No matter how careful you are, you can still get into an accident. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 car accidents happen every minute and for a million different reasons.
Perhaps you were distracted by something or someone, or you were going too fast and couldn’t stop in time. There are so many different types of car accidents, so it can be hard to wrap your head around the specifics.
Luckily, we are here to break it all down for you. Keep reading to learn about the main types of car accidents and how they can be prevented.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a slower-moving vehicle in front of a faster-moving vehicle is struck from behind. This type of accident occurs at intersections or in slow traffic, or when one vehicle is backing up.
It is important to note that the driver who is rear-ended is not always at fault. The driver of the faster-moving vehicle is usually the one who is responsible.
The risk of being rear-ended increases with reduced visibility, such as at night, in bad weather, or in parking lots. The most common causes of rear-end collisions include tailgating, not paying attention, adverse road conditions, speeding, and driving while fatigued.
The resulting consequences of this type of accident can be severe and even fatal. Being aware of the various safety features of your vehicle can help to cut the risk of rear-end collisions.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous and deadly kinds of car accidents. These kinds of car accidents occur when two vehicles moving in opposite directions collide with each other.
Head-on collisions often involve a high rate of speed and occur when a driver is distracted, under the influence, or driving recklessly. Severe injuries are common due to the violence of the impact and the lack of protection from vehicle safety features such as airbags. This type of accident results in the greatest number of fatalities per year in both the U.S. and globally.
Sideswipe Collisions
Sideswipes occur when two cars scrape against each other when traveling in the same direction. They can happen in any lane, even in separate lanes. It usually happens when one car moves out of its lane without looking or yielding to oncoming traffic.
Sideswipe accidents are common at intersections or high-traffic areas when multiple cars are on the same stretch of road. They can also be caused by lane changes when one driver fails to signal or follows too closely. Most times, when sideswipe collisions occur, the damage is minor.
The biggest risk of sideswipe accidents is that they can cause a driver to lose control, which could lead to more serious and multiple-car collisions. If you’re involved in an accident and you want compensation, don’t hesitate to hire a car accident attorney. Hiring a lawyer will ensure you get a much better chance of getting compensated.
Educate Yourself About the Different Types of Car Accidents
There are three main types of car accidents: rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and sideswipe collisions. Be smart and stay safe while driving by understanding the risks of different types of car accidents. Educate yourself and help reduce the risks on the roads.
Did this article teach you about the different types of car accidents? Keep reading our blog for other informative topics!