The number of car accidents in the U.S. saw heavy increases in numbers in 2015, with the National Safety Council estimating more than 4.4 million people injured and over 38,300 fatalities, before the year even ended. There are several factors behind the bump, ranging from more miles driven to unsafe driving practices. Although there are car accidents that can’t be prevented, many can be stopped by understanding the types of car collisions there are and how they’re caused.
Rear-End Collisions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 28 percent of crashes are rear-end collisions. These types of crashes are typically caused by distracted drivers who fail to notice the vehicle in front of them slowing down or stopping, tailgating, hazardous weather conditions, speeding, and impaired driving.
Since rear-end collisions are almost always the fault of the rear driver, there isn’t much you can do to stop someone from rear-ending you. To avoid rear-ending someone else, make sure to stay focused on driving, leave enough distance, check mirrors, follow speed restrictions, and plan your actions before executing them.
Head-On Collisions
While head-on collisions statistically makeup only a small percentage of car accidents, they are amongst the most dangerous due to the extreme force. Typically they are caused by a negligent driver who is distracted, speeding, or impaired. Avoiding a head-on collision can be the difference between serious injury and death. If you notice a driver heading the wrong way towards you, the best you can do is try to swerve towards the right and out of their way.
Single-Vehicle Crashes
Single-vehicle crashes, as the name implies, are road accidents that involve only one vehicle. These type of accidents are usually the result of a driver error and include incidents such as run-off road collisions, rollover crashes, animal collisions, and hitting rocks or other debris on the road.
Some common contributing factors to single-vehicle crashes include excessive speeding, driver fatigue, weather, road factors, and driving under the influence. Thankfully, these accidents are almost always preventable if the driver is well-rested, paying attention to the road, and is following traffic regulations.
Lane Mergers
Accidents may also take place when merging lanes. These types of accidents are usually the result of a driver forgetting to check blind spots or misjudging the space between cars in moving traffic. To avoid these accidents make sure mirror are adjusted before driving, that you properly signal before changing lanes, and that you have the proper distance when passing.
Intersection Collisions
Intersections are a hotspot for all kinds of accidents, especially vehicle collisions. One of the frequent causes is novice drivers who lack the experience and judgement to choose when to safely enter gaps in moving traffic. Driver negligence, however, is also a major contributor. When approaching an intersection, motorists should be extra careful, drive defensively, avoid distractions, and exercise patience.
Injured in a Car Crash?
Each car accident comes with specifics, from injuries and damages to circumstances dictating the accident and the individuals involved. Regardless of what type of car crash you’ve been in you can count on the experienced car crash attorneys in Kansas City at Krause & Kinsman Law Firm. As a leading authority of car accident law in Kansas City, Missouri, we will work with you to improve your chances of being compensated for any damages.
