A car accident can happen at any moment, so it can help to have an idea of what the most common car accidents are in order to better watch out for and prevent them. Here are our Oneonta car accident lawyers with the six most common types of car accidents that occur in New York.
Rear-End Accidents
Most people are familiar with the fear of getting rear-ended, which occurs when a vehicle crashes into the one in front of it. Accidents in which a car backs into one behind it are often lumped into this category as well.
Rear-end accidents generally occur when a driver is following too closely behind the car in front of them, also known as tailgating. Distracted driving contributes to rear-end accidents as well, as texting, eating, or changing a radio station while behind the wheel can cause a driver to miss seeing a car or other obstacle stopped ahead of them before it is too late.
To avoid getting rear-ended or causing such a crash, increase your following distance behind other cars and change lanes or pull over if you notice someone tailgating you. Speeding up to increase the distance between you two will only encourage the tailgater to drive faster as well.
Head-On Collisions
This type of crash occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions run into each other head-on. The results are typically catastrophic for everyone involved, if not fatal. Drunk driving is a major cause of head-on collisions, but vehicle malfunctions and misreading traffic signs and markings may also lead to head-on collisions. To avoid them, always make sure you are driving in and merging into the proper lane and never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Side Impact Collisions
Also known as T-bones or broadsides, side impact collisions tend to occur in areas when there is cross traffic, such as at intersections or in parking lots. In fact, T-bones account for about a quarter of annual vehicle occupant deaths in the United States. To avoid broadsides, be as vigilant as possible when passing through an intersection or anywhere else cross traffic occurs and follow the posted signage and speed limits as best as you possibly can. Also, never run red lights.
Rollovers
A vehicle rollover is just that—an accident that causes a motor vehicle to flip over either 360° or to land on its side. A rollover can be caused by numerous factors, major ones being the weather, vehicle speed, road conditions, driver behavior, and alcohol consumption. Most rollovers are the result of single vehicle crashes, so the best way to prevent them is to stay alert and keep your speed from going over the posted limits, especially when approaching a sharp turn or during weather that makes roads slippery or lowers visibility.
Single Car Accidents
Not all car accidents involve multiple vehicles. Single car accidents are crashes in which only one vehicle is involved. A majority of these are collisions with fallen debris or animals, rollovers, and running off the road after losing control of a vehicle. To avoid these accidents always be on the lookout, don’t drive while tired, and never exceed the speed limit, especially if you are on a deserted or rural road. If you crash your car while alone, it might be a while before someone else drives by who can help.
Low-Speed Accidents
Low-speed accidents occur when a car is traveling at less than 10 mph. Though the damage is usually minor, serious injuries and property damage are possible even at low speeds. These accidents are common in areas where there are many obstacles. A good example is a grocery store parking lot, where shoppers, motorists, abandoned shopping carts, and more pose risks to drivers navigating the narrow spaces available.
Since most motor vehicle accidents are caused by human error, the best thing to do is ensure you are always as alert, well-rested, and defensive as can be when driving. The more responsible you are, the quicker you will be able to react in the event another driver does almost run into you. Drive safe!
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in New York, we can help. Our Oneonta car accident attorneys at Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC have almost 40 years of experience winning fair and just compensation for crash victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.