while driving can avoid most accidents. Every car accident can lead to injuries for the driver and their passengers. The type of accident is determined by the area of the car impacted in the accident.
The type of accident that occurs on roads are as follows:
Rear end collisions
Rear-end collision is one of the most common types of accident. This type of accident happens when a car hits another from behind. The most common cause for this accident is a lack of attention on the road and the driver following another vehicle closely. When a driver lacks sufficient space between their car and another in front of their traffic, the driver behind them may lack time and space to stop the vehicle and cause the accident.
Head-on collision
According to a 2020 report by the Insurance Information Institute, a head-on collision is the second most common type of accident, with 10.2 per cent being fatal. A head-on collision occurs when two cars travelling in opposite directions directly collide with each other. The impact force multiplies because both cars are heading toward each other. Crashes where vehicles hit each other directly are more likely to result in severe injuries or even fatalities compared to other types of accidents. The most common cause of head-on collision is high speed and DUI (Driving Under the Influence).
T-bone collisions
A T-bone accident is also called a Side-impact accident. A T-bone accident happens when a vehicle is struck directly on its side at a 90-degree angle. These accidents often take place at intersections and parking lots. T-bone accidents are very risky for the people inside the vehicle that gets hit on the side. The sides of cars have less material to absorb the impact in a crash than the front and back. The most common causes of T-bone accidents are violation of traffic rules, drunk driving and failing to yield to an oncoming vehicle.
Sideswipe accidents
A sideswipe accident happens when two or more vehicles move in parallel, and one vehicle hits the side of the other vehicle. This is dangerous because the initial impact causes one or both cars to lose control and swerve off the road. The most common cause of a Sideswipe accident is the driver failing to check the blind spot and changing lanes without checking the mirror.
Roll-over accidents
A roll-over accident happens when one vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. This type of car accident has serious fatalities. A vehicle involved in a roll-over accident can result in fires caused by spilled fuel or cargo. The most common causes of roll-over accidents are speeding, drunk driving, lack of attention and driving off the road shoulder. Tall and narrow vehicles are more likely to be involved in a roll-over accident.
Single vehicle accidents
A single-vehicle accident happens when something makes a car go off the road and hit things like lampposts, guardrails, or other objects. The most common causes of single-vehicle accidents are hitting animals, losing cargo, or running into something on the road, like pieces from a truck’s tire. The car might flip or end up in a ditch, depending on where it happens. Even if there’s only one car in the accident, the injuries can be severe if it crashes into something big or heavy or rolls over.
Multi-car accidents
A multi-vehicle accident happens when many vehicles are involved in a single-car accident. This type of accident is mostly caused on the freeway. High-speed traffic movement on the highway makes it difficult to avoid. The involvement of multiple cars increases the chances of injuries. The most common cause of multi-vehicle accidents is chain reaction rear-end accidents.
Intersection accidents
According to the Federal Highway Administration report, roughly 2.5 million intersection accidents happen yearly. Intersection collision happens when one vehicle acts carelessly or recklessly, negligently violating laws and collides with another vehicle. The common cause of intersection collision is distracted driving, failing to yield the right of way when making turns, driving under the influence, and unfamiliarity with the area.
Blind spot accidents
A blind spot accident happens when a driver neglects to check the blind spot of their car and collides with another vehicle. Small autos and motorbikes are not visible in the blind spot of larger vehicles. These vehicles are especially susceptible to side-impact accidents. The common cause of blind spot accidents is the driver’s negligence.
What are the reasons behind the occurrence of a car accident?
While you can’t prevent every car accident, you can avoid many. When it comes to car crashes, some causes are more common than others. Here’s a list of the main causes of car accidents.
Knowing these causes might help you stay out of a collision.
- Distracted Driving- Distracted drivers are among the most common causes of car accidents.
- Speeding- Driving under the speed limit can prevent most of the accident.
- Drunk Driving- Driving under the influence restrict driver from driving safely.
- Reckless Driving- Reckless driving means a driver is not following the road rules.
- Running Red Light- Running through a red light will cause a car to collide with other cars from another direction.
