Understanding Different Types of Car Accident Claims

April 2, 2023 | By Francis Firm Injury Attorneys
Understanding Different Types of Car Accident Claims

Riding in a car can give you the impression of being invincible, but when you're involved in a wreck, the feeling of security can vanish instantly.

Whether the driver who caused the accident was speeding, texting, or distracted in any other way, two or more vehicles crashing into each other may result in catastrophic injuries and significant property damage. This can happen anywhere in Texas and to anyone. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one reportable crash would happen every 57 seconds in 2021, and one person would be hurt every 2 minutes and 12 seconds. Still, 1 person was killed every 1 hour and 57 minutes.

Knowing the type of crash you were involved in is crucial, as it's often an indicator of the underlying cause and plays a vital role in holding the other driver accountable.

Most Common Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents come in different forms, with each one being unique. Below are the most common types of car accidents in Texas.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end wrecks are among the most common types of car accidents in Texas. These accidents occur when another driver crashes into your vehicle from behind. Rear-end collisions happen for many reasons, including:

  • Speeding and driving too fast for conditions
  • Drunk or drugged driving
  • Aggressive or reckless driving, such as improper passing and tailgating
  • Distracted driving, such as texting or grooming

The resulting impact following a rear-end collision causes forward and backward motion, often resulting in whiplash and other soft tissue injuries. Still, you could suffer more severe injuries from the accident, such as broken bones, head injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions, also called "T-bone" accidents, happen when a car slams directly into the side of another. They may occur for several reasons, including:

  • Running a stop sign or red light
  • Drunk driving
  • Failing to yield to others
  • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
  • Faulty traffic lights
  • Distracted driving leading to turning without looking

T-bone collisions are common at intersections, near driveways, and parking lot entrances and exits.

A T-bone crash can result in any level of damage, from a fender bender to completely wrecking the car's side. The impact caused by a side-impact crash frequently causes vehicle occupants to hit their heads on the frame of the car or the side window.

Speeding Accidents

Speeding-related crashes are widespread and also fatal. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2021, there were 2,605 crashes caused by speeding (over the limit), 27,239 crashes caused by unsafe speed, and 134,125 crashes caused by a failure to control speed.

Speeding accidents may happen if a driver is drunk or under the influence of drugs, is distracted, or is driving recklessly. These types of car accidents often result in severe injuries, such as spinal injuries, especially because of high speeds.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes typically happen when one driver is driving in the wrong lane. They are some of the most severe car accidents and may happen when a driver falls asleep, is distracted, or is under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

Due to the significant forces such as the vehicle's momentum, victims often sustain severe injuries, such as internal damage, dislocations, and concussions.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Texas law requires drivers to stop at the scene of a car crash. Did the offending driver flee from the scene after a car accident? Take the following steps after a car accident involving a hit-and-run driver:

  • Call 911
  • Take photos
  • Talk to witnesses
  • Write down as much information as you can remember about the crash
  • Seek medical attention
  • Contact your insurance company
  • Contact a car accident lawyer

Often, following a car accident, injured victims might feel fine. It's not uncommon for shock and adrenaline to mask the injury. But a few days later, you could start experiencing pain in your back, neck, head, and other parts. That's why scheduling a thorough checkup with your doctor is essential to ensure you did not sustain a traumatic brain injury or other catastrophic injuries.

The skilled and compassionate car accident lawyers at The Francis Firm can help you get appropriate medical care after a car accident. Take your case seriously. Talk to a Texas car accident lawyer near you to discover what they can do for you.

Types of Car Accident Damages

No two car accidents are exactly alike, regardless of the type of accident you're involved in. Injured victims have the right to compensation under personal injury law from the party who caused them harm through intentional or negligent acts.

Once liability has been determined, you can recover the following types of car accident damages:

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages reimburse car accident victims for the economic and non-economic losses caused by the accident, including:

  • Medical expenses, including ambulance services and ER treatment, all doctor bills, hospital stays, and transportation expenses related to treatment
  • Permanent injury or disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost income, including lost benefits
  • Property damage, including vehicle rental expenses, towing costs, vehicle repair and replacement costs, and damage to personal property

Punitive Damages

You may be entitled to exemplary or punitive damages if the offending driver is guilty of particularly egregious conduct, such as extremely aggressive driving.

Reach Out To Knowledgeable Attorneys You Can Trust When a Car Accident Occurs

Regardless of the type of car accident, whether you pursue it through an insurance claim or a civil lawsuit, it's important to realize you have only one chance to get the compensation you deserve. Get help from attorneys who know Texas and personal injury law. With offices in Southlake, Dallas, and Fort Worth, we handle all types of car accident claims on a contingency fee basis. The Francis Firm is here to help. Contact us today at 817-329-9001 for a free case review.