Car accidents occur in a variety of situations, and they can be attributed to any number of causes, as a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, IN can explain. In many cases, it is the reckless driving of other motorists that are to blame, and the specific type of behavior can dictate the type of crash and the extent of the injuries you suffer. The following provides insight into the kinds of car accidents that occur, the behaviors responsible for them, and the injuries you could suffer.
Common Types of Car Accident Collisions
According to the Insurance Information Institutes, more than six million car accidents occur each year in the United States. These result in serious injuries for nearly two million drivers and their passengers, while proving fatal for over 32,000 others. Among the most common types of crashes reported include:
- Front end collisions: These can occur when a driver hits a telephone pole or tree, as well as when they swerve from their own lane, causing them to collide with others on the road.
- Side-impact collisions: Otherwise knowns as ‘t-bone’ accidents, these occur when one driver directly crashes into the side of the other. They often occur in intersections and when making turns.
- Rear-end collisions: These tend to occur in high traffic conditions when one driver hits into the rear end of the vehicle in front of them.
Car Accident Injuries Based on the Type of Crash
Risky driving behaviors put all motorists at risk and make certain types of car accidents more likely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following outlines the most common causes. It also lists the types of collisions they are often responsible for and common injuries that can occur as a result:
Disregarding traffic signs and signals: Running red lights or stop signs increases the risk of side-impact collisions, which can result in soft tissue injuries, broken bones, severe lacerations, and back, neck, or head injuries.
Aggressive driving: Behaviors such as tailgating and failure to yield can result in rear-end collisions, increasing your risks for whiplash, broken bones, and head injuries.
Distracted driving: Using cell phones, texting, or engaging in any activity that distracts you from the task of driving increases the likelihood for all types of accidents and injuries.
Speeding: Going over the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions also increases your general car accident risks. The higher the rate of speed, the greater the potential for fatal injuries, such as crushing injuries that result in internal bleeding, and head or spinal cord injuries that can be fatal.
Thanks to Ward & Ward Law Firm for their insight into personal injury cases.
