Understanding Different Types of Car Crashes: A Full Guide

Types of Car Crashes: Introduction

While statistics show car crashes are down, road safety is still a big issue in Portland. Given the consequences of getting into a car accident, it’s always important to be vigilant and practice defensive driving.

Knowing how crashes happen can help prevent them. Yet, even as a defensive driver, unexpected situations can lead to a car accident. In those situations, stay calm and do an initial assessment of the type of accident you’re in, the injuries you may have and the damage to your vehicle.

But knowing the basics when you’re in a car accident isn’t enough. Sometimes it’s still best to let an expert handle it, especially when navigating the whole injury claim process. So if you’re in Portland and need an experienced car accident attorney, the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin is here to represent and help you through your case.

II. Common Types of Car Crashes and Their Causes

Knowing the type of impact your vehicle experienced in a car crash is a step in the whole injury claim process. Below we’ll classify the different car accidents to understand how each type can affect your claim. Some car crashes can result in catastrophic injuries including long term impairments and even death.

1. Rear-End Collisions: The Most Common Car Accidents

One of the most common traffic accidents is a rear-end collision where the front end of one vehicle hits the rear end of another.

While there are many factors that can cause this type of collision, research shows it’s most likely to involve drivers under 18 years old. Another study shows roundabouts are a contributing factor to this type of collision. But most people attribute this type of collision to driver negligence which includes distractions, driver inattention and misjudgment of time to brake.

Upon impact from a rear-end collision a driver will mostly suffer minor injuries especially if they wear their seatbelt. But sometimes even if they wear their seatbelt, serious injuries can happen to the driver or its passengers. These serious injuries can be whiplash, spinal cord injuries and even fractures and serious bone injuries.

2. Head-On Collisions: When Opposite Directions Collide

Another type of car crash is the head-on collision. This type of collision is classified as a serious and high-fatality risk incident where two cars hit each other as they were going in opposite directions. Often these collisions happen when a driver crosses into another lane or over a median resulting in severe crashes.

This type of collision has many potential causes. Here are several reasons why this accident occurs:

1. Reckless Driving

It’s the type of driving where a driver exceeds the speed limit or drives recklessly, loses control of their vehicle, endangers themselves, passengers and the public. This type of driving often shows intentional behavior on the part of the driver, either due to impatience or hostility and may end up colliding head-on with other vehicles.

  2. Visibility Issues

Another reason for a head-on collision may be due to low visibility issues. Low visibility can be due to bad weather or unchecked eyesight issues on the part of the driver.

  3. Drowsy Driving

A tired driver is not an effective driver and may end up losing control of their vehicle when they fall asleep behind the wheel.

  4. Road Conditions

Lastly, poor road conditions may also be a cause of head-on collisions among motor vehicles. If this factor is combined with a negligent driver, the likelihood of an accident increases significantly.

Since a head-on collision is characterized as high fatality risk, the injuries one sustains from it are expected to be severe and life-threatening. Traumatic brain injury, ribcage and chest injuries, internal organ and nerve damage are some of the potential injuries that can be expected when one has been in a head-on collision.

3. T-Bone Accidents (Side-Impact Collisions) at Intersections

Aside from rear-end and head-on collisions, there’s also what we call side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents.

T-bone accidents happen when the front of one vehicle hits the side area of another vehicle, forming a T-shape upon impact. This type of accident often happens at intersections where one driver fails to yield the right of way to another. In most cases T-bone accidents happen when one driver runs a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign and hits another driver who has the right of way. Aside from traffic violations, driver errors such as driving under the influence, driving while distracted and misjudging distance and speed at intersections can also contribute to the likelihood of a T-bone accident.

Just like the above mentioned types of accidents, a T-bone accident can also result to severe and life-altering injuries. Victims of the said accident especially those on the receiving end of the impact may experience traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, soft tissue injuries and others that may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Aside from physical injuries, emotional and psychological trauma may also be sustained that can complicate recovery.

Depending on the circumstances of the T-bone accident, any of the drivers involved may be at fault. If the accident happened at a corner of a street, the most common legal issue involved would be who among the drivers has the right of way. But if the accident happened with a traffic light violation, then the driver who ran the red light may be liable. In cases like this, an experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the complexities especially when filing an insurance claim.

4. Sideswipe Accidents: A Risky Lane-Change Mistake

In sideswipe accidents, two vehicles going in the same direction collide and make side-to-side contact. Although this type of car accident is not high-fatality risk, it’s common and happens on highways.

