What Is the Most Common Type of Accident?

The unfortunate reality is many drivers will find themselves exchanging insurance information with another driver after a car accident at some point in their lifetime.

While the specifics of each car accident are unique, there are a handful of common types accidents, many of which can cause injuries to passengers and those behind the wheel. Most common type includes head-on collisions, side impact collisions, sideswipe crashes, and more. Most common types occur because drivers are going over the speed limit, aren’t paying attention, or generally aren’t following the rules of the road.

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, more than 38,000 die in a car accident each year in the US alone. Thankfully, most car accidents are not nearly so tragic. In 2016, there were more than 6 million police-reported car accidents in the country, the vast majority of which thankfully did not involve fatalities.

But what is causing so many car accidents, and what do most of these car accidents look like?

Common Types of Car Accidents

Rear-End Collisions

The first most common type of accident is a rear end collision. If you are a driver, chances are high you’ve been on one end of a rear end collision at some point in your life. In fact, the NHTSA reported that in 2018 there were more than 2 million rear-end collisions on American roads.

A rear end collision occurs when one vehicle strikes the back of another. In a case like this, it’s possible that either party is at fault, or perhaps they share responsibility. For example, if the vehicle in front is sitting at a red light and the vehicle behind it slams into it, it’s clear that the second vehicle and driver are responsible.

But it’s also possible that the driver in front slams on their brakes so suddenly that the driver in back has no hope of stopping in time. Police and insurance investigators can help determine fault if needed.

Angle, Side, and T-Bone Collisions

Angle accidents are the umbrella term for when one vehicle strikes another at any kind of angle. A common example of this is the T-Bone collision, where the head of one car strikes the side of another, forming the “T” shape that gives the accident its name.

Though these can occur anywhere, intersections are a particularly common location. For instance, if one driver blows through a stop sign or red light without right of way, the car that does have right of way may collide with them as they rightfully pass through the intersection. These often occur with drivers going over the speed limit or who generally are not paying attention.

Angle accidents can also occur on highways if one driver loses control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off at an angle and collide with another car. Again, this is a case where either driver may be at fault, or both parties may share some degree of responsibilities.

Contact an experienced car accident attorney at Munley Law law firm today for a free consultation.

Sideswipe Car Accident

A sideswipe crash when the sides of two vehicles make contact. This can happen when two vehicles attempt to merge into the same lane, or when a merging vehicle overshoots it and scrapes the side of the vehicle in the lane next to them. Often this occurs between two cars traveling the same direction, like when a driver is changing lanes but isn’t paying attention or can’t see the other car.

By nature, a sideswipe typically involves damage to the car and no significant injury.

Single Car Accidents with Stationary Objects

A single car accident and a stationary object is a particular common type of accident for teens or those who are new to driving. These can be particularly dangerous if the point of impact is head-on collisions.

These single car accidents can often occur when the driver does not have an accurate sense of the size of the vehicle or a grasp of spatial awareness. These accidents can happen between a car and any other object, whether that be a tree, another parked car, a guardrail, a pole, etc.

While it may not sound as bad to hit a stationary object, these accidents are extremely dangerous. Be sure to carefully scan your surroundings and be aware of the placement of your vehicle to avoid this type of accident.

Depending on speed of the car, point of impact, and size of the object, these accident victims can be left with devastating injuries like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and more mounting medical bills.

If You Were in Injured in a Car Accident, Call Munley Law

No matter what type of car accident you find yourself in, all car accident victims are susceptible to sustaining serious injuries. From head-on collisions to single car and sideswipe accidents, car accidents can be extremely dangerous.

If you were in any common types of car accident, especially if you sustained injuries, you should seek legal advice. Our law firm has experienced car accident lawyers who will examine your case. and ensure that fault is assigned accurately and you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.