Road accidents can be deadly, cause massive property damage and ultimately ruin lives. However, knowing the various types of road mishaps can give drivers a heads-up, making them more alert to the dangers while driving. The more informed you are when you’re driving, the better preferred you will be for any possible risks on the roadways. In this post, we are going to dig into the different types of crashes that could happen when you’re behind the wheel, from fender benders to head-on collisions.
Commercial Truck Crashes From Fatigue
Truck crashes due to driver fatigue are a major deal on most highways. Truckers often find themselves having to pull unholy hours to ensure deliveries are on time, and the exhaustion that derives from this can seriously mess with their ability to drive safely. Regarding the legal consequences, this truck accident attorney in Houston asserts that they are typically much more complex than regular RTAs due to the convoluted nature of responsibility. I.e., it can be tricky to ascertain whether the driver, haulage company, or both are responsible for the accident. For example, it might be that the driver was over their allotted time and caused an accident due to extreme fatigue. It could also be that the company refused to pay for new tires or failed to train the driver on the proper techniques to maintain the vehicle. In any case, the only way to navigate the complex maze of obstacles is to hire an attorney capable of dealing with road traffic accidents and trucking cases in particular.
Rear-End Collisions Caused By Tailgating
Tailgating is a significant reason for rear-end collisions, with some estimates suggesting they are responsible for a whopping third of all RTAs. It happens when you’re too close to the heels of the vehicle in front, leaving barely any space to slam brakes or swerve out of trouble if needed. If the car ahead has to brake hard and fast, tailgaters are left with almost no time to respond, which often ends up with an accident of varying severity which can seriously injure people involved, especially at high speeds. When it comes to the legal side of things, it all depends on who is responsible and if you are able to prove responsibility. As with all accidents, it is vital not to admit fault immediately. Instead, you should wait for emergency services and swap insurance details.
T-Bone Accidents At Intersections
T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact collisions, happen when one car smashes into the side of another at a 90-degree angle, giving rise to the moniker. These kinds of accidents are pretty common at junctions where someone either ignored a red light or didn’t bother to give way. The scary thing is T-bone crashes can be seriously nasty because there’s less protection on the sides of cars. Injuries range from inconsequential at lower speeds to life-changing if fast-moving vehicles are involved.
Rollover Crashes Due To High Speed
A rollover is perhaps one of the scariest forms of an accident someone can experience because there is no time for your mind to comprehend what is going on. Additionally, they often lead to serious injury from the sheer amount of force that is applied to areas like the roof, which are traditionally one of the weakest parts of a car. But speed isn’t the only culprit here. Sometimes drivers mess up, or inclement weather throws everyone off their game. When seeking restitution, it can be tricky unless there are witnesses or visual evidence to support any allegations that the accident was caused by someone else.
Sideswipes From Lane Changes
Sideswipes from lane changes are a common cause of road accidents. They happen when a driver switches lanes without properly signaling or checking for cars in the next lane. These types of mishaps often stem from reckless driving, being distracted at the wheel, or simply not paying enough attention to blind spots. While the severity varies depending on speed and location (highway, country road, etc.), the fact remains they have the potential to cause a considerable amount of damage to both the cars involved and the people driving them.
Pedestrian Collisions At Crosswalks
Pedestrian collisions are one of the most common types of road accidents and the ones that cause the most damage to lives. They usually happen when a pedestrian trying to cross the road gets hit by an oncoming vehicle. The root cause? Drivers who either fail to yield or aren’t focused on the road due to distraction or impairment. In most cases, the driver will be assumed to be at fault, but this is not always the case, and in some instances, it could result in a ruling of contributory negligence whereby both were at fault.
Although you hope never to be involved in an RTA, if you drive a vehicle, you need to be prepared that you might be one day. By knowing the various accidents that can occur, you are better positioned to pay more attention to the rapid and hopefully stay accident-free.
