Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6 million car crashes in the U.S. in 2017 alone. While some car accidents are due to factors beyond our control, such as mechanical failures or bad weather, many are due to human error.
Here are some of the most common types of car accidents and how you can help avoid them:
1. Rear-end collisions
According to the NHTSA, rear-end collisions are one of the most common car accidents, accounting for 29% of all crashes in 2017. They often happen when a driver is following another vehicle too closely and doesn’t have enough time to stop when the car in front of them brakes suddenly.
You can help avoid rear-end collisions by leaving plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you, especially if you’re driving in heavy traffic or under adverse weather conditions.
2. Side-impact collisions
Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another. They can be especially dangerous because they often result in serious injuries or fatalities. After all, there is less protection on the sides of vehicles than on the front or back.
To help avoid side-impact collisions, always yield the right of way when turning and be especially careful when driving in areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic, such as school zones or neighborhoods.
3. Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most severe car accidents, as they often result in fatalities. They occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other head-on.
Head-on collisions are often caused by driver error, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. To help avoid head-on collisions, always stay alert while driving and obey all posted speed limits.
4. Single-vehicle accidents
Single-vehicle accidents account for a significant percentage of all car crashes, particularly amongst young drivers. They can be caused by some factors, such as distracted driving, speeding, or poor road conditions.
To help avoid single-vehicle accidents, always pay attention to your surroundings while driving and slow down if you’re approaching a turn or an obstacle in the road.
5. Multi-vehicle accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents are, as their name implies, accidents that involve more than two vehicles. They often happen on busy highways or intersections and can be caused by some factors, such as distracted driving, speeding, or aggressive driving.
To help avoid multi-vehicle accidents, always pay attention to your surroundings while driving and be cautious when approaching busy intersections or highways.
No matter what type of car accident you’re involved in, it’s essential to stay calm and call for help if you or anyone else is injured. If the accident is minor, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. If the accident is more serious, do not try to move your vehicle unless it’s in danger of being hit by another car. Speak with a car accident attorney at Christensen Law as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
