Types of Car Accidents | Legal Implications for Injured Drivers

June 13, 2024 | By Francis Injury: Car & Truck Accident Lawyers
Types of Car Accidents | Legal Implications for Injured Drivers

Motor vehicle collisions happen in various ways, each presenting unique physical, financial, and emotional challenges.

Understanding the different types of car accidents and their common causes is crucial for drivers who want to pursue a claim for damages with the help of a personal injury lawyer.

At Francis Law, we understand that knowing your rights and options as a driver in Texas is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones on the road.

Our learning resources aim to empower injured parties with essential information about these common collisions and explain how a car accident attorney can help secure maximum compensation for damages.

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What Are the Different Types of Car Accidents?

Rear-End Accidents: The Most Common Collision

Rear-end accidents account for about one-third of all crashes in the United States, with the most common causes including:

  • Speeding: Drivers failing to adjust their speed according to traffic conditions.
  • Distracted Driving: Activities like texting or eating while driving.
  • Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely without enough stopping distance.

Despite often being perceived as minor, rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries such as whiplash, spinal injuries, and even fatalities. In severe cases, they can lead to long-term disabilities requiring extensive medical treatment.

Side Impact Accidents: T-Bone Collisions at Intersections

Side impact accidents typically happen at intersections where vehicles cross paths and are usually caused by:

  • Failure to Yield: Not giving the right of way to other vehicles.
  • Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and signs.
  • Inattentive Driving: Not paying attention to traffic conditions.

These accidents are particularly dangerous due to the limited protection on the side of vehicles, often resulting in severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.

Furthermore, the high impact can cause life-altering consequences, emphasizing the need for legal help to secure fair compensation.

Sideswipe Collisions: Unexpected Accidents with Major Consequences

A sideswipe accident happens when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact with each other.

Common causes include:

  • Improper Lane Changes: Failing to signal or check blind spots
  • Distracted Driving: Not paying attention to the road while changing lanes
  • Speeding: Changing lanes too quickly without ensuring it's safe

Although the initial damages from a sideswipe may seem minor, loss of vehicle control can lead to further collisions with other vehicles, barriers, or pedestrians.

An experienced car accident attorney in Texas can address the complexities of these accidents and hold all liable parties accountable.

Head-On Collisions: High-Speed Crashes with Severe Consequences

Head-on collisions are extremely dangerous due to the combined speed of both vehicles. Common causes include:

  • Wrong-Way Driving: Entering a road or highway in the wrong direction
  • Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Drowsy Driving: Falling asleep at the wheel

Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries, and fatalities.

Additionally, the devastation caused may mean victims without legal representation may miss the filing deadline to recover compensation for damages.

Single-Vehicle Accidents: When You're on Your Own

Single-vehicle accidents involve only one car, often occurring when a driver loses control and crashes into an object like a tree, guardrail, or building. Common scenarios include:

  • Run-Off-Road Accidents: Leaving the roadway due to loss of control caused by equipment failure or aggressive drivers
  • Rollovers: High center-of-gravity vehicles like SUVs tipping over due to reckless drivers speeding by
  • Collisions with Fixed Objects: Crashing into stationary objects due to poorly maintained road conditions or inadequate construction signage

These accidents can be fatal, especially in rollover scenarios, where occupants may be ejected from the vehicle. 

When single-vehicle accidents happen due to negligent road maintenance or defective equipment, a personal injury attorney can help hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents: A Chain Reaction of Damage and Injuries

Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles and often occur on highways due to high speeds and heavy traffic. Common causes include:

  • Pile-Ups: Rear-end collisions creating a chain reaction of crashes
  • Blind Spot Collisions: Changing lanes without properly checking blind spots
  • Weather Conditions: Poorly maintained roads are a hazard for drivers who can't stop or maneuver properly

Multi-vehicle accidents can be chaotic, and determining liability is incredibly challenging.

A car accident attorney with experience handling complex cases can navigate the legal process while victims focus on their recovery.

What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Rear-End Collision

Most car accidents are caused by driver errors or negligence, including but not limited to:

  • Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, daydreaming, or engaging too much with other passengers
  • Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for conditions.
  • Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Drowsy Driving: Fatigue impairing the driver's ability to concentrate
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Ignoring red lights, stop signs, and other traffic controls

Since you can never be certain whether another driver's error makes them at fault for the accident, it is vital to avoid admitting fault before contacting a personal injury lawyer.

Some car accidents are caused by factors unrelated to the driver's actions, such as:

  • Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and inadequate signage
  • Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures such as brake or tire malfunctions
  • Improperly Loaded Cargo: Unsecured or poorly distributed loads in commercial vehicles

Identifying these causes can be critical in a legal case, as they may involve holding other parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or government entities, accountable.

How Much Does a Car Accident Cost in Texas?

