Of the 5.5 million that occur annually, 93 percent of traffic accidents are completely avoidable and due solely to human error, according to the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These human errors include becoming distracted; being in a rush (speeding, changing lanes erratically, tailgating, etc.); driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs; driving while drowsy; and various others. Listed below are the five most common types of collisions that involve other parties. If you have been injured by a careless or reckless driver, contact an experienced car accident attorney for legal advice.
Head On Accidents
Luckily, head on accidents are not as common as some other less fatal types of collisions. When the speed of one or more vehicles is high, head on accidents are the most lethal type of accident, as the speeds of both cars can easily add up to 100 miles per hour or more. Even in fender benders that have a collision of 10 miles per hour or less, severe whiplash can last for weeks on end. The injuries sustained in a head on collision at high speed are greatly magnified with every extra mile per hour each car is going on impact. Head on accidents often occur when a driver drifts into oncoming traffic by falling asleep at the wheel, from being drunk, or from becoming distracted by an electronic device such as a cell phone or GPS unit.
Side Impact Accidents
The aftermath of impacts from the side are becoming less and less, thanks to side curtain airbags, which greatly reduce head and face injuries from windows and debris. Side impacts occur when one party fails to yield the right of way, loses control of their vehicle while speeding or from driving poorly in bad weather, or, most likely, from drifting from distraction or changing lanes improperly.
Rear End Accidents
There are 1.7 million rear end accidents every year, during which half a million people are injured and 1,700 people die, according to the Washington Post. Rear end accidents happen when one party tailgates or becomes distracted and takes their eyes off the road. It is imperative to keep a safe distance between the vehicle in front of you at all times. In almost all scenarios, the driver of the vehicle behind will be found at fault.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers are incredibly rare and only account for two percent of accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, rollovers are very dangerous and can very often result in serious injury or death. Like all other types of accidents, rollover occur when a driver speeds or loses control of their vehicle during a moment of distraction.
Vehicles That Injure Pedestrians or Cyclists
The last type of collision that involves another party is an accident with a pedestrian or cyclist. Driver inattention or impatience, like almost all other types of collisions, is usually to blame when a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist. What is even worse than many other multiple-vehicle accidents is the injuries that these vulnerable road users face, which are almost always incredibly severe. If you have been injured in an auto collision of any kind that was no fault of your own, contact a reputable Charlotte law office near you that has experience in car accidents.
