If you are researching common types of car accidents it is probably because you or a loved one was recently involved in a car accident and you want more information about your legal rights. There are many common types of car accidents, including head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, rear-end collisions, and multi-vehicle collisions. Different factors may cause these accidents and may affect your claim. Read on to learn about these common types of car accidents.
Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions often cause serious injuries and death because a vehicle crashes into the front of another vehicle, often at a high rate of speed. These accidents were responsible for just over 10% of fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2017, the last year for which full data is available from the Insurance Information Institute (III).
In addition to an increased risk of fatality, these accidents may cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic head injuries, disfiguring lacerations, and other serious injuries. Additionally, occupants in the vehicle that were hit may suffer from fractures and additional injuries caused when airbags deploy.
Head-on collisions are often caused due to the following reasons:
- A driver is distracted, such as talking or texting on the phone
- A driver is impaired or under the influence of drugs
- A driver is traveling in the wrong direction
- A driver runs a red light or stop sign
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Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle rams into the back of another vehicle. These are a very common type of car accident and account for 2,456 of the fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2017, or 7.2% of these accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These accidents are more common during start and stop traffic and are often caused by a distracted driver who is not paying attention or is following too closely. These accidents are not typically fatal at slow speeds, but they can still cause serious injuries, such as soft tissue injuries like whiplash. This condition often occurs when the occupant’s neck and shoulders are violently thrust forward due to the impact.
Common causes of rear-end accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
- Sudden slowing of traffic
- Tailgating
In most rear-end cases, the driver from behind is found at fault because they are driving too closely. Even if the vehicle in front suddenly stops, drivers are expected to maintain a few second of space between them and other vehicles, according to Ohio’s Rules of the Road. However, there are some exceptions, so even if you were in the vehicle in the back, you may still be able to receive compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can advise you of your legal rights in this situation.
T-Bone Collision
A side-impact, or T-bone collision, is caused when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle, often mimicking the shape of the letter “T.” These accidents often occur when one vehicle is going straight with the flow of traffic and the other vehicle turns left into the vehicle.
Side-impact collisions can also occur when one vehicle drifts into an adjoining lane and hits the other vehicle. These sideswipe collisions accounted for 961 of the 34,247 motor vehicle collisions that occurred in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Common causes of these accidents include:
- Failing to yield
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Misjudging the distance of another vehicle before turning in front of it
- Distracted driving
These accidents can also cause serious injuries because there are usually fewer safety features on the sides of vehicles, where the point of impact happens in these collisions.
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Multi-Vehicle Collision
Multi-vehicle collisions are just that – they involve multiple vehicles. They are also referred to as “pile-up collisions” because they may result in a number of vehicles crashing into each other until there is a pile of broken metal and debris caused by multiple accidents.
These collisions occur most often on highways, freeways, and busy roads. They are often caused by one driver’s error, but the problem is compounded due to traffic or drivers overcorrecting when trying to avoid an additional collision.
Multi-vehicle collisions are often very serious because a motorist may be impacted multiple times. Vehicles have difficulty absorbing multiple hits, so the occupants may not be safe inside the vehicle. However, when he or she emerges from the wreckage, they may be in danger of being hit by another vehicle.
Common causes of multi-vehicle collisions include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Not following traffic signals or signs
How a Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident and identify all parties who may be legally responsible for the damages you sustained. A personal injury lawyer can review photographs of an accident, look at skid marks, and consult with an accident reconstruction expert to determine how the accident occurred.
Personal injury lawyers are familiar with the various types of injuries that victims may suffer in different types of car accidents and will often recommend seeking medical treatment to help establish the injuries victims sustained.
They will gather key documents and evidence to establish liability and the damages that victims have suffered. Because they routinely work on these types of claims, they often have a deep understanding of the full extent of a victim’s potential injuries and will strive to collect compensation for them.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to have a personal injury lawyer who is versed in pursuing damages after common types of car accidents. They can explain your rights and advocate for your legal interests. Bressman Law has been serving personal injury clients for more than 30 years throughout Dublin, OH, and surrounding areas, which has resulted in countless positive reviews by satisfied clients who were able to receive fair compensation after our team pursued negligent drivers and held them responsible for their careless actions. Call us at (614) 538-1116 to get started.
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