Car accidents happen every day. You’re probably already aware of this fact, but did you know that car accidents come in many different forms? By understanding the different types of car accidents that exist, you’ll be able to stay safe on the road and know what to do if you’re involved in one of the types of car accidents listed in this article.

What Are the 13 Most Common Types of Car Accidents?

After a car accident, your first priority should be to get medical attention, even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt. When it comes to internal injuries, the symptoms might not be apparent right away. Getting early treatment will also help you recover quicker, so it’s definitely worth it.

After you’ve been treated, you should consult a car accident lawyer and explore your options for seeking compensation, regardless of how the accident happened or who you think was at fault. Car accident laws differ from state to state, and you might be entitled to financial compensation even if you were told otherwise.

Let’s take a look at the most common types of car accidents, their causes, and how to avoid them below.

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision happens when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These accidents are common, especially in heavy traffic or at stoplights. They usually happen because the driver in the back is distracted, following too closely, or driving too fast. To avoid rear-end collisions, you should always keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents happen when the front of one car crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These are particularly dangerous at intersections when someone runs a red light or fails to yield. To reduce the risk of T-bone collisions, you should always obey traffic signals and look both ways before going through an intersection.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents. This type of car accident happens when the front ends of two cars hit each other. This tends to happen on highways or rural roads with no median. The most common causes include distracted driving, reckless driving, and driving under the influence.

Side-Impact Crashes

Side-impact crashes are essentially the same thing as T-bone crashes. They occur when the side of a vehicle is hit by the front or back of another vehicle. These car accidents can be especially dangerous because the sides of cars have less protection than the front or back. Side-impact airbags can help, but you should also be extra careful at intersections or when changing lanes.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when a car flips over onto its side or roof. SUVs and trucks are more prone to rollovers, since they have a higher center of gravity. Speeding, sharp turns, and hitting curbs or other objects can cause rollover accidents.

Hit and Run Incidents

A hit and run is when a driver causes an accident and then leaves the scene without stopping to help or provide contact information. This is illegal, and, for the fleeing driver, it can come with extreme consequences. If you’re ever involved in a hit and run accident, always stop, check for injuries, and exchange information with the other driver(s).

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Multi-vehicle pileups involve three or more cars and typically happen on highways or in bad weather conditions. These accidents can be very chaotic and dangerous because of the number of cars involved. To prevent being part of a pileup, you should always maintain a safe following distance and drive carefully in bad weather.

Sideswiping Accidents

Sideswipe accidents can happen when two cars that are traveling parallel to each other collide. This often happens during lane changes or merging on the highway. To avoid getting into a sideswipe accident, you should always check your blind spots and use your turn signals when changing lanes.

Intersection & Left-Turn Accidents

Intersections are super common sites for car accidents, and it’s not difficult to see why. This is especially true when it comes to making left turns. Some drivers may misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or fail to see another car. You should always yield the right-of-way when required and be patient when making a left turn.

Single Vehicle Crashes

Single vehicle crashes involve just one car. They can happen for a number of different reasons, including hitting a stationary object, running off the road, or losing control due to bad weather conditions. Always drive at a speed that’s appropriate for the road and weather conditions to avoid getting into these types of crashes.

Running Red Light Accidents

Drivers running red lights is one of the main causes of intersection accidents. If you run a red light because you’re not paying attention, you could potentially cause a serious T-bone crash or even a head-on collision. Always stop at red lights and proceed with caution when the light turns green.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving can take your attention away from the road. Just trust us on this one — it’s not worth it! In order to stay safe, you should focus on driving and avoid the aforementioned distractions.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and illegal. Drunk driving can impair your ability to make good judgments and react quickly. Needless to say, this can lead to serious accidents.

Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are a huge issue all over the world. Millions of car accidents happen every year, and they usually result in serious injuries (if not fatalities). By gaining a better understanding of the common causes of these accidents, you can be a safer driver and avoid becoming just another car accident statistic.

Are You a Victim of a Car Accident? Duffy & Duffy Law May Be Able to Help!

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s really important to know your rights and ask for help if you need it. Duffy & Duffy Law specializes in car accident cases and can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s dealing with insurance companies or fighting for your rights in court, experienced personal injury attorneys are there to help.

By gaining a better understanding of the different types of car accidents and practicing safe driving habits, you can protect yourself and others on the road. Remember, if you’re ever in an accident, Duffy & Duffy Law is prepared to help you navigate the aftermath and make sure that your rights are protected.