Different Types of Car Accidents

Although most people drive cautiously, some are bound to drive recklessly—and injure other people as a result. No one anticipates a car accident, but afterward, you need an experienced car accident attorney you can trust. When someone’s careless driving leaves you injured and facing thousands in medical bills, you can trust Stewart J. Guss and his legal team. We have worked with car accident victims for more than 20 years, and want to help you obtain maximum justice for your car accident injuries! We offer a free initial consultation for all new clients, so call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-898-4877, or contact us now by CLICKING HERE to learn more. Don’t delay! Your rights are important, and we are here to help! Although there is no way to control the behaviors of other drivers on the road, being aware of the different types of car accidents can help you understand how to best avoid finding yourself in this situation. Four of the most common types of car accidents include:

Rear-end Accident

A rear-end accident occurs when the car that is behind you crashes into the back of your car. This is especially common when someone is tailgating and unable to react quickly enough when traffic ahead slows down or stops. This type of accident is also common when inclement weather causes slippery roads and poor visibility, reducing stopping time and causing brakes to fail. Common injuries to watch for with a rear-end accident include whiplash, neck and shoulder strains, and TBIs.

Rollover Accident

A rollover accident is especially common with vehicles that have a higher center of gravity, including commercial cargo trucks and SUVs. This type of accident happens when the tires of a vehicle lose contact with the road resulting in the car to roll over and land on its side or the roof. This type of accident can happen when a vehicle enters a turn at high speeds, or when the roads are slippery due to rain or snow. When inclement weather hits, the risk of a rollover accident greatly increases.

Head-on Collision

In a head-on collision, one car hits the front of another car, and the damage can be incredibly severe, especially at higher speeds. Typically, a head-on collision happens when a car traveling in one direction crosses over into a lane of traffic that is traveling in the opposite direction. This type of accident is especially common with distracted drivers who are not paying attention to the road or those drivers who are operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With a head-on collision, the possibility of a fatality increases, and other serious injuries are somewhat common. These injuries include a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, spinal and neck injuries.

Side-Impact Collision

You may hear a side-impact collision called a “T-bone” accident or a broadside collision. These terms refer to a car accident in which one car hits the side of another car. This type of accident is common when one car runs a stop sign or a red light and crashes into the side of another car that is crossing the intersection at the same time. A side-impact collision is a common result of distracted driving, where the driver is not paying attention to the road signs and causes a dangerous collision. Often, the driver and passengers in the hit car suffer the most serious injuries as an airbag is less likely to deploy when the impact is on the side of the car.

What to Do if You’re in an Accident

Understanding important next steps after a car accident can help protect you in the event that you find yourself in this situation. If you’re in an accident, it’s advisable to:

Call the police - They will arrive on the scene of the accident and help to call an ambulance if needed. The police will also collect contact information from all parties involved, and prepare an official police report often citing who they believe to be at fault for the accident. They can also administer a sobriety test if they think drugs or alcohol were related to the accident.
Seek medical attention - Even if you don’t think that you sustained serious injuries after an accident, it is essential to see your doctor for a thorough medical evaluation. Many injuries don’t show symptoms for sometime after the initial impact, and it is important to document all of your medical treatment in case your injuries become worse over time. The insurance companies who are evaluating your claim will rely heavily on all of your medical records, so make sure you keep careful details on all treatments you receive.
Call a car accident law firm - Many people are afraid to contact a law firm because they believe it is too expensive, but in fact, an experienced car accident legal team can prove your biggest asset. Stewart J. Guss and his legal team are skilled at listing out economic and non-economic damages after a car accident, and we will work to make sure you receive the best legal representation in order to maximize the value of your settlement.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm Today

When you’re in a car accident, your life can change in an instant. Dealing with insurance companies, doctor visits, physical therapy appointments, and managing time off work can quickly overwhelm you. While it might feel tempting to take the first settlement package your insurance company offers, insurance companies are notorious for offering the least amount possible for your damages. Read more about how a car accident lawyer can help. Stewart J. Guss and his team of experienced attorneys and legal professionals are dedicated to working to gain maximum compensation for our clients. Let us manage the legal process so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Because we take all of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us a DIME unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so call us today at 800-898-4877 or contact us now by CLICKING HERE.