Each year in the United States, there are upwards of 35,000 fatalities because of car accidents. Most of these accidents are caused by distracted driving, drunk or drugged driving, inexperience, and general mistakes on behalf of one or more drivers. Because of this, almost all car accidents can be prevented with safe driving.
There are many different types of car accidents, categorized by where and how they occur. In Minnesota, most accidents occurred on major roads, like interstates and highways. Only a small percentage of accidents occurred on smaller, minor roads and streets.
To avoid car accidents, you should first know about the different types of accidents that can occur where you live. In Minnesota, you can expect to see these types of accidents.
1. Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions most frequently take place at stop signs and intersections as a result of the following driver not paying attention. When the following driver follows the leading driver too closely, they don’t have enough time to stop when traffic changes. Following too closely is often a result of poor or aggressive driving.
A rear-end collision may also occur because of distracted driving. If the following driver is sending a text or engaging in another kind of distraction, they may not notice that the vehicle in front of them has stopped, therefore causing a rear-end collision.
2. Parked-Car Collisions
Car accidents also frequently occur in parking lots. When someone is driving negligently, they may crash into a parked vehicle. In the case that there’s someone inside the vehicle at the time of the collision (this can happen when someone is parked on the side of the road on a busy street), they may suffer injuries.
3. Front-Impact Collisions
Front-impact collisions can happen at traffic lights, stop signs, or when someone is going the wrong way down the road. These types of car crashes are especially dangerous, as they can cause crushing injuries. These injuries most frequently damage the legs in these types of accidents and can result in amputation.
Crushing damages often result in high medical debt and a greatly changed quality of life, as victims may be required to purchase prosthetics or a wheelchair in the case of amputation.
4. Side-Swipe Accidents
Side-swipe accidents are common on busy streets that have multiple lanes. These types of accidents are most commonly caused by aggressive drivers. When people have road rage, they may cut others off without using their blinker or properly checking their blind spot. They may also swipe the side of a parked vehicle by changing lanes too aggressively.
These accidents can be dangerous, causing various types of injuries. Depending on the side of the vehicle that is swiped (the passenger side or the driver’s side), the accident has a high chance of being fatal.
5. T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. These are common at intersections when the at-fault party runs a red light, smashing into the side of the victim’s vehicle.
T-bone accidents can be devastating, just like side-swipe accidents, if they hit the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle. Injuries can include traumatic brain injury, broken bones, amputation, spinal cord injuries, and more. Severe t-bone accidents may result in death.
What Can You Do To Avoid a Car Accident?
To avoid a car accident, you should always drive safely. Don’t engage in any distractions while you’re behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, and make sure you’re adapting to any changing road conditions. This includes changes in traffic and weather.
Unfortunately, you can only control your own driving ability while on the road and not anyone else’s. However, practicing defensive driving can also help you to avoid an accident. To be good at defensive driving, you’ll need to pay attention to other drivers around you at all times, making sure to adapt if they seem to be driving poorly. Whether that means avoiding a car that’s swerving or learning how to maneuver your vehicle after you’ve been rear-ended.
Checklist: What to Do After an Accident
If you end up in an auto accident despite your best efforts, there are a few steps that you should take before you contact a car accident attorney or the insurance company.
- First and foremost, you should always contact the police to have a police report filed. The at-fault party may try to talk you out of this, but don’t listen to them. Some insurance companies won’t accept your claim without one.
- You should then gather information of your own. Get the other driver’s contact information (but don’t discuss fault) and take pictures. Make sure you also speak to anyone who may have seen the accident occur.
- Once you leave the scene of the accident, you should head directly to the hospital for medical attention. Even if you don’t believe that you’ve been injured, it’s still important to receive a medical evaluation.
- After seeking medical attention, you should contact an attorney. It’s important to do this before speaking with the insurance company, to ensure there’s someone on your side to protect you.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation at Sand Law
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, whether it’s a rear-end collision or a side-swipe accident, the attorneys at Sand Law have got your back. With years of experience, we’ll be able to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your damages.
For more information, please contact us online or at 651-291-7263.