Different Types Of Car Accidents

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day. Not all car accidents are the same, though. They occur in different locations and for different reasons. Additionally, certain types of car accidents are associated with particular types of injuries and property damage.

According to the National Safety Council, accidents are categorized according to what a vehicle collides with. For example:

• Vehicles can hit each other.
• Vehicles can hit fixed objects, such as guard rails or trees.
• Vehicles can hit non-fixed objects such as a pedestrian, animal, or parked car.
• Non-collision crashes can occur with pavement surface irregularities or rollovers.
• Vehicles can hit trains.

These different situations show that not all accidents are the same. Each of those larger categories has various breakdowns of different types of accidents, too.

Categories of General Vehicle Collisions

Each kind of accident happens for different reasons but can be classified based on where the damage on the vehicle occurs or the type of vehicle and how many vehicles are involved.

Single-vehicle accidents, for example, can occur for a variety of reasons, but the drivers usually lose control of their vehicle for some reason. Drivers might run off the road because of distraction or fatigue. A driver might swerve to avoid hitting road debris, an action that highlight the complexity of determining fault in a car accident. Weather conditions frequently contribute to single-car accidents. Notably, the driver is not always automatically at fault for a single-vehicle accident. A third party’s reckless driving, unsafe road conditions, or a manufacturing defect might make someone else liable. In such cases, consulting a construction accident lawyer in Springfield could provide valuable legal guidance and representation. In such cases, consulting a speeding accident lawyer could provide valuable legal guidance and support. In such instances, consulting with a rental vehicle accident lawyer can be crucial in navigating the complexities of liability and compensation. Additionally, driving on the most dangerous roads in Massachusetts can significantly increase the risk of such incidents, underscoring the importance of awareness and caution in these areas. It’s essential to consider these factors when analyzing a Massachusetts car accident report .

When it comes to vehicles hitting each other, the types of vehicles vary. Two vehicles colliding can occur between:

• Cars;
• Motorcycles;
• Trucks; and/or
• Bicycles.

Under Massachusetts law, bicycles must follow the same laws as motorized vehicles.

As mentioned above, when vehicles hit each other, the location of the damage can help categorize the type of accident that occurred. Details are provided below.

Head-on Collisions

A head-on collision happens when a vehicle leaves its lane, crosses into the opposite lane, drives in the wrong direction, and smashes head first into an oncoming vehicle on the wrong side of the road. These commonly happen when someone passes incorrectly on a two-lane road, and can happen with any vehicle type, not just cars. Common locations for head-on collisions include:

• Roads undergoing construction;
• Two-lane rural roads; and/or
• Highway ramps.

Head-on crashes tend to cause serious injuries to everyone involved and can be fatal.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents are commonly referred to as “fender benders.” Like head-on collisions, rear-end accidents can happen with any type of vehicle on the road. They occur when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the back end of another vehicle. The vehicle whose rear end is hit is usually stopped or slowing down, and the car that hits it is usually following too closely or fails to provide enough braking distance given its speed. Common locations for rear-end crashes include:

• Red lights;
• Stop or yield signs;
• Traffic circles;
• Parking lots;
• Congested traffic areas; and/0r
• Highway with slowed or stopped traffic.

The injuries caused usually are not as severe but can include whiplash and soft tissue damage.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents Or “Pileups”

Pileups involve at least three vehicles. Car No. 1 might hit something or get hit, then Car No. 2 hits Car 1, and Car 3 hits Car 2. Multi-vehicle accidents happen because of a chain reaction when one vehicle does not have enough time to react to what is happening ahead.

Sideswipe, Blind Spot, and Merging Accidents

Sideswipe, blind spot, and merging accidents all occur when the side of one vehicle hits the side of another, usually with both vehicles facing the same direction. What differentiates them is whether the vehicle that gets hit was parked or moving and whether the collision happened on a roadway. What they have in common is that a driver will have failed to properly check blind spots and will have misjudged the amount of space available next to them.

