Most car crashes are unexpected, and they can cause long-term, negative physical, emotional and financial consequences. Although no two accidents are identical, below are some of the most common types of crashes:
- Rear-End Collision. In today’s world, everyone is in a hurry, distracted and prone to tailgating (following too closely behind the vehicle in front of them). Tailgating does not always cause serious damage to your vehicle, but it can cause injury to you and your passengers. Depending on how fast the vehicle is traveling when it slams into the back of your car, your injuries can range from mild to severe. You should also be aware that road rage can be common in this type of accident, so always be mindful when another driver is following you too closely.
- Cross-Traffic Accident. In most cases, the “T-bone” accident occurs at an intersection. A driver who runs a red light, stop sign or makes a left turn without yielding the right-of-way can cause a multi-vehicle crash. Drivers should use extra caution at intersections by looking in every direction and keeping a foot hovering over the brake pedal for quicker reaction time.
- Single Vehicle Crash. When a car hits a stationary object, runs off the road or the driver loses control of the vehicle, it is often due to distracted driving or dangerous road conditions (such as ice, gravel, poor lighting, etc.).
- Side Impact Accident. When traffic is forced to merge lanes, it is common for drivers to fail to check their blind spots, resulting in a side impact crash. Merging requires drivers to work together by slowing down or speeding up to accommodate the merging vehicle. Not all drivers are accommodating, and the result is often a collision.
- Fender Benders. Even though low-speed accidents don’t seem as significant as larger wrecks, they can still cause quite a bit of damage. Bumps, collisions in parking lots, or even backing out of a driveway crashes are common, but they can be reduced in frequency if drivers slow down and really use caution even though they are moving at a minimal speed.
There are many ways we can prevent vehicle collisions. Drivers can work to minimize the distractions they have while driving, use their signals and mirrors consistently, and drive within the speed limit. However, there are many circumstances drivers cannot control such as an animal darting onto the road or another driver’s negligence. Whatever the cause of your accident, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the extent, if any, of your injuries and to obtain the proper treatment and care.
If you or a loved one has been in an auto accident and you need legal advice, contact the Law Office of Alex Cha & Associates to speak to an attorney who can help you.