Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on the roads. However, each type of accident presents unique challenges for injured people. What should you know about common car accidents?
Single-vehicle accidents
When an accident involves only one vehicle, it might seem straightforward. However, if external factors like poor road conditions or mechanical failures led to the accident, these claims can become complex. Proving such claims against municipalities for poor road maintenance or manufacturers for defects requires robust evidence and expert testimony.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions are a common type of crash that often occurs due to tailgating or sudden braking. Around 29 percent of accidents on roadways in the United States are rear-end collisions. In these situations, the challenge often lies in proving the extent of the injuries caused by the crash. This is particularly true if the injuries include whiplash and other soft tissue injuries that might not immediately present symptoms.
T-bone accidents
A T-bone crash happens when one car crashes directly into the side of another, making a “T” shape. It is usually clear who was at fault if a driver ignored a traffic signal. However, if there are no signals or they were not working, figuring out who was to blame can be hard and might need witnesses or video from traffic cameras.
Head-on collisions
In a head-on collision, the fronts of two cars hit each other while going in opposite directions. These crashes are very dangerous, accounting for more than one in four fatal crashes in the United States. Legally, these often involve dealing with severe injuries or fatality claims, which can complicate compensation issues. Determining fault could involve understanding whether any driver was under the influence, distracted or otherwise negligent.
Multi-vehicle pile-ups
Crashes involving many cars make it hard to tell who was at fault. This can lead to many legal claims and possibly many people to blame, which makes solving these cases complex. Lawyers usually have to recreate the crash scene and use experts to figure out what happened and which drivers contributed to the crash.
Sideswipe collisions
Sideswipe crashes occur when the sides of two cars in parallel lanes touch. These often happen when one car drifts out of its lane or when two cars try to merge into the same lane at the same time. Unfortunately, both drivers might blame the other, and figuring out who was at fault often depends evidence from the crash and the statements of witnesses.
Every car accident claim can be challenging. Thankfully, by understanding and addressing the challenges involved in each type of crash, it is possible for injured people to file a successful claim and get the support they need.