5 Common Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Knowing that there are different types of car accidents will help you approach the roads more cautiously. When you recognize the situations where accidents are most likely to occur, you’ll be more prepared to prevent them, which ultimately keeps you, your passengers, and others on the road safe.
The five most common types of car accidents are:
Fixed object. Fixed object collisions occur when vehicles strike a fixed object alongside the road. Commonly struck objects include traffic medians, utility poles, trees, and construction equipment. These objects are stationary, which means you can avoid these accidents by slowing down, scanning your environment, and eliminating distractions.
Angle. Angle collisions occur when one vehicle strikes another at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees. This type of collision typically happens at intersections due to distracted driving, driving under the influence, or running a red light or stop sign. Avoid this collision by slowing down at intersections and paying close attention to last-minute braking and turn signals. Though you may have the right of way at times, you should still practice defensive driving to keep yourself and others safe.
Rear-end. Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle crashes into the one directly in front of them. This accident happens most frequently at a slow speed while in heavy traffic or approaching red lights and stop signs. Common causes include tailgating, or following the car ahead too closely, and distracted driving. Avoid this accident by eliminating distractions, keeping a safe distance from other cars on the road, and exercising caution during wet weather.
Sideswipe. Sideswipe crashes occur when one driver switches lanes or merges and strikes another car in the process. It is often the result of two cars traveling in the same direction and one moving out of its lane when it is unsafe. Common causes of sideswipe crashes include failure to check blind spots, reckless driving, and merging without signaling a lane change. To prevent this accident, check your blind spots thoroughly before switching lanes, merge carefully, and exercise caution among other drivers.
Head-on. Head-on collisions, also known as frontal collisions, occur when two cars traveling in the opposite direction collide. It is the most dangerous type of car accident and usually occurs when one driver veers onto the wrong side of the road. Common causes include distracted driving, driving while drowsy, or driving while under the influence. If you see a driver veering onto your side of the road, slow down, flash your headlights, and press your horn. If the driver fails to heed your warning, immediately steer into a clear area or the shoulder of the road.
At Flager & Associates, we understand that some car accidents are unavoidable, even after taking preventative measures. Fortunately, we are strong advocates for those injured in car accidents. Accident victims should focus solely on recovery while we handle the rest. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurers, and we’ll ensure fair treatment and justice if they refuse to pay.
