Common Types of Car Accidents

It’s important to know the most common car accident types in case of emergency. This is good information for you or a loved one to know.

Rear-End Collision

This is the most common accident to occur. It can happen just about anywhere and have multiple causes. From stoplights to highways and distracted driving to slick roads, rear-end collisions happen on a daily basis throughout the United States. Chances are, if you have been in an accident, it is a rear-end collision. Most of the time these accidents are not overly harmful, but sometimes they can be quite severe, causing passengers to need medical aid. Even in the most benign circumstances, a person can suffer whiplash which can lead to more issues down the line such as spinal problems.

T-Bone

If a car hits your car at a perpendicular angle, this is called a T-bone accident because the two cars form the shape of a T. This most commonly happens at intersections, and these types of accidents are generally severe. Both cars involved will take damage, and passengers in both vehicles will suffer various injuries. Generally, the car that is t-boned suffers the most injuries — meaning the car that is hit in the middle. T-bone accidents occur from things such as running red lights to drivers not yielding as they should.

Roll-Over

These are extremely severe accidents and tend to be very rare compared to the other types mentioned thus far. A roll-over is exactly what it sounds like: your car rolls over. Either your car is hit at just the right angle and speed, causing it to slip over, or your car is hit on slick roadways, causing it to flip.

Head-On Collision

A head-on collision can refer to two different types of accidents: an accident where two vehicles run directly into each other, or when one vehicle runs straight into something else other than another car such as a road block. If another person hits your car head-on, then you are eligible to pursue compensation. If something falls into your path or is not being safely maintained and marked, then you can still pursue compensation of the person that the obstruction belongs to; for example, if a person does not tie down furniture securely in the back of their vehicle and it comes loose, causing a head-on collision with your vehicle, you can still sue them.

Sideswipes

While these might be confused with T-bones, the two are actually very different. A sideswipe occurs when the side of someone’s car runs into your car. For example, if you are both turning onto a road, a person may drive past you and sideswipe your car. These can also range from severe to mild. They are most likely to occur during lane changes.