Car accidents happen every day, and while some are minor fender-benders, others cause serious injuries and long-term damage. The type of accident often determines how severe the injuries are and who may be at fault. Understanding the different kinds of car accidents is helpful when building a case and seeking compensation. A car accident lawyer can assist in evaluating the details and making sure the injured party’s rights are protected. Our friends at Des Moines Injury Law understand the intricacies of these accidents and detail some of the most common types, below.
Rear-End Collisions
One of the most common types of accidents, rear-end collisions typically happen when a driver is following too closely or not paying attention. While often seen as minor, they can cause painful injuries like whiplash or back strain. In most cases, the driver who hit the vehicle in front is considered at fault, but there are exceptions—such as if the front driver stopped suddenly without reason or had malfunctioning brake lights.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are often the most serious. They usually occur when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic or drives the wrong way on a road. The force of two vehicles hitting each other directly can result in life-threatening injuries or fatalities. These cases often involve clear negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
T-Bone Or Side-Impact Accidents
T-bone accidents happen when one car crashes into the side of another, often at intersections. These collisions can cause serious injuries to drivers or passengers on the side that’s hit, especially if the vehicle lacks side airbags. Determining fault in these cases depends on traffic signals, right-of-way rules, and eyewitness accounts.
Sideswipe Accidents
A sideswipe occurs when two cars traveling in the same direction make contact side-to-side. These accidents usually happen during lane changes and may seem minor at first, but they can lead to loss of control and further collisions. In many sideswipe cases, one driver fails to check blind spots or signals improperly before changing lanes.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Not all accidents involve two or more vehicles. Single-vehicle crashes can result from poor road conditions, weather, or vehicle defects. A driver may also swerve to avoid an animal or debris and end up crashing into a tree, pole, or barrier. Although it might seem like the driver is at fault, sometimes liability lies with the city, a construction company, or even the car manufacturer.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Accidents involving multiple cars are often chaotic and can make determining fault very complicated. These typically occur on highways where one crash leads to a chain reaction of rear-end collisions. A car accident lawyer can help sort out liability, especially when more than one party shares responsibility.
Hit-And-Run Accidents
In a hit-and-run, one of the drivers flees the scene without providing their information or offering help. These accidents add an extra layer of legal challenge, especially when trying to identify the fleeing driver. Victims may need to rely on uninsured motorist coverage or pursue compensation through other legal avenues. Sometimes a personal injury settlement could happen due to accidents like this, but it depends on how your lawyer decides to handle your case.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers often involve SUVs, trucks, or vehicles with a higher center of gravity. They can happen when a driver takes a turn too quickly, swerves suddenly, or is hit from the side. Rollover accidents tend to be violent and can lead to serious injury or ejection from the vehicle.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Each type of accident presents different legal challenges, from determining fault to dealing with multiple insurance companies. A car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, collect evidence, review medical records, and negotiate for a fair settlement. If a case goes to court, they’ll be prepared to present a strong argument to support the injured party’s right to compensation.
If you’ve been in any type of car accident, working with a lawyer can help ensure you’re not left dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or property damage on your own. Taking the right legal steps early on can make all the difference in your recovery.