Each year, more than six million car accidents occur across the United States, often with devastating consequences. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a catastrophic collision, accidents happen in an instant and can turn a routine drive into a life-altering event. Victims may suffer serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, vehicle damage, and ongoing emotional distress.
Different types of accidents come with unique risks, from the common rear-end crash to more severe rollovers and head-on collisions. Understanding how these accidents happen can help drivers stay alert on the road and be better prepared if they find themselves in one.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents take many forms, each with its own causes and potential for injury:
- Rear-End Collisions – One of the most common types of crashes, rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another. These accidents often happen in heavy traffic or when a driver is distracted. Injuries can range from mild whiplash to spinal damage.
- Single Vehicle Accidents – Not all accidents involve multiple cars. A single-vehicle crash can happen if a driver loses control due to weather, road hazards, or drowsy driving.
- Vehicle Rollover – A vehicle rollover occurs when one or more vehicles rolls on its side, top, and bottom before coming to a stop. Rollovers can happen for many reasons, including a sideswipe or t-bone accident, poor road or weather conditions, or can even be the result of a single-vehicle accident.
- Head-on Accident – A head-on accident occurs when two or more vehicles’ front ends collide. This type of crash is typically a serious one and can cause severe or even deadly injuries.
- T-bone Accident – A t-bone accident occurs when one vehicle’s front end runs straight into the side of another vehicle, often inflicting serious injuries to vehicle occupants. Speeding and running street lights are two common reasons for a t-bone accident.
- Sideswipe – These occur when two vehicles traveling next to each other make contact, often due to merging errors or distracted driving. While some sideswipes cause only minor damage, others can lead to rollovers or multi-car crashes.
- DUI Related Accidents – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a leading cause of fatal crashes. A DUI-related accident can take many forms, including head-on collisions, rollovers, or even single-car crashes.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents – When a driver flees the scene after causing a crash, it leaves victims in a vulnerable position. These accidents can involve pedestrians, parked cars, or moving vehicles.
- Distracted Driving Accidents – A distracted driving accident occurs when at least one driver fails to pay full attention to the road and causes an accident. Distracted driving behaviors may include using a cell phone, eating, and reading directions.
- Multi-Vehicle Pile Ups – A multiple vehicle pile-up happens when three or more vehicles are involved in the same crash. These types of accidents are common in high-speed or low-visibility conditions. Injuries in these accidents can be severe due to the number of impacts.
Consequences of Car Accidents
Beyond the physical damage, car accidents create lasting hardships. Victims often face mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Insurance companies may also delay or dispute claims, making it difficult for injured parties to recover financially.
Seeking legal help after an accident can give victims a better chance at obtaining the compensation they deserve. Whether negotiating with insurers or pursuing legal action, an experienced attorney can help navigate the complex claims process.
If you’ve been involved in any of these types of accidents in Buffalo or the surrounding areas, schedule your free consultation with Towey Law PLLC.