Types of Car Accidents | Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks, P.A.

Rear End Collisions

According to recent data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for around 30 percent of all motor vehicle accidents involving injury. These types of car accidents usually happen because the trailing driver was not paying adequate attention or did not leave enough space between their vehicle and the car in front to stop safely. Therefore, the trailing driver is usually at fault in rear end collisions.

However, the leading driver could be liable if he or she did something negligent, such as hitting the brakes suddenly, driving in reverse, or driving without brake lights.

Whiplash injuries are associated with rear-end accidents. Rear-end accidents can also cause:

Head On Collisions

The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that in a recent year, head-on collisions caused over 4,000 crash fatalities, representing nearly 11 percent of all deadly accidents. These types of accidents are less common than other types of collisions. But when they occur, they can cause severe or fatal injuries because they involve the violent force of two moving vehicles colliding front-to-front.

Head-on collisions often occur because one of the drivers crosses the center line into an oncoming traffic lane or goes the wrong way down a one-way street or divided highway.

Side Impact Collisions

Side impact collisions, also known as “T-bone” or angled accidents, occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another. They happen most often at intersections when a liable driver runs a red light or stop sign or does not yield the right of way.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), angled collisions cause the highest number of injury crashes. In a recent year, nearly 45 percent of injury accidents resulted from a side impact.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents involve a side-to-side collision between two moving vehicles traveling in the same direction. They usually happen when a driver fails to check that the lane next to them is clear before merging or passing. They can also occur when a distraction, such as texting or driver fatigue, causes a motorist to drift into the wrong lane.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

When a car crashes into a fixed object, such as a guardrail or telephone pole, it is a single-vehicle accident. Even though these types of car accidents only involve one vehicle, third-party drivers can still be at fault. Sometimes, these collisions happen when a negligent driver causes another motorist to make a defensive maneuver that forces them off the roadway.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Technically, any crash involving more than one vehicle is a multi-vehicle accident. According to the NSC, around 70 percent of all traffic accidents involve at least one other motor vehicle.

However, a multi-vehicle accident can also refer to collisions involving several cars. Sometimes, these accidents are called pileup crashes or chain reaction car accidents. Chain reaction crashes start with a single accident that causes subsequent wrecks. They are most common on highways and roads with high speed limits and heavy traffic.

Multi-vehicle accidents can be challenging to investigate, and establishing fault can be tricky. You must pinpoint the cause of the initial crash and prove which drivers are liable. Our firm’s car accident lawyers serving Raleigh, NC, can help you get to the bottom of this type of collision.

When pursuing a multi-vehicle accident claim or any type of car accident case, we conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to prove fault, which may include:

Police reports
Eyewitness statements
Photographs and video of the accident scene and vehicle damages
Surveillance, dashcam, traffic camera, or cell phone footage of the crash
Medical records
Crash reconstruction reports and expert testimony

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when something causes a vehicle to turn end over end. A rollover accident can occur when one car collides with another, and the force of impact causes the struck vehicle to roll. Rollovers can also happen when a driver must overcorrect to avoid a collision.

Finally, roadway problems, like steep grades or soft shoulders, can cause rollovers. So can popped tires or top-heavy vehicle designs. When road problems or vehicle or auto parts issues are the source of the accident, a roadway owner or a manufacturer may be liable.

Get in Touch with Our Experienced Raleigh Car Accident Lawyers

If you or your loved one suffered a car accident injury due to the negligent actions of a liable driver or other at-fault party, a car accident lawyer with Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks, P.A. can help you seek justice.

Our legal team can assist with every aspect of your case, from filing insurance claims to communicating with involved parties to identifying and pursuing compensation for all your accident-related losses.

Our law firm serves personal injury victims in Raleigh and across North Carolina. Let us guide you and support you through this difficult time. While we handle the details of your case, you can focus on healing. Contact us online or call today for a free case evaluation. Do not delay. There are important deadlines that could apply to your claim.

Types of Car Accidents in North Carolina