March 10, 2022 | Accidents

Car and truck accidents can occur at any moment. As the population grows, the number of drivers and the number of vehicles on the road increases. The chances of being involved in a car accident also increases. There were 6.6 million road accidents resulting in injuries reported in 2019. In 2020, there were 4.8 million accidents that resulted in injuries and 42,000 that resulted in fatalities.

Car and truck accidents occur in an instant but their impact is felt for a long time after the actual incident. Car and truck accident victims not only suffer injuries but also face financial strain from mounting medical expenses and loss of wages. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car or truck accident, it is critical to seek the assistance of a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An accident attorney will educate you on your rights and options. They will guide you through the process of recovering compensation which will provide a financial cushion during this difficult time.

Types of car accidents

Every car and truck accident and its after effects are unique. However, there are patterns that collisions share. Below we discuss some of the most common types of collisions.

1. Head-on collisions

These types of collisions are amongst the most dangerous types of accidents. They occur when a vehicle collides with an oncoming vehicle. The force of the impact in these types of collisions is magnified because both vehicles are moving towards each other.

These types of collisions are often the result of reckless behavior such as driving while intoxicated, speeding or distracted driving. These collisions often result in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, spinal cord damage and broken bones.

2. Rear-end collisions

Rear-end collisions are accidents that occur when a vehicle collides with the vehicle in front of them. These often result from drivers failing to pay attention to the road and other road users. It may also occur when drivers fail to maintain adequate spacing with the vehicle in front of them i.e. tailgating. Impaired driving, driving while intoxicated or distracted driving are also common causes of these types of collisions.

There are instances where the driver in front is at-fault. For example, when the driver in front brakes suddenly in an active traffic lane or reverses without warning or reason.

Rear-end collisions can result in a wide variety of injuries ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries suffered include neck injuries, broken bones and damage to the spinal cord.

3. Side-impact collisions

These collisions occur between vehicles moving in directions perpendicular to each other. One vehicle collides with the side of the other vehicle. The impact is in a T-shape.

These collisions are often the result of reckless behavior such as failing to yield or stop at intersections, driving while intoxicated, distracted driving or disregarding signals or traffic signs. The collisions are dangerous to the occupants of the vehicle as the side of the vehicle does not have a lot of mass to absorb the impact of collision. Injuries are often serious. They include neck injuries, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and more.

4. Single vehicle collisions

These accidents involve only one vehicle. They occur when the vehicle strikes an object in their path. This could be anything including animals, objects on the side of the road such as guard rails, pedestrians and other obstacles.

These types of accidents can occur as a result of speeding, driving while fatigued, poor weather conditions or an animal or pedestrian suddenly running into the road.

The severity of the injuries resulting from these accidents vary depending on the speed of the vehicle as well as the object involved in the collision.

5. Sideswipes

These accidents occur between vehicles that are moving in the same direction. They vehicles strike each other on the side. They can occur when drivers fail to check blind spots when merging lanes, drivers who change lanes too frequently or driving when tired or intoxicated.

Injuries resulting from these accidents include neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, cuts and bruises and much more.

6. Multi-vehicle accidents

These are accidents that involve more than two vehicles. These accidents can be catastrophic as the impact is magnified by the involvement of several vehicles. They often occur as a result of a chain-reaction that sets off several rear-end collisions.

These accidents result in several people being injured. Determining fault in these types of accidents can be a challenge as several vehicles and different insurance companies are involved. It helps to have an experienced accident lawyer represent you in your claim.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, get in touch with us. Speak with an experienced car accident lawyer and learn what your rights and options are.

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