Types of Car Accidents that Can Occur
When it comes to car accidents, there are various types that can occur depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Every year car accidents claim the lives of thousands. In 2009 alone, almost more than ten million motor accidents occurred and over 35,000 lives were lost as a direct effect. Throughout all of these incidents there are various types of car accidents that can happen as a result of unsafe roadway conditions, negligent drivers and other factors.
Getting behind the wheel always involves a great responsibility. Simple mistakes can lead to significant damage that costs those involved financially and physically.
One of the first types of car accidents that can occur is a single vehicle accident. This is an accident in which only one car is involved. Distractions while driving can be a big factor when it comes to the cause of car accidents. Texting or talking on the phone among other things can take away the focus of a driver, inhibiting them from giving their complete attention to the roadways. This is certainly true in many single vehicle accidents in which the driver took their focus from the road and hit a pole or other object.
There are other factors which can contribute to a single vehicle accident, making important to always pay close attention when driving. Another type of accident is a multi-vehicle accident, when more than one vehicle is involved in the accident. These can cause great damage depending on the size and speed of the cars involved. In accidents where high speeds were a factor, the damages can be catastrophic, leaving victims with lifelong injuries or even resulting in a death. It is important while driving to not only make sure you are driving safely but also keep an eye out for other drivers that may be demonstrating reckless behavior such as speeding or making unsafe lane changes.
Head-on collisions are a very dangerous type of car accident that are increased by the speed involved. In a head on collision the main force of the other vehicle is struck at the front of the car. Head-on collisions are known for being exceptionally damaging, through a direct collision of the two cars that can have devastating results. Rear-end accidents occur when one driver is struck from behind by another driver. If there is another car in front of the driver that is struck, the force of being hit from behind can sometimes propel them into the car in front, leading to further damage. To help prevent from rear-end accidents it is important to drive a safe distance behind cars, with the general guideline being the 3 second rule.
In drunk-driving accidents the mental ability of the driver who is under the influence of alcohol is impaired, leaving them unable to make the rational and quick decisions they would normally be able to make. A blood alcohol limit above the legal max of .08 is illegal because of the negative driving ability those with a higher BAC level have demonstrated. Those under the influence may often fail to obey traffic laws, speeding to excessive levels and in some cases even driving the wrong way on the road. Due to the compromised mental stability of a driver who is intoxicated, when a drunk-driving accident occurs it can have monumental effects. In a T-bone accident one driver is struck from the side by a car traveling directly towards them. The name of the accident comes from the shape made by both vehicles when the hit occurs. A common incident that can lead to T-bone accidents is when one driver runs a red light while another driver is already going through the intersection.
Due to the severity an accident can cause, it is always important to exercise caution when driving. Paying close attention to roadway regulations and observing other drivers located around you can greatly decrease your chances of an accident. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important that you have a legal representative on your side to defend you against the individual responsible. Having a lawyer to help you handle your claim may be the factor that helps you recover the compensation you will need to handle the many expenses a car accident can result in.
