Most big cities tend to report a high number of car accidents. California is certainly no exception, with several densely populated, large cities within its borders. It is our goal to inform people of the most common types of car accidents so you can be on the lookout for ways to stay safe from harm.
Let’s look at the most common types of car accidents:
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle hits the back of another. It is the most common type of accident. The frequent causes of these collisions are distracted driving or following too closely. Other causes include speeding, which requires a longer distance to come to a stop, or poor road conditions, such as icy or wet roads. Rear-end accidents typically happen at signals, stop signs, intersections, and any other time when a vehicle is likely to be stopped or stopping.
To avoid these types of accidents, motorists are recommended to follow the “3-second rule,” which provides enough time to come to an immediate stop if the car in front slams on its brakes. Three seconds of distance means that it should take the following vehicle at least 3 seconds to pass a landmark that the car in front just passed.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles, which are traveling in opposite directions, directly crash into one another. According to 2020 data collected by the Insurance Information Institute (III), head-on collisions were the second most common type of accident in the country, with 10.2 percent being fatal. Common causes of head-on collisions are drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, driver fatigue, and reckless driving.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when one car hits another car from the side at a right angle. These crashes typically take place at intersections and parking lots. Side-impact accidents are extremely hazardous for the occupants of the side-impacted vehicle. The sides of cars have less mass than the front and rear ends to absorb the shock of a collision. Drivers that fail to yield to other vehicles, stop at intersections, or violate traffic signs and signals are most likely to cause side-impact crashes.
To avoid this type of car crash at an intersection, check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, use your turn signals to give other drivers time to react, maintain a safe following distance, and anticipate sudden turns or stops.
Single Vehicle Accidents
Single vehicle accidents are when one vehicle gets into an accident without involving another driver. Usually, a motorist hits something that is in their way, such as an animal, dropped cargo, or a piece of road debris from another car. Single vehicle collisions can also occur when a drowsy or intoxicated driver hits a pole, tree, or parked car. Poor road or weather conditions can also contribute to this kind of accident.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Collisions involving three or more cars are considered multi-vehicle accidents. They typically occur on freeways, as driving speeds are higher, making it more difficult for drivers to react. Some causes of multi-vehicle collisions include weather conditions, texting while driving, reckless driving, and driving while drowsy. A specific example of a multiple-vehicle accident is a chain-reaction rear-end collision.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident is a type of vehicle crash in which a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. Any type of vehicle can roll over. Taller, narrower vehicles like SUVs, pickups, and vans are far more likely to roll over compared to average cars. These vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more top-heavy. Common causes of rollover accidents include speeding, driving while distracted, drunk or fatigued, driving off the road shoulder, and other vehicles or objects forcing vehicles off the roadway.
Parked Car Accidents
Even going at very slow speeds, such as in a parking lot, you can have an accident that causes damage. Granted, these types of accidents don’t usually result in major injuries, but there is still a chance you could damage a car driving in a parking structure, or have your parked car damaged by someone else. These collisions happen frequently due to inattentive drivers or drivers that are maneuvering their vehicles without being able to see everything in their paths while backing up or making turns.
Trust the San Francisco Car Accident Lawyers at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers
No matter what kind of accident you may have experienced, the whole process can be overwhelming. You need to navigate your health first. Then, you have to worry about the other party’s insurance adjusters calling you to negotiate a settlement, you have to gather evidence to support your case, pay medical bills, and follow up with appointments. Let us help you with the details so you can focus on healing. Contact San Francisco car accident lawyers at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers right away – 877-380-8852 . We are here to support you every step of the way.