- Tailgating- Fatal car accidents often happen when one driver dangerously follows another car too closely at high speeds. To avoid these accidents, leave a one-car-length gap for every 10 mph you’re driving.
- Drowsy Driving- Drowsy driving is caused by driver fatigue. Most car accidents resulting from drivers being too tired happen during the nighttime.
- Unsafe Lane Changes- Changing lanes without checking the lane and blind spot will probably lead to an accident.
- Vehicle Malfunctions- A vehicle malfunctioning will cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Tire Blowout- Tire blowouts can make you lose control of your vehicle, and they are particularly risky for larger vehicles like semi-trucks.
- Inclement Weather- Harsh weather conditions will affect the ability to drive.
What are the most common injuries from a car accident?
When an accident happens, your first steps are to make sure the victim is okay, evaluate the situation, and call for an ambulance. Car accidents may result in injuries that cause long-lasting physical and mental harm, sometimes lasting for years or even a lifetime.
Here are some of the common injuries that occur after car accidents.
- Whiplash or Neck injuries
- Facial Injuries
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
Read more about the common injuries of car accidents.
How to prevent a car accident?
Many accidents can be prevented if rules and regulations are followed. For drivers, one of the key ways to lower the chance of car accidents is by adopting safe driving habits.
Here are some ways to prevent car accidents:
- Follow traffic rules and regulations
- Keep a safe driving distance
- Keep your vehicle in good condition
- Look both ways in an intersection
- Avoid Driving under the influence
- Stay under the speed limit
- Stay alert on the road and avoid using phones
- Avoid driving for a long time
What to do after a car accident?
If you’re involved in a car accident, you should follow the following steps:
Stay calm and check for injuries– Ensure you and your passengers are safe and free from injuries. If another vehicle is in the accident, check to see if the driver and their passengers are okay. Accidents can be stressful, but staying calm and composed will help you take control of the situation.
Move impacted vehicles out of traffic– If your car can still be driven, move it to the roadside or a safe spot away from traffic, but stay at the accident site. Use your hazard lights and consider setting up road flares to alert oncoming traffic.
Call the police to report the accident– Call 911 and wait for the police to come. Cooperate with the police officer by answering their questions so they can create a police report and give them your driver’s license and insurance details. Ask for the names and badge numbers of all the officers you interact with, and request a copy of the police report for your insurance company.
Exchange info and take pictures– While the police report is an official record of the accident, it’s a good idea to take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other involved vehicles as part of your car accident checklist. Capture images from different angles to clearly show where the impact happened. These photos can assist your claims representative in determining who’s responsible for the accident. Make sure to obtain the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Exchange additional details like car makes and models, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses present, politely ask for their contact information.
Start the claims process– No matter who’s responsible for the accident, it’s a wise move to let your car insurance company know that there was an accident. It’s up to you whether you want to file an auto insurance claim with your own insurer or with the other driver’s insurer. It’s even possible to file a car insurance claim without having a police report. Typically, your insurer will only require some essential details about the accident to start a claim, including any photos you snapped of the damage. They will assign a claims representative to assist you throughout the claims process.
When to file for a personal injury lawsuit?
If you think you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness or wrongful actions, and you want to get compensation for your losses, it’s worth thinking about starting a personal injury lawsuit.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case?
The time taken to settle a car accident case depends upon many factors. Some cases may settle within weeks, and some may even take years.
Is it worth hiring a Sacramento car accident lawyer after an accident?
Yes, hiring a Sacramento car accident lawyer after an accident is worth hiring. If the damage incurred during the accident is severe, an expert lawyer will be handy.
How can we help?
J.G. Winter Law is a highly regarded personal injury law firm in Sacramento, California. Our core expertise is around personal injury cases, particularly car accidents. We deeply understand the distress and suffering that you and your loved ones experience in the aftermath of a car accident. Our committed and seasoned car accident attorneys in Sacramento are here to advocate your cause. We’re renowned for our tireless pursuit of the maximum possible compensation for our clients.
Furthermore, we operate on a “contingency basis,” meaning you won’t have to pay us unless we successfully resolve your case. Beyond just legal advocacy, with J.G. Winter Law, you gain a team genuinely concerned about your well-being and recovery. Contact us for your legal support.