Car accidents can lead to significant financial burdens, including:

  • Emergency Services: Ambulance rides and immediate medical care can cost between $400 to $5,000+.
  • Hospital Bills: Daily hospital stays in Texas average $2,900, with specialized care or surgeries adding tens or hundreds of thousands more in upfront and lifetime costs.
  • Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation can add thousands to your expenses, considering the high hourly rates often exceeding $150.
  • Vehicle Repairs: Repair costs vary widely, from minor fixes costing a few hundred dollars to total losses exceeding $10,000+.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Potential: Time off work due to injuries can result in substantial lost income. Additionally, disabling injuries may prevent victims from returning to their previous occupations, resulting in a significant loss of future earning potential.

Understanding these costs will not prevent you from getting into a car accident. However, it does highlight the fact that any car accident can rack up significant charges that last a lifetime.

Seeking legal representation from an experienced car accident attorney in Texas can help you recover the compensation needed to cover these expenses and ensure financial stability.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

No matter how seemingly minor, car accident injuries like the ones listed below should be taken seriously:

  • Whiplash: Neck injuries, usually caused by sudden back-and-forth movement.
  • Broken Bones: Fractures from impact or forceful collisions.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
  • Cuts and Bruises: Lacerations and contusions from impact with objects in the vehicle or broken glass.

If you experience any symptoms after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not manifest until days or even weeks later.

Prompt medical treatment can prevent further damage and provide a detailed record of your injuries to support a claim for current and future expenses.

What Are My Rights to Compensation After a Car Accident?

Injured accident victims can seek compensation for their losses when negligent, reckless, or aggressive driving behaviors cause damages.

A personal injury claim can recover economic damages, or quantifiable ones, such as medical bills and lost wages.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, non-economic damages, including pain and suffering or emotional distress, may also be available.

In cases of fatal accidents, families can pursue wrongful death claims, which may include compensation for loss of financial support, emotional anguish, and funeral and burial expenses.

While the at-fault driver may have the required minimum insurance coverage, it likely won't be enough to cover catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage or TBIs, which can exceed $2 million over a lifetime.

The only way to know how much a car accident claim is worth is to schedule a free consultation with an award-winning personal injury law firm.

Legal professionals understand how to value damages with the help of medical professionals, financial analysts, and other experts.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You?

It isn't uncommon to wonder if you can handle a car accident claim or lawsuit without experienced legal representation.

However, the risk of receiving a low settlement offer from insurance companies money is high, leaving victims without the financial support to recover from injuries in the long term.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure maximum compensation by:

  • Meeting all filing deadlines: Texas allows two years for accident victims to file a personal injury claim. An attorney will ensure all paperwork and evidence is filed within this timeframe to prevent losing your right to compensation.
  • Gathering evidence: A lawyer can gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to strengthen your case.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to offer low settlement amounts, but an experienced car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate for fair compensation.
  • Representing you in court: Sometimes, a trial may be necessary. A skilled attorney can represent you in court and present your case effectively to a jury or judge.
  • Handling all communication: Dealing with insurance companies and legal paperwork is overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. A car accident lawyer can handle all communication, giving you time to focus on your health and recovery.

Overall, hiring a car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. With a free, no-obligation consultation, victims of car accidents can get the help they need to navigate the complex legal system and receive the financial support necessary for a full recovery.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you're involved in a car accident, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case:

Gathering Evidence After A Car Collision
  • Seek Further Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by your primary care provider in the days and weeks following the accident.
  • Report the Accident: Notify the police and file a report. Without it you may not be able to prove liability or establish fault.
  • Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries to support your claim to compensation.
  • Exchange Information: Get contact and insurance information from other drivers.
  • Contact a Lawyer: Consult with a car accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing crucial filing deadlines.

Following these steps can help ensure your health and safety while preserving crucial evidence for your legal claim.

Understanding the legal framework governing car accidents in Texas can help victims navigate their claims more effectively. Key legal aspects include:

  • Comparative Fault Rule: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover damages only if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
  • Mandatory Insurance Coverage: Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to cover damages in accidents. The minimums are $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
  • Reporting Requirements: The Texas Department of Transportation must be notified within 10 days of accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

Understanding these laws ensures that you are well-prepared to handle the aftermath of an accident and seek appropriate compensation.

Consulting with seasoned personal injury lawyers can help you navigate these legal complexities and protect your rights.

Injured Drivers Have Rights In All Types Of Car Accidents

It doesn't matter the type of car accident that caused your injuries; victims have the right to seek compensation for their losses.

Whether it was a rear-end collision, head-on crash, or a hit-and-run accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options to pursue damages.

Don't wait until it's too late to seek help. If you've been injured in a car accident caused by another's negligence, get your free consultation with a trusted car accident law firm.