Understanding Different Types of Car Accidents and What to Do Next
With so many cars out there, getting into an accident is a daily risk for everyone who drives. Negligent drivers can prevent almost all collisions if they paid attention, used more caution, or cared about safety.
Keep reading to learn about the various kinds of car wrecks, what steps to take if you’re in one, and why you need to get legal guidance from car accident attorneys who know their stuff about auto accidents.
10 Common Types of Car Accidents
While no two car accidents are the same, some crashes happen more often than others. Let’s take a closer look at 10 of the most frequent kinds of car accidents:
Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, accounting for about 29% of all crashes. They often happen when a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or is distracted while driving.
To avoid rear-end collisions, keep a safe distance (at least three seconds) from the vehicle before you and stay alert on the road.
Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions are less common but the combined force of both vehicles can make them devastating.
They also have a higher fatality rate than other types of car accidents and often occur when a driver crosses the centerline, drives the wrong way on a one-way street, or loses control of their car. Staying focused and obeying traffic laws can prevent these car accidents.
Side-Impact Collision
Side-impact collisions, often called T-bone accidents, occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another at a right angle. These relatively common accidents account for roughly a quarter of all car wrecks.
Side-impact collisions are more likely to occur in cities and busy intersections when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light. Always check for oncoming traffic before proceeding through an intersection.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other collide. Drivers often fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, causing these accidents. To prevent sideswipe accidents, always check your blind spots and use your turn signals when changing lanes.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle and can be caused by many factors, such as hitting an animal, swerving to avoid debris, or losing control of the car due to poor weather conditions. Maintaining a safe speed and staying alert can help you avoid single-vehicle accidents.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles and can be particularly dangerous. These accidents often occur due to a chain reaction, where one collision leads to another. Maintaining a safe following distance and paying attention to your surroundings can help avoid multi-vehicle accidents.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. These accidents are caused by various factors, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or hitting a curb or soft shoulder. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and maintain a safe speed to prevent rollover accidents.
The Cost of Car Accident Injuries: Common Types and Potential Expenses
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-lasting effects on your health and well-being. The severity and cost of these injuries can vary greatly depending on the impact’s force, the injury’s location, and the individual’s overall health.
Some common injuries resulting from car accidents include:
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head during a collision. Symptoms may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and tingling in the arms. While some cases of whiplash resolve within a few weeks, others can lead to chronic pain and disability.
2. Broken Bones
Car accidents can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and hips. The fracture’s severity and the injury’s location will determine the treatment required and the length of the recovery process.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering injuries. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to permanent cognitive impairment, physical disability, and even death.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other permanent impairments. The lifetime costs associated with spinal cord injuries can be substantial, including ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
5. Internal Organ Damage
The force of a collision can cause damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Internal bleeding and organ failure may require emergency, life-saving surgery and ongoing medical care.
6. Psychological Trauma
Car accidents can be emotionally traumatic, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Psychological injuries can damage an individual’s quality of life and may require ongoing therapy and support.
The costs associated with these injuries can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the injury and the required treatment in addition to medical expenses, car accident victims may face lost wages, property damage, and other accident-related costs.
What to Do the Day After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Here are some critical steps to take today:
1. Follow Up on Your Medical Needs
If you didn’t seek medical attention immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to do so, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms until hours or days later.
Visit your doctor or an urgent care center for a thorough evaluation and document any injuries related to the accident.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider to report the accident if you still need to. Provide them with the details you collected at the scene, including the other driver’s information and any photos or witness statements. Your insurance company will open a claim and guide you through the following steps.
3. Start Gathering Documentation
Begin organizing all the information related to the accident, including:
- The police report, if one was filed
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates for your vehicle
- Correspondence with insurance companies
- Receipts for any accident-related expenses, such as a rental car or taxi rides
Having this documentation readily available will make the claims process smoother and help you keep track of the impact the accident has had on your life.
4. Consult a Car Accident Attorney
Speaking with a car accident attorney may help if you suffered injuries or significant property damage. They can explain your legal rights, assess the potential value of your claim, and guide you through seeking compensation. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, so reach out to discuss your case.
5. Be Cautious When Communicating with Insurance Companies
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries. Remember, the other insurance company wants to minimize their payout, so let your insurance provider or attorney handle communication with them.
6. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Being in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support as you recover. It’s normal to feel anxious, stressed, or even depressed after an accident, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
Remember, the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging and lengthy, but taking these steps can help protect your health, rights, and financial well-being. Stay organized, follow your insurance provider’s and attorney’s guidance, and prioritize your recovery.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Advice from a Car Accident Lawyer
After a severe car accident, seeking legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney is essential. They can provide invaluable assistance regarding the legal process, such as:
1. Explaining Your Legal Rights and Options
Car accident laws can be intricate and vary by state. A skilled car accident attorney will explain your legal rights and help you understand the options available based on your case’s details. They can advise you on whether to pursue a claim, negotiate a settlement, or file a lawsuit and guide you through each step of the process.
2. Investigating the Accident and Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim
Proving fault and liability in a car accident case can be challenging. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions. They may also work with accident reconstruction specialists to help demonstrate how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
3. Calculating Your Losses and Determine Compensation
A car accident can result in a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced car accident lawyer will help you assess the full extent of your current and future losses and determine the compensation you should seek. They will also ensure you only settle for what you deserve.
4. Negotiating With Insurance Companies on your Behalf
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies involved, using their knowledge and experience to advocate for your best interests. They will work to secure a fair settlement that covers all of your losses and expenses related to the accident.
5. Representing You in Court, if Necessary
If negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, your car accident lawyer can represent you in court. They will construct a robust case in your favor, present evidence, argue your stance and fight for the compensation you deserve. Having a seasoned litigator by your side can significantly improve the result of your case.
It’s important to remember that not all car accident attorneys are the same. When seeking legal advice, look for a law firm with a proven track record of success, like Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Familiarizing yourself with different types of car accidents and being prepared to handle the aftermath can go a long way in keeping you safe while driving.
If you are injured in a crash caused by another person’s careless or reckless actions, contact the knowledgeable Orland Park personal injury lawyers at Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer for legal guidance. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you’re entitled to and walk you through the ins and outs of the legal system.