T-Bone Accidents

One type of side-impact crash that occurs where vehicles cross paths is known as a T-bone accident. This kind of crash occurs when a vehicle’s front-end crashes into the side of another vehicle, either straight on or at an angle. T-bone accidents can happen with any vehicle type. At an intersection, a driver may fail to stop at a red light or fail to yield the right of way, which can result in a T-bone collision. Parking lots are also common locations for this type of accident.

Left-Turn Accidents

Another side-impact crash can occur with left-turn accidents, although a left-turn accident can cause damage to the front of vehicles, too. Many left-turn collisions happen when a driver has an obstructed view and cannot see an oncoming vehicle or does not take the turn fast enough.

Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident happens when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof and no longer has its wheels touching the ground. A rollover can happen to any vehicle, but SUVs and trucks are most likely to roll. This is because they are top-heavy in weight distribution. There are many reasons a rollover may happen, including:

• Being hit in a side-impact crash;
• Rolling or falling down a hill or embankment;
• Turning too sharply;
• Improperly loaded cargo; and/or
• Collisions with obstacles, like sidewalks.

The injuries in a rollover accident can be severe and include head and spinal injuries, potentially leading to significant life changes and the need for spinal cord injury compensation. Passengers and drivers are most likely to be ejected from the vehicle in a rollover.

Vehicle-Specific Accidents

Some types of accidents are unique to the type of vehicles involved. Motorcycles and commercial trucks, specifically, may be involved in categories of accidents that are significantly less likely to happen to a typical passenger vehicle.

Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Collisions

If a motorcyclist drives in between two lanes, it is commonly known as lane-splitting. It is easy for an accident to occur in this situation. Other drivers do not anticipate a motorcycle passing and can hit it.

Truck Jackknifes 

A large semi-truck has two parts: the cab in front and the trailer behind it. If the semi brakes abruptly, the trailer can swing into the cab, giving the image of a jackknife.

Truck Underrides

An underride collision happens when a vehicle goes underneath the trailer. Usually, a small vehicle rear-ends a truck and slides under the trailer and gets lodged.

Truck Blind Spots

Semis and other commercial trucks have significant blind spots. The blind spots mean the drivers cannot see certain areas next to the trailer and behind the trailer. Sometimes, a truck will change lanes and hit a vehicle next to it. If this unfortunate situation occurs, such as being hit by a FedEx truck, it’s important to know the steps to take following the incident, including how to properly document the accident, seek medical attention if necessary, and possibly pursue a claim for damages. Understanding what to do if a FedEx truck hits your car can be crucial in handling the aftermath effectively without disrupting the context of understanding truck blind spots and safety concerns.

At Cava Law Firm, Winning Is NO Accident

Some of the accidents outlined above are more common, while others are less likely to happen. Any accident can be catastrophic and result in property damage, minor injuries, major injuries, or even death. You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered damage or losses in a car accident. It’s important to be aware of Uber and Lyft policies after an accident, as they may provide direction for seeking compensation and assistance in such situations.

Most accident causes are due to negligent driving practices, like impaired or distracted driving. Understanding how each type of impact occurs can help a driver anticipate the dangers. Thus, by paying attention to the road and taking your own safety measures, such as double-checking your blind spot and not tailgating, you can prevent many of these types of accidents. Consulting a Springfield distracted driving lawyer can also provide you with additional insights and legal advice on how to protect yourself and your rights on the road.. Similarly, in the area of workplace safety, being informed about when to file a construction accident lawsuit is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring a safe working environment. Just as with road safety, being aware about your options can make all the difference.

If you were unable to prevent an accident and were injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact our Chicopee car accident lawyer for guidance: (413) 737-3430 or (413) 781-CAVA (2282).

Attorney Jennifer L. Cava-Foreman

Attorney Jennifer L. Cava-Foreman would like to take the guesswork out of choosing a lawyer by letting the facts and her winning verdicts speak for themselves. Attorney Cava-Foreman is known in the local courts and has firsthand experience with many types of cases ranging from personal injury to criminal defense. Attorney Cava-Foreman understands that every case and every client is different. Whether a client is injured or mixed up in a criminal matter, she will provide the legal advice needed and stand up for her client in court. [ Attorney Bio ]