It is a sad but true fact that car accidents happen. Every second, a vehicle crashes somewhere around the world. Someone loses their life. Someone loses a loved one. These accidents happen and often, as a result, passengers have to suffer severe injuries and even fatalities. Understanding the most common types of motor vehicle accidents and their cases therefore becomes even more critical for drivers to help them adopt safer habits to create safer roads. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of car accidents. And we all want that. Whether it was negligence or environmental hazards or something else, most of the crashes can be prevented with the right awareness and driving techniques. We explore some of the most common types of crashes and how it is possible to avoid them.
7 common types of car accidents
Read end collisions
Read end collisions are perhaps the biggest culprit for auto accidents. This generally happens when the driver follows the vehicle in front too closely or is not paying attention to the road. In case the vehicle in front has to suddenly brake, you might not have enough time or space to react thus rear ending the vehicle in front. These types of auto accidents can be easily avoided by maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front and remaining vigilant about what is happening on the road. This will give you ample time to react and steer your vehicle out of harm’s way. So, don’t check your phone or adjust the radio when driving. Keep both eyes on the road. If you have been injured in a rear end collision, consult a car accident lawyer to understand your legal options.
Head on collisions
This usually occurs when two vehicles coming from opposite directions crash into each other. These are much more severe than rear end collisions since both vehicles have high opposing momentum when colliding which often leads to fatalities at high speeds. Among the most common causes include wrong-side driving or fatigue. When driving ensure that you are driving in the correct lane and are not feeling drowsy when driving. If you sense fatigue, pull over and rest for a while before continuing. A fresh cup of coffee helps when you are tired from long distance driving.
Side impact collisions
Another common scenario for car accidents is being hit into the side of your vehicle. Also dubbed T-bone accidents, this type of collision happens when another vehicle crashes into the side of another. Intersections are infamous for side impact collisions. Running red lights, failing to stop at a stop sign, or failing to yield are some of the leading causes. The tips to avoid these are simple. When driving through intersections, be extra cautious and obey traffic signals no matter how empty the road is.
Sideswipe accidents
These are notorious for heavy vehicles. When two vehicles are traveling in parallel to each other they come in contact. This is generally a result of improper lane change or drifting out of lane. Blind spots, failure to indicate lane changes, or even distracted driving can be the main culprit behind sideswipe accidents. These types of accidents can be quite fatal since they can cause the vehicle to lose balance and come right in front of moving traffic. Always check your mirrors when changing lanes and use turn signals if you want to prevent these crashes.
Single vehicle accidents
These types of accidents involve only one moving car losing control. This can be attributed to a myriad of factors including overspeeding, hitting an obstacle, or bad weather causing the vehicle to run off the road, hit guardrails or even roll over. When driving in bad weather, always drive at a manageable speed and stay focused on the road. In adverse conditions, we also suggest not trying out any aggressive maneuvers when driving at higher speeds.
Multi vehicle accidents
Typically dubbed pile ups, multi vehicle accidents generally happen on highways or busy roads where one initial crash leads to a chain reaction. Tailgating, sudden braking, and even poor visibility can be the main causes of such multi vehicle accidents. These types of motor vehicle accidents are avoidable with safe driving habits. When driving, always follow a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Adjusting your vehicle's speed based on traffic conditions can help reduce the risk of being involved in a pile up.
Rollover accidents
Perhaps one of the most fatal ones, in the case of rollover auto accidents, a vehicle flips onto its side or roof due to excessive speed, sideswipes, or sharp turns. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs are more particularly vulnerable to these types of motor vehicle accidents. Prevention is with safe driving habits. Drivers should avoid abrupt steering, reduce speed when turning, and ensure that the vehicle's tires and suspension are in good condition.
How can a timer reduce car accidents?
Timers have to be the most innovative option to reduce the number of car accidents. Timers at intersections are quite helpful as they offer clear indications of when the lights will change, helping drivers make safer decisions. This also reduces the risk of side impacts and rear ended collisions. When drivers have better control over their stopping and starting times, these timers can highly improve road safety.
Conclusion
Despite all the precautions, accidents do happen and we pray that you don’t have to deal with it. But in case you need support, consulting our experts at Ilya Law ensures that you get the right guidance during the entire process. One of the best accident lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona, we help you pursue justice. If you need help, contact now to speak with a qualified car accident lawyer.
FAQs
What to do after a car accident?Before anything, seek medical assistance. Call emergency services and inform them about your location. Next document the crash on your phone to keep it as evidence for later use.How can a timer help prevent accidents?By informing drivers about the exact time when the lights will change, timers help to make the right decision of when to start and stop at an intersection. This reduces the risk of auto accidents.What are the most dangerous types of auto accidents?Rollover and front collision accidents are definitely the most dangerous types of road accidents you can be in.