Most sideswipe collisions happen when both cars are side by side and one car attempts to change lanes without clearance and no regard for blind spots. Drivers can lose control during lane changes and result to sideswipe accidents. While a sideswipe accident is minor, it’s extremely dangerous when it happens on multi-lane highways and heavily congested roads. If it happens on highways, it may result to multiple vehicle collisions and multiple victim parties.

The common causes of sideswipe accidents are when a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes, when a driver is drowsy driving especially when they fall asleep behind the wheel or when a driver experiences a tire blowout and their vehicle swerves into the other lane.

5. Rollover Accidents: One of the Most Hazardous Auto Accidents

Along with head-on collision, rollover is considered a serious high-fatality risk. Contrary to common belief, most rollover incidents do not involve other vehicles; instead, they result from the driver’s inability to control the vehicle in challenging situations.

Several factors can cause a single-vehicle rollover. One main factor is the vehicle’s design, particularly its center of gravity. Vehicles with higher center of gravity such as SUVs and pickup trucks are more prone to tipping over during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. High speed also plays a big role; as a vehicle approaches a curve too quickly, the centrifugal force can cause it to rollover.

External factors like road conditions (e.g. wet, icy or uneven surfaces) can also contribute to losing control. Driver behavior such as distracted driving, drowsiness or aggressive driving can further increase these risks.

In this type of accident, the driver may sustain severe and life-altering injuries. Upon impact, victims may experience traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage and spinal cord injuries. One of the biggest risks is when the passenger or the driver of another car is ejected from his vehicle, the impact and severity may even lead to death.

6. Single Vehicle Accidents: When No Other Cars Are Involved

A single vehicle accident is a type of car crash that only involves one vehicle. This type of car crash happens when the vehicle hits a stationary object or when the vehicle rolls over on its own. Thus, most experts say that even if another driver contributed to the accident, as long as the crash of your vehicle involves only one car, it is considered a single vehicle accident.

Several factors can cause single vehicle accidents. One common cause is driver error which can be in the form of distracted driving, speeding or aggressive driving. Poor weather conditions such as rain, snow or ice can also make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. Mechanical failures such as tire blowouts or brake malfunctions can also contribute to an accident. Road conditions including potholes, debris or poorly marked signs can further exacerbate the risk of single vehicle accidents.

Although considered a low-risk game, a single-car accident can still cause significant injuries. The impact of the collision can result to trauma for the driver resulting to traumatic brain injuries, major fractures and other injuries especially if the impact is violent.

7. Multi-Vehicle Pileups: When Three or More Vehicles Are Involved

A multiple-vehicle accident is a collision that involves three or more vehicles. These incidents often involve multiple vehicles and can turn into dangerous pile-ups.

The most common scenario of this type of accident is when there is a chain reaction of rear-end collisions. This can happen on congested highways with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Another scenario that can end up in a multiple-vehicle collision is when one driver decides to turn left or right and is unable to calculate the timing or is unable to see the right of way.

Aside from driver errors, poor weather conditions can also cause multiple-vehicle collisions. When one driver has fogged-up windows or is unable to brake due to slippery roads, this may affect the quality of their driving and lead to disastrous consequences for everyone on the road.

Since multiple parties are involved in this type of collision, determining who is at fault is truly a complex matter. In cases like this, it may be best for parties to seek assistance and representation from car accident attorneys who are not only knowledgeable in traffic laws and liability but can also simplify the process of filing insurance claims.

8. Pedestrian Accidents: When a Moving Vehicle Hits a Person

Lastly, there is also a pedestrian accident where a motor vehicle hits a person, either stationary or crossing the street. This type of accident is often more severe than accidents involving vehicles since pedestrians do not have the same level of protection that a person inside a motor vehicle has.

So there are many causes of pedestrian accidents but most of the time it is attributed to a driver of a motor vehicle not paying attention or a driver who was unable to exercise that certain degree of diligence.

In these cases, injuries of victims in this type of accident are often severe and involve major fractures, brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis or worse, death. In addition to these severe physical injuries, victims may also experience psychological stress and anxiety which may affect the speed of recovery. Interestingly, in pedestrian accidents, the fault often falls on the motor vehicle driver. But pedestrians can also be held liable for a motor vehicle collision. When a pedestrian does not walk on designated lanes when crossing the street or when one crosses the street with malice to defraud motor vehicle drivers, they can be held liable.

