Car accidents are a significant cause of injury and death worldwide, with numerous factors contributing to their occurrence. The following are the four most common causes of crashes. If you have been injured, call a car accident lawyer for legal assistance.
Car accidents are an unfortunate frequent occurrence on the roads, and they can vary widely in terms of severity and cause. Understanding the most common types of car accidents can help drivers recognize potential hazards and adopt safer driving practices. Here are four of the most prevalent types of car accidents:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These accidents can vary in severity from minor fender-benders to more serious accidents involving significant injuries.
Rear-end collisions are commonly caused by:
- Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle reduces the time to react to sudden stops or slowdowns, leading to rear-end crashes.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not notice when the vehicle in front of them brakes suddenly.
- Sudden Stops: Unexpected or abrupt stops by the lead vehicle, whether due to traffic lights, obstacles, or other reasons, can result in rear-end collisions.
Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Accidents)
Side-impact collisions, often called T-bone accidents, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a T-shaped impact. These crashes can cause significant injuries, particularly to the vehicle’s occupants struck on the side, as the side of the vehicle generally offers less protection compared to the front or rear.
Side-impact collisions typically happen at intersections and are caused by:
- Running Red Lights: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs can collide with vehicles with the right of way.
- Failing to Yield: Failure to yield to other vehicles when required, such as at yield signs or intersections, can result in side-impact crashes.
- Improper Turns: Making illegal or unsafe turns can lead to collisions with vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions occur when the front of two vehicles crashes into each other. They are often severe due to the high-impact forces involved and can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Head-on collisions are often commonly caused by:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Impaired drivers may veer into oncoming traffic lanes, leading to head-on collisions.
- Fatigue: Tired drivers may drift across lanes or fail to stay alert, increasing the risk of head-on crashes.
- Incorrect Passing: Attempting to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road without sufficient visibility can result in a head-on collision with oncoming traffic.
Rollovers
Rollovers occur when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. This type of accident can result in severe injuries due to the violent motion and the potential for ejection from the vehicle.
Rollovers are less common but can be particularly dangerous. Common causes include:
- Sharp Turns: Turning too sharply or at high speeds can cause a vehicle to lose stability and roll over.
- High-Speed Collisions: Collisions at high speeds can lead to rollovers, especially if the vehicle is forced off the road or into another object.
- Vehicle Design: Certain types of vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, have a higher center of gravity and are more prone to rollovers compared to lower-profile vehicles.
Thank you to our friends at Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC for their insight into car accidents.