There are different types of car accidents that you need to know about as the impact of a collision affects how the case is handled. It’s imperative that, after an accident, you immediately seek medical attention to ensure you have no internal injuries, even if you feel fine. You will also need to gather as much information about the accident and get a copy of the police report – ask a bystander for help if you aren’t able to take notes or photos of the scene yourself.
It’s also vital that you consult a lawyer you trust and don’t agree to any deals with insurers until you have spoken to an attorney. Furthermore, the type of accident you’re involved in needs to be documented. So, you must be aware of the different types of impact a car crash can have. On that note, read on to learn about the different types of accidents.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on accidents can be the most dangerous as the force behind this type of collision can leave both drivers with detrimental injuries. Most commonly caused by drunk or negligent drivers, these accidents will have you needing medical care and a lawyer urgently. You will also need to prove who was at fault.
Rear-end Collisions
Rear-end collisions are when a vehicle crashes into the car in front of it. This could be due to the driver not paying attention to the tail lights or signals of the car in front. If you are dealing with a distracted driver on the road, you will need a personal injury attorney to help you prove their negligence.
Single-Vehicle Crash
Single-vehicle crashes are common especially by drivers who are intoxicated, overworked, and have fallen asleep while driving, or experiencing vehicle mechanical failures. In this case, the driver of the single vehicle is held responsible unless they can prove that the accident was caused by another driver or the mechanical failure – for instance, faulty brakes could hold the car manufacturer liable.
T-bone Accident
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are the result of a car crashing into the side of another. These types of accidents are most commonly caused by drivers who fail to pay attention to road rules such as traffic lights and stop signs. Your lawyer would have to prove that you had the right-of-way.
Driver Type
The type of driver comes into question as this can impact the type of accident that could occur and change how the situation is dealt with. For instance, adolescent driver accidents are common as teenagers may be eager to put their new abilities behind the wheel to the test. This will have an impact on the trajectory of the case if one is filed against the driver. So, it’s vital to gather all the information, especially if the driver was distracted by their smartphone.
Other cases that may be difficult to prove are accidents caused by public servants, especially law enforcement. If a car accident is caused by a police officer, they may not be held liable for the same negligence as a civilian since they are exempt from traffic laws. This is why it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to ensure the at-fault driver is held responsible for the collision. Furthermore, if the driver is elderly, they may no longer have the same alertness on the road but that doesn’t mean victims should deter from holding them liable. In this case, their insurance will likely cover all costs. Invariably, you need to consult a lawyer soon after an accident.
Vehicle Type
It’s important to know what type of lawyer to consult with which is why you need to take the type of vehicles involved in the accident into consideration. For example, personal injury lawyers deal with car accidents and handle cases for victims who were riding in a taxi during an accident. In the case of the latter, you may need to file a claim against the taxi service. Furthermore, if you’re injured by someone driving a truck as their job, you may need to take it up with their employer as well.
Overall, the steps to take when involved in any type of car accident are clear in any case. Always seek medical attention, contact the police, and consult with a lawyer that you trust and not one that appears at the scene of the collision. It is vital that you take the type of accident and driver into account. Understanding the different types of car accidents will help you build a case against the at-fault party and ensure you are fairly compensated.