In this complex situation, a car accident attorney may be helpful especially in figuring out who is liable.

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III. Factors that Cause Car Crashes

Car crashes happen in a split second, leaving damage in its wake. So it’s important to understand the various factors that lead to these devastating incidents and reduce statistics associated with traffic collisions. Knowing how crashes happen can help prevent them.

Below, let’s learn the different elements that contribute to these car crashes:

1. Driver-Related Causes

The primary reason that is often seen as a cause for car crashes is driver error. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94% of motor vehicle accidents were caused by human driving error.

 

Despite the advancements in technology making vehicles as safe as possible for humans, drivers are still prone to human errors when it comes to road safety. In the most severe cases, fatal car crashes are attributed to the wanton neglect of some drivers by disregarding traffic rules or driving under the influence. Impaired driving which includes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distractions and fatigue plays a big role in these dangerous incidents resulting to severe injuries for those involved.

In Oregon, a driver commits the crime of reckless driving if the driver commits two or more violations in a way that endangers the safety of persons or property. These violations include: unlawful or unsignaled lane change, passing in a no-passing zone, following too close, illegal backing, unlawful deceleration, failure to signal, unsafe passing, violation of the maximum speed limit and all other acts that a reasonable driver would know that it will endanger persons or property.

On the other hand, driving under the influence is committed when the driver is under the influence of an intoxicant or a combination of intoxicants and has a blood alcohol content of 0.08%. Driving under the influence is categorized together with drowsy driving, or knowing that you are fatigued to be driving a vehicle while being fully aware of the risks it entails. Both wanton actions show a disregard for safety and contribute to fatal car crash statistics. These illegal behaviors slow down one’s reaction time and therefore pose a big risk not only to the driver but also to passengers, pedestrians and other people’s property.

Aside from the intentional errors committed by humans that lead to car crashes, there are non-intentional factors that can also contribute to accidents on the road. One of these is distracted driving, where the driver does any activity that diverts their attention from driving, which includes talking or texting, eating and even drinking.

In addition to distracted driving, there is also unsafe lane changes and improper passing as one of the non-intentional human errors that can lead to car crashes. An unsafe lane change is when a driver veers from one lane to another without doing the proper signal. Improper passing, on the other hand, is a subjective error and may depend from state to state. But generally, it includes an improper maneuver of the vehicle that endangers other vehicles in the vicinity.

2. Environmental & Roadway Factors

Aside from intentional and non-intentional human errors, there are times when a car crash is hugely caused by environmental and roadway factors.

Weather conditions are uncontrollable and unpredictable. At times, proper observance of a necessary level of diligence by a driver may not be enough to prevent him from being exposed to the risks of a car crash. Inclement weather, such as wet or icy conditions, significantly impacts driving safety. So this is an important factor to consider since Portland is one of the US’s most rain-soaked cities. In recent studies, it is said that Portland’s average annual rainfall is 36 inches and may contribute to car crashes due to reduced visibility and slippery roads. Heavy rainfall obscures traffic signs, road markings and even the presence of other vehicles. Additionally, heavy rains also lead to slick road surfaces and reduced vehicle handling capabilities which may all result to difficulties in steering, braking and losing direct contact with the road.

In addition to weather conditions, poor and improper roadway factors also contribute to the incidence of car crashes. Such factors include traffic signal malfunctions, inadequate and improper traffic signages, poorly lit roads and poor road conditions all creating hazardous driving conditions.

3. Vehicle-Related Causes

Although human error, and environmental and unsafe roads are usually pinpointed to be the main reasons for car crashes, vehicle-related issues also play a big role in accidents.

One of the most common vehicular failures that causes accidents is tire failure. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) surveys, tire and wheel-related issues are responsible for about 35% of all accidents caused by mechanical failure. Tire blowouts due to sudden bursts, debris punctures or extreme temperature changes significantly impairs vehicle control. Additionally, improper tire maintenance may cause it to easily wear out and more likely to result in slipping and increase the probability of unresponsive brakes.

Aside from tire issues, bad brakes are also considered to be a major factor in most car collisions. Leaks in brake lines, malfunction of Anti-lock Brake Systems and worn-out brake pads make it harder to stop the vehicle in crucial situations thereby increasing the risk of an accident. Safety features such as anti-lock brakes and airbags play a crucial role in preventing car crashes by enhancing vehicle control and protecting occupants during collisions.

IV. Common Injuries in Different Car Crashes

After knowing the different types of car crashes and the common reasons for these crashes, it’s time to learn about the most common injuries people sustain when they get into a car accident.

1. Minor Injuries: Whiplash

In minor-damage car crashes, the most common injury sustained by either driver or passenger is whiplash. This injury results from forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck caused by sudden vehicle movement. Whiplash often affects the cervical muscles and ligaments and while some car accident victims don’t usually see immediate symptoms, it often develops within six hours or even after a day from the accident.

2. Minor Injuries: Bruises and Abrasions

Another common minor injury are bruises and abrasions. These injuries often result from forceful impact or friction on the skin against any surface of the vehicle leading to discoloration and tenderness. Oftentimes, they usually heal on their own with proper cleaning and care. If you only get these minor injuries when you get into a car accident, consider yourself lucky.

However, if you ever get involved in severe car accidents especially those that involve high speeds and head-on collisions, the consequences can be catastrophic, often leading to lifetime treatment and rehabilitation or worse, death.

3. Severe Injuries: Traumatic Brain Injury

In these severe car accidents, the most common serious injury one sustains is traumatic brain injury (TBI) and it often ranges from mild to permanent damage. This type of injury is sustained when you hit your head hard enough to make your brain bounce or twist inside your skull.

To elaborate, brain injuries are often sustained in car crashes that involve head-on collisions or rollovers as the impact can cause the brain to move violently within the skull leading to bruising, bleeding or other serious damage.

4. Severe Injuries: Spinal Cord Injuries

Another serious injury that one gets from car accidents involving high speeds and head-on collisions are spinal cord injuries. A ruptured or herniated cervical or lumbar spinal disc is one of the most common spinal injuries sustained from a car accident. If one sustains this type of injury after an accident, they may experience severe pain, weakness and numbness that may lead to sensory, motor and autonomic dysfunction. In the worst cases, permanent disability.

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VI. Preventing Car Accidents: Safety Tips for Drivers

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to preventing car accidents. However, there are several precautions that drivers can observe and take to reduce these risks.

When driving, always develop the right attitude. Many car accidents have been associated with drivers not having the right attitude and maturity. So make a commitment to yourself that when you drive a motor vehicle, your safety and the safety of your passengers will be your responsibility.

Even experienced drivers face challenges and must remain vigilant to avoid accidents.

If it’s your first time driving, maximize the supervision your parents can give before even traversing interstates and busy highways. Additionally, wear safety belts and always stick within the recommended speed limits.

If you have been driving for quite some time and have been certified, make sure to train yourself when driving through poor weather conditions. If you are not confident in driving under bad weather, do not risk it and instead, let others drive your vehicle. Additionally, divert all your attention to driving and train yourself not to talk or text when driving your car. Above all, make sure to drive a safe vehicle that has been properly maintained to further reduce the risk of car accidents.

V. Legal and Insurance Considerations After a Car Accident

Knowing the different types of car crashes, its common causes, the common injuries sustained from car accidents and the proper safety precautions is not enough. You also need to learn how to determine liability, deal with insurance claims and know when to file a lawsuit. Assessing property damage is crucial in insurance claims and legal cases.

1. Determining Liability in Different Types of Car Crashes

Determining who is liable in a car accident can be a complex process.

In single-vehicle accidents, liability usually lies with the driver. In such cases, determining which driver did not obey traffic regulations or did not properly observe the right of way can be key in establishing fault or negligence.

However, there are cases where other factors such as vehicle defects or poor weather and road conditions contribute to the accident. In these cases, it’s important to have law enforcers investigate the underlying cause and have a car accident attorney help you determine liability.

In multiple collisions, determining liability becomes more complicated and convoluted since multiple parties are involved. In such cases, relying on your own point of view is not enough as various perspectives and evidence must be considered to accurately establish fault or negligence. The actions of other drivers can greatly influence the determination of liability. For example, if another driver speeds up when a vehicle is trying to merge, it can increase risks and complicate the assignment of fault.

Aside from looking into the number of parties involved in a collision, the type of car accident may also affect and influence the process of determining liability.

In T-bone crashes, liability usually hinges on the driver who failed to yield to traffic signals or right-of-way rules. For example, if the driver runs a red light or fails to observe the right of way at an intersection, they are usually liable for the collision. However, if the T-boned vehicle was also violating a traffic rule, determination of liability becomes even more complex.

For head-on crashes, liability usually falls on the driver who negligently veers into oncoming traffic since every driver is expected to exercise a certain level of diligence when driving. However, there can be exceptions. If the driver is forced to steer into oncoming traffic due to another driver’s reckless behavior, the reckless driver may share liability.

Lastly, determining liability in sideswipe accidents involves looking into lane changes and proper use of signals. In these cases, the driver who encroached into another lane without checking if it was proper is usually liable. However, if the driver was forced to veer off his lane due to another reckless driver, then the latter will usually be found at fault.

Of course, determining liability is not an easy process. You have to account for your own point of view, the witnesses’ point of view, as well as the law enforcers’ view. It requires a thorough investigation of facts and circumstances, which are usually best dealt with an experienced car accident attorney.

2. Dealing with an Insurance Company After an Accident

After determining liability in a car accident, dealing with an insurance company is another headache that many face.

Getting into a car accident is already a traumatic experience, but the process that comes after, which usually involves dealing with insurance companies and medical bills, adds an extra layer of stress. Many find that getting a fair payout for injuries sustained in a car accident is one of the most difficult aspects to deal with.

No one is prepared enough to deal with the multiple factors to consider when filing an insurance claim. For one, you need to gather evidence. This includes police reports, witnesses to the accident, the severity of vehicular damage, and sufficient medical records. Gathering all this information can be a big task, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries.

Of course, gathering evidence is not the only thing to do after the accident; you also need to determine the value of your claim. Determining the value of your claim can be tricky since most accident victims only think about the current damages they have. You also need to consider the other vehicle, as this can affect the overall claim and the insurance company’s assessment. In times like this, an experienced car accident attorney can usually help you out in calculating future losses, such as ongoing medical expenses and lost wages.

Aside from gathering evidence and determining the value of the claim, a car accident victim must also consider the legal time limits and negotiation process that comes with dealing with an insurance company. This process has to be handled smartly and getting help from an experienced car accident attorney makes a big difference in navigating all the complexities. With a car accident attorney, they can help you gather and secure all the necessary documents and identify insurance company tactics such as minimizing claims.

3. When to File a Lawsuit for an Accident Case

Deciding when to file a lawsuit in a car accident case is a big decision to make. Of course, each case has its own strengths and weaknesses and sometimes filing a lawsuit is a better option than settling for an insurance claim.

Before filing a lawsuit, you will have to determine if it’s the right course of action to take. To do so, you will definitely need to consult an experienced car accident attorney to navigate the complexities.

In short, a lawsuit is a legal action taken to resolve a car accident claim. Although most car accidents settle out of court, there are times when claims need to be pursued through litigation. These instances include when victims suffer serious injuries to the extent that the initial settlement of an insurance claim will not be enough to cover full medical expenses and lost wages.

Another instance where a victim will file a legal claim is when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover damages and medical costs. In such cases, it’s best to seek legal recourse to explore other options to recover losses against the driver directly.

Lastly, when the at-fault driver disputes a traffic citation or when they challenge assignment of fault, the case may best be filed in court instead of settling.

But before filing a case in court, car accident victims must double check and consult thoroughly with a car accident attorney that can help explore other angles of the case. In doing so, the victim will get to know the whole process and the potential outcomes they may face.

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VII. Conclusion

Dealing with a car accident is a stressful experience that leaves victims overwhelmed and confused. So it’s best to handle them carefully to make sure all necessary steps are taken for proper recovery and resolution. Now that you know the different types of car crashes and their implications, you are better equipped to understand your situation. As mentioned above, you already know the most common types of car accidents including head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, T-bone collisions, rollover accidents and sideswipe incidents. We not only learned about the different types of car crashes but also the risks involved in each. Knowing how crashes happen can help prevent them.

Being exposed to these early on can empower you to make informed decisions after an accident. So having all this knowledge will be important if later on you get into a similar situation and settling out of court is not possible. Above all, make sure before you make big decisions you have already consulted and gotten legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney who can give you valuable insights and assistance. Make sure you understand the choice you are making and the full extent of the consequences you may face.

Being prepared for the worst in a car accident is important but it’s equally important to understand and apply accident prevention strategies. Given the stress of being in an accident, following the necessary precautions and traffic rules is the key to avoiding car accidents and the claims and legal action that may follow.

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