Auto accidents happen every day and in every type of situation. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), total motor-vehicle deaths for the first half of 2021 were around 21,450, up 16% from the previous year. Most of these accidents are caused by human error, not mechanical errors or other factors. This article will go over the most common types of auto accidents and how to avoid them.
1. Rear-ending
The most common type of accident is a rear-end collision. In these types of accidents, the driver tailgating has not read ahead far enough to realize that the vehicle in front of them has stopped. This can be due to weather conditions, traffic, or other factors that have made it unsafe for the vehicle in front of them to continue. To avoid these types of collisions, avoid tailgating. If you notice that the vehicle in front of you has stopped suddenly, put on your hazard lights and start slowing down.
2. Lane Side-Swiping
This type of accident occurs when a driver changes lanes without giving enough room to the vehicle next to them. This is often due to speeding, making it difficult for the other driver to avoid a collision. Avoid speeding and check your mirrors regularly. This will give you enough time to change lanes when necessary and prevent this type of accident from happening.
3. Head-on Collisions
Typically, head-on collisions happen as a result of drivers speeding or driving recklessly. In these types of accidents, the driver’s speeds are so great that their vehicles crash into each other head-on. To avoid these accidents, slow down and focus on driving safely.
4. Wrong-Way Driving
Wrong-way driving accidents occur when a driver turns onto a road going in the wrong direction. There are many factors that can lead to these types of accidents, including drunk or reckless drivers. To avoid wrong-way driving accidents, always check the signs on roads before turning. If you are unsure, do not turn onto that road.
5. T-Bone Crashes
T-bone collisions are some of the most dangerous types of auto accidents. These happen when a driver fails to yield at an intersection and crashes into the side of oncoming traffic. These types of accidents often lead to severe, life-changing injuries or death. To avoid these kinds of accidents, always stop at a red light and avoid blocking intersections.
What To Do After an Accident
After an accident, it is important to remain calm. If anyone in the car is injured or you are blocking the road, call 911 first. Next, take pictures of all the car damage and the car accident scene. After that, alert your car accident attorney about the crash immediately. A car accident attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve. Are you looking for a car accident attorney? Call us today.