This post is sponsored by Meyers Injury Law.
Every time you get behind the wheel of your car, you must do your part to drive safely. This requires you to pay attention, avoid distractions, and obey traffic laws. However, even when you’re doing things right, you may find yourself the victim of a car accident.
Understanding the most common types of car accidents can help you be more vigilant to avoid these circumstances and reduce your risks.
Rear-End Accidents
Most rear-end accidents occur at low speeds. Even though they are less likely to leave you with lifelong impacts from injuries, they still have the potential to disrupt your life. If most drivers paid attention, rear-end collisions would occur less frequently. While you can’t control the actions of others, you can control your own. You can reduce your chances of being rear-ended by avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns. Additionally, using your turn signal can alert the drivers behind you of your intentions.
Head-On Crashes
If rear-end collisions are often less serious, the opposite is true for head-on accidents. These are most often the result of intoxicated, drowsy, or distracted drivers. You’ll want to do everything you can to avoid this type of crash. This means watching the road ahead for drivers who are weaving over the center line or driving into oncoming traffic. Use your horn to alert others and find a safe way to get further away from this type of driver.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents generally occur at intersections, creating the shape of “T” on impact. Even if you have the green light and the right of way, make sure the intersection is clear before you move through it to avoid getting T-boned.
Side-Swipe Crashes
Side swipe accidents happen when one vehicle grazes the side of another, resulting in damage. It is almost always a case of negligence from unsafe lane changes, speeding, distraction, or driver impairment. When you’re on the road and notice erratic drivers, keep your distance. You should also watch your mirrors before changing lanes, even if you have the latest technology to alert you of vehicles in your blind spot.
How to Avoid Most Car Accidents, Regardless of Type
It’s likely that you will want to avoid getting into any type of accident. Even a minor one can throw a wrench in your day and present you with unexpected expenses. When you have a serious accident, you may have injuries that completely alter your life.
Every time you get into your car, be mindful of the speed limit. Follow all traffic laws and avoid distractions. If you plan on drinking or you take medication that causes impairment, you should call a rideshare rather than drive yourself.
Make Sure You Know the Steps to Take If You’re in a Car Crash
Car accidents happen daily and can be traumatic experiences. In those initial moments, you may not know what you need to do. Start by taking a deep breath, then check yourself and any passengers. You should then call 911 to report the accident and let them know if anyone is hurt.
Exchanging information with the other driver is required, though you should also get witness contact information. Any evidence you can capture at the scene may help you when filing your car accident claim. You’ll need to let your auto insurance company know an accident occurred even though the at-fault driver will be responsible for paying the damages.
Regardless of the type of crash, if you are in a serious car accident, it helps to speak with an attorney to find out more about your legal rights and what to do next.
This post is sponsored by Meyers Injury Law.
