Here are the most common types of accidents:
Speeding Induced
The most common form of speeding induced collisions are rear-enders. In California, drivers who rear-end the vehicle ahead is in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22350, which states a person is driving at a speed greater than the condition warranted. The reasons speeding is dangerous should be obvious. The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time the vehicle’s driver has to make decisions like braking and steering. Plus the more damaging a collision will be. Speed limits are in place for a good reason. The speed has been determined to be safe for motorists to travel. Going faster than the limit can cause serious issues. You may not have time to stop before rearing end traffic waiting at a light, crosswalk, or other stopping point.
Rear-end collisions caused by speeding often lead to injuries such as whiplash, neck and back pain, and concussions. In severe cases, victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries or spinal injuries, which can result in long-term health issues and extensive rehabilitation. The force of the impact is often intensified by speed, making these injuries more serious and sometimes life-threatening.
Left Hand Turns
Drivers making a left turn need to yield the right-of-way to on-coming traffic and may make the turn only when it can be completed with reasonable safety. If a driver does not yield, causing a crash with opposite traffic, the driver is in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21801. The reason for this rule is that oncoming traffic might not expect a vehicle turning in front of them, and slowing down or stopping may be impossible. California car accidents are frequently caused in this manner.
Left-hand turn accidents frequently result in broken bones, head injuries, and injuries to the chest and abdomen, as the impact tends to occur on the side of the vehicle or near the front. Passengers seated on the impacted side are at particular risk for serious injuries, such as fractures, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
T-Bone Collisions
Other names for this type of collision are broadsided or cross traffic crashes. This is a crash where one vehicle’s front collides with the side of another vehicle. Usually these types of crashes occur at intersection where a vehicle runs a red light or stop sign, moves into the intersection and collides with cross traffic. In some instances, left-turn vehicles may cause T-Bone collisions. Over 1 in 4 vehicle deaths occur in T-Bone accidents.
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, can cause a wide range of injuries, especially for occupants on the side where the vehicle is struck. Common injuries include broken ribs, fractured arms and legs, head trauma, and severe whiplash. These injuries can be life-threatening due to the lack of structural protection on the side of most vehicles.
Sideswipe Collision
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21658, a driver must enter or exit a clearly marked lane on a roadway with reasonable safety. When a driver merges into another lane hitting another car, the driver is in violation of this code.
Sideswipe collisions, though sometimes less severe than other types of crashes, can still cause significant injuries. Common injuries include soft tissue damage, cuts, and bruises, as well as shoulder and neck injuries from sudden jerking movements. In more severe cases, sideswipes at high speed may lead to rollovers, resulting in head and spinal injuries.
Head-On Crashes
This is where two vehicles’ fronts collided with each other. Usually in these types of circumstances, a vehicle crosses lanes and goes into on-coming traffic.
Head-on crashes are some of the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting in life-threatening injuries. Victims commonly suffer from traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. The force from the head-on impact can be devastating, causing long-term disabilities or even fatalities.
Vehicle Rollover
A vehicle rollover is when a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side or flip a complete 360 degrees and lands on its wheel. A vehicle may do a rollover due to speed or a collision from another vehicle.
Rollovers can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the vehicle flipping over, sometimes multiple times. Common injuries in rollover accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and severe lacerations. Ejections are also a major risk if occupants are not wearing seat belts, often resulting in fatal injuries.
Multivehicle Collisions
Sometimes called a “pile-up”. This is where multiple cars are involved in a single crash. Many times going too fast for the conditions of the roadway is the reason for having multiple cars being involved.
Pile-ups can involve multiple impacts, making injuries more severe and varied. Victims may experience whiplash, concussions, and broken bones. Due to the high likelihood of being hit multiple times, pile-ups often lead to compounded injuries, such as internal organ damage, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Hit-and-Run Collisions
Regardless of fault, seriousness of the accident or injuries, a driver needs to stop and exchange information with the other party. If a driver chooses to leave the scene, the driver may be charged with a hit-and-run citation, a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 20002. Depending on whether there were injuries involved, the driver may be cited for a misdemeanor or felony.
Injuries in hit-and-run accidents vary widely depending on the type of impact but commonly include soft tissue injuries, fractures, and head trauma. If the victim is unable to get immediate assistance, injuries can worsen, especially if there are internal injuries or significant blood loss.
Of course there are many other types of car accidents, these are just a few of the most common. Once again, staying alert and paying attention is the best way to avoid being in an accident.
It is important to remember that if you are injured in an accident like this, always consult with a car accident lawyer first.