According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), someone is injured in a car crash every 10 seconds, and every 12 minutes, someone dies in a vehicle accident. These sobering statistics show just how quickly a traffic accident can happen and change someone’s life forever. No two car accidents are the same, but they can be grouped into several categories by type.
Different Types of Car Accidents
- Rollover accidents. Rollover accidents can be violent and deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many rollover crashes involve only a single vehicle. Of these, 95 percent are caused by the vehicle being tripped. This means the car hit a soft shoulder, curb, or another object in the road that caused it to roll.
- Side-impact collisions. Side-impact collisions are also called T-bone collisions or broadside collisions. This type of accident happens when a vehicle crashes head-on into the side of another vehicle.
- Rear-end collisions. This type of accident occurs when the front end of a trailing vehicle crashes into the back end of a lead vehicle. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, rear-end collisions occur more often than any other type of car crash.
- Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions happen when two moving vehicles collide front end to front end.
- Single-vehicle crashes. Single-vehicle crashes involve only one car and a pedestrian, guardrail, pole, or other object or road feature.
Car accidents of all types can cause serious injuries. Many factors contribute to how serious car accident damages and injuries can be. Speed, road conditions, and the type of crash can all impact how severely a vehicle is damaged and how significantly the passengers are hurt.
All Car Accidents Can Result in Damages
All types of car accidents can cause injuries and fatalities. If you were in an accident, you might be suffering from:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Severe cuts and bruises
- Head trauma
- Neck and back injuries
- Organ damage
Regardless of what type of accident you have been in, if someone else caused your crash, they could be liable for your costs. The reason for your accident could be another driver’s reckless behavior. In some cases, road conditions and vehicle defects may be responsible. The bottom line is, if your accident was not your fault, you should not have to pay for damages by yourself.
Damages You Can Pursue
You can seek compensation through an insurance claim and/or a lawsuit. Depending on your accident and injuries, you may recover:
- Property damages. If you were in a serious accident, your vehicle might be totaled. Major repairs can be costly, and replacing a vehicle is expensive. You may be awarded money to help with these expenses.
- Medical costs. If you have medical bills resulting from your accident, you may be entitled to reimbursements for your care.
- Pain and suffering. You can seek damages if you have suffered mentally and emotionally because of your accident. Awards for pain and suffering attempt to compensate victims for the ways their accident may reduce their capacity to find joy in life.
- Lost wages. If you cannot work because of your injuries and the time needed to recover from them, you can fight for awards to compensate for your wages.
- Wrongful death benefits. If your loved one was in a fatal accident, you might be able to recover their medical expenses and burial costs. You may also seek awards for their pain and suffering, as well as your loss of companionship.
If you have missed a lot of time at work, and you have substantial medical bills, you may want to consider seeking an attorney’s help. A lawyer can assist you through the process of making an insurance claim and negotiating a fair settlement. A lawyer also can represent you in a civil lawsuit if a fair settlement is unreachable.
Proving Your Case
Some car accident cases are straightforward. For example, if you were injured by a drunk driver, liability and negligence may be easier to prove. Some cases are more complex, and you may need help showing another party was responsible.
Gathering Evidence
After your accident, you should keep track of any bills for medical treatment and any receipts related to vehicle repairs. You can also take photographs of damages to your car and the injuries you have suffered. You also should contact the local authorities to obtain a copy of your crash report. You can also begin the process of filing an insurance claim.
You may want to track down any video that exists of your accident or eyewitnesses who can make a statement on your behalf. If you decide to work with an attorney, they can help with evidence collection. If you speak to anyone from an insurance company, do not admit fault or accept any claims offers without talking to your lawyer first.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Is Here to Help
If you are interested in learning more about working with an attorney, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 223-5115 today for a risk-free, no-cost consultation. We can hear the details of your car accident and answer questions you may have as you consider your next steps